generator in 260 da

D

Dadsturn

New Member
Jun 14, 2017
23
texas
Boat Info
2005 Searay 260 sundancer
Engines
6.2 merc.
does anyone have experience with a Westerbeke 3.0kw generator? that is in my oddball 260 also.
 
have you had any problems with this unit or can you give me a little insight to what to look out for? it worked on the seatest before i bought the boat, but attempted to start it last weekend and it would not start. just turned over. havent been back down in the bilge to look at the unit yet. is there a switch that can be turned off at the generator that will not allow it to start? if not, then i may have a fuel problem. just looking for anything that may be a problem prior to getting in there to look.
 
Was it you who started it on the sea trial?

If not, you might not be starting it correctly. There should be a few switches on your panel. Start... Preheat... Stop. On my generator I need to hold the Preheat button down for 20 seconds before pressing the start button. The Preheat button starts the fuel pump and closes the choke. When pressing the preheat button you should hear the sound of the fuel pump coming on and the choke closing. If you hear those sounds the Preheat is working correctly.

Once the Preheat has been held down for 20 seconds keep it depressed and then press the Start button. The generator should crank and then start. Once you hear it start release the Start Button BUT CONTINUE TO HOLD THE Preheat button until the engine is running smoothly...maybe 5 seconds and then release the Preheat button and it should be running.

You can get these instructions at Westerbeke's website.
 
mine is gas driven. preheat would normally be on a diesel i believe, but no, i know i dont have a preheat. followed instructions up top and attempted to start from there. ill just have to wait until i get back to the boat to check below for some type of breaker or such.
 
The term Preheat is confusing however it does pertain to GAS driven generators.

The preheat button as mentioned starts the fuel pump, closes the choke and disables the sensors for oil pressure, temp, and overspeed allowing the engine to start. What is your model generator? BMP, BCG MVP, WMG?
 
Crank no start can be several things......easiest is the 3 shutdown switches (oil press, water temp, exhaust temp)they can be jumped or holding down the start switch does bypass these......but if it is not starting then immediately shutting itself down you likely have another problem.....check or spark first, pull a plug out and hold it to ground, check for a spark, if there is none, check the relay that fires the coil (its attached with one of the coil bolts and is a standard automotive relay) These motors need clean plugs, if yours are dirty, get new NGKs - if all is good test the coil and trace the circuit back from there (magneto, etc)……once you verify spark, its on to fuel – the fuel pump is mechanical and a very simple design – easy to test……is the carb linkage sticking? With the actuator detached the carb should operate very smooth with no drag….if it is tough to move at all _ get a new carb! Also make sure the spark arrestor “box” is clean and lubricate the linkage with graphite….These gens are also known for “eating” mag pickups…..ohm yours out to make sure its good (I believe 800 is the spec)….follow the directions on “gapping” the new one if it needs replacement and make sure a tooth is lined up exactly with the mounting hole……(snug and then one turn out for .030) These gens actually use a Tohatsu 15hp outboard powerhead governed at 2200rpm……they are sensitive to oil level – manual is available on line at westerbeke website – be carefull when cranking gen a lot without it starting, will need to drain muffler periodically - otherwise there is risk of hydrolocking it – good luck

 
BCG i believe. it cools by a waterpump taking fresh water from under the boat.
 
I know this is old, but I've been nursing a 7.0 BCG since 2003. The most likely thing is the choke solenoid and associated linkage don't engage when you push the "preheat" button. Without that, you will be cranking for 30-45 seconds, or worse, which with a lift muffler, is not a good idea. I do not have a great solution other than going into the engine room, and physically pulling the solenoid to close the butterfly, and starting from the mail panel there. I will find the kismet of alignment for the linkage, but as of now, it eludes me. I may engineer something better.
 
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