generator problem

[searay30]

I have a westerbake gen set. When I went to start it this spring, it started but only ran for a minute or two. It has done this about 4 times. There was no load on it? Could this be a winterization problem? a cracked block?. Would it run at all with a bad Block. One last question, do these generators have drain plugs or freeze plugs in them? Thanks in advance for any help and for all the questions?

 

[jthatcher]

If you hold down the preheat switch will it stay running?

 

[hottoddie]

First thing to check is the oil level. Then when it runs does it pump water out the side of the boat? Third how much fuel is in the tank that feeds the generator? The fuel pickup for the generator is higher in the tank than the main engines.

 

[sea ray roy]

hello mine would run for 5min and shut down , it was that the inlet sea strainer was clogged

 

[dwna1a]

Start with checking your oil, even a 1/2 quart low will shut it down. Check the strainer and go ahead and clean it out. Be sure to close the seacock. When she starts what does the water flow out the exhaust look like? When was the impeller last changed? When was the fuel filter last changed? Westerbeke carbs are very sensitive to trash in the fuel.

All of these things you can do yourself and save yourself some cash. Low oil would be the place I would start.

 

[searay30]

I filled the fuel tanks this spring. The oil was changed when she was laid up but ill check the level. I know this sounds nuts but if the block was cracked how would I know? Would their be flowing water from the block?

 

[PlayDate]

What year is the generator and how many hours are on it?