Generator problem, bad governor

[src]

The governor on my Westerbeke 4.5 BCGB is bad, and I need to find a replacement. Unfortunately, this part is apparently made from moon dust and unicorn farts, and they want close to $2K for a new one. I looked for an alternative direct from the manufacturer (Hoof Products, model BD94BNP), but they don't make mechanical governors any more.

Does anyone know of an alternative source, or a way/person to rebuild the one I have?

 

[mistercomputerman]

These guys have a lot of info on them, but, I have no idea if they work on them:

http://www.foleyengines.com/products/engine-parts/mechanical-electronic-governors

This is a pretty good teardown diagram:

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?136581-Hoof-Governor-Tear-Down-and-Build

 

[MasterFab]

Rick,

I have dealt with the company in your first link, and would strongly recommend that anyone considering doing business with them tread very carefully. A quick Google search of that company name should clarify my reasoning. If anyone wants more detail, I will discuss the matter privately, via PMs.

Dale

 

[rcknecht]

PM Ron DDS he replaced his old genny, and he may have the old governor... Also, did you try adding oil to the governor? Sometimes they loose oil and that causes problems...

 

[rondds]

The old generator is LONG gone. Can't help you.

 

[src]

PM Ron DDS he replaced his old genny, and he may have the old governor... Also, did you try adding oil to the governor? Sometimes they loose oil and that causes problems...

The governor is leaking oil, and the pulley shaft is wobbling. It needs new bearings and seals at the very least, possibly shaft and pulley. The parts list for replacing it with an electronic governor and actuator is much less expensive than the Westerbeke/Hoof unit, but I imagine it would add bracket/belt/etc. hassles.

Thanks for all the feedback so far, the hunt continues.

 

[dwna1a]

I walked all the boats in the back of the yard, none had GenSet. I have one more person to talk to. He had to replace his and someone rebuilt it for him. I will see him tomorrow

 

[src]

I walked all the boats in the back of the yard, none had GenSet. I have one more person to talk to. He had to replace his and someone rebuilt it for him. I will see him tomorrow

I appreciate that.

 

[dwna1a]

Is it off the boat and do you have the rebuild kit?

 

[src]

Is it off the boat and do you have the rebuild kit?

No and no. I haven't seen a rebuild kit for the governor. I'm leaving it on until I have some more answers (replace/rebuild/swap to electric).

 

[dwna1a]

Call my cell 757-784-1350

 

[dpmulvey]

Try Kismet Marine in AZ/UT. I've never done business with them, however the fellow returned my phone call in minutes. They have a deal with FEDEX for shipping. He answered every question I had. My gennie never ran right from day one. That is one of the reasons I upgraded. I digress. To completely rebuild my 4.5 to brand new specs was at worst roughly $4K including shipping both ways. If you describe the problem, he may have the part on hand.

1 888 956 6946
1460 E. Washington Dam Road.
Washington/St. George, UT 84780

1002 Vista Ave.
Page - LAKE POWELL, AZ 86040

 

[src]

Thanks, David. I left a message, I guess I'll see what he has to say when he calls back.

 

[src]

It's been a very long time since I started this thread, but I've finally gotten around to fixing it. I almost sent it to Kismet, but decided to tear it down first to take a look, and I'm very glad I did. The governor has two problems: The oil seal around the pulley shaft is leaking, and the pulley is loose on the shaft (which broke the spiral pin holding it).

I had a machinist look at the shaft/bearings/etc, and there don't appear to be any problems there. He's going to drill out the pulley and will add a bushing to snug things up, and I found a replacement for the shaft oil seal, which should be arriving in a couple of days. I should be up and running again next week. I'm estimating my total cost to be under $200 (I paid a lot for expedited shipping on the oil seal due to procrastination). If there were more problems than I found, I most likely would have shipped it to Kismet.

If anyone cares, the shaft oil seal is a Dichtomatik 059113SC (.590" shaft, 1.125" bore, .313" width).

 

[LG111]

Interesting on the pulley loose on shaft with broken pin. I had the exact same thing happen. It was easy to take off and like mentioned previously, I had a machine shop redrill the pulley, add a steel sleeve and repin. 275 clams, but much cheaper than 2000 bucks. Changed the 3 ounces of oil and she is like new again!

 

[Boater420]

I actually sent mine to Kismet Marine. The guy there knew his stuff. It took a while to get back as he ran into some personal issues while my governor was in the shop. $318 to rebuild the governor, painted, and shipped back to me UPS.

There are a few things you need to do when re-installing the governor. Make sure you have the HZ set properly. Also make sure to put the correct amount of oil in the governor. They say 3oz but the proper way to add the oil is to remove the set screw in the side of the gov, remove the fill screw in the top, and then add oil until it runs out of the set screw on the side. Not having the proper amount of oil will cause the same thing to happen again.

Not having the HZ set properly will also cause problems. My AC won't work if it's below the recommended 60hz. Above the 60hz will cause your electrical items to burn up as well.

 

[LG111]

Good to know on the 60 hz. As far as the 3oz. Used a turkey baster. Emptied the governor, then used the measure on the baster to be accurate. Also easy to fill, just go slow.