Generator problem

[papogator24]

I have a westerbeke 3k generator on my 07 240 dancer. This past weekend the generator was working, however it would not put out any voltage. I tried looking at the fuse and reset it as well. It did not solve the problem. Does anyone know where I can start looking at to identify the problem?

It sucked because I had to sleep (well barely slept because my gf kept waking me up) without A/C and not use any other power.

Hope everyone had a nice long weekend.

 

[thunderbird1]

My 5KW Westerbeke has a breaker on the side of the generator electronics module which will trip for a variety of reasons. I'm assuming your generator does as well. It's easy to reset once you've identified the location (check your owners manual).

 

[Presentation]

My 5KW Westerbeke has a breaker on the side of the generator electronics module which will trip for a variety of reasons. I'm assuming your generator does as well. It's easy to reset once you've identified the location (check your owners manual).

It’s a black switch just below the hour meter on the generator.

Note: the breaker has three positions: On, Off and Tripped.

“Tripped” looks very close to “On.”

You can not flip the switch from “Tripped” to “On.”

If the breaker is tripped the only way to reset the breaker is to first flip it to off then flip it back to on.

 

[papogator24]

My switch is red. Is it the same one you are talking about?


Also, I know that there is a 20A fuse connecting the battery to the voltage regulator, could it be possible that the fuse is blown? I will be heading to the marina this afternoon.

 

[wingless]

Was the panel transfer switch toggled from shore power to generator?

 

[papogator24]

Was the panel transfer switch toggled from shore power to generator?

Yes it was.



By the way, I did not get to go to my boat today. I fell asleep...needed all that rest today.

 

[papogator24]

can anyone help?

 

[JariN]

I had once same problem, condensator was broken. My gen is almost 20 years older, though. Not expensive part.
I tried to look from Westerbeke pages where is its place in your unit, but for some reason, they dont open.

 

[thunderbird1]

papogator24: I realize that we have different Westerbeke generators and please note that I am not familiar with the 3kw. Assuming there is some similarity in the design of the units, however, please note that there is a power switch below the hour meter on my 5kw AND a breaker on the right-hand side (back 6 inches or so from the front) of the box housing the power switch. Last year we tripped the breaker several times, resulting in the same symptom you describe -- generator running, but no power being produced.

 

[papogator24]

I just figured out the problem. I found that the cooling fan does not spin which indicate either the belt has slipped off or broke. I already have my generator mechanic coming out tomorrow. I will try to take pics tomorrow.

 

[papogator24]

It has been confirmed...the belt was ripped apart, how? I do not know. Now, I am waiting for the belt to arrive from westerbeke.

 

[wingless]

The repair parts kit includes the belt, zinc, filter, and lots of assorted bits, all in a nice water-tight tool box. Very handy for events like this.

 

[papogator24]

The repair parts kit includes the belt, zinc, filter, and lots of assorted bits, all in a nice water-tight tool box. Very handy for events like this.

Yes, I have that on order as well.

The thing about this generator though, the belts are located under the generator. Replacing the belts is not such an easy task. I have to unhook every hoses, disconnect the battery cables, disconnect the exhaust, and disconnect the generator bolts to the boat and lay it down on its side in order to replace the belt. Thank goodness that I do have a bit of room to play in the bilge.

I should be getting the part in on Tuesday.