Generator quits running after about 5 minutes

K

King Paul

New Member
May 4, 2008
67
Does any one have any idea on why my genny quits running after about 5 minutes? BTW, I just had the impellar replaced, if that makes any difference. If you need more info, please specify. Thanks.


Paul
 
Gas, diesel, brand and model would help. Also, is this happening when there is no load on it or when you first apply load? Why did you have the impeller replaced? Was this just routine mainentance, or was there a problem before?
 
Thanks for the replies. I have owned the boat since March. Gas engines; had impellars done just as routine maintenance. I THINK it is a Westerbeake. Has always been tough to start, but has been running fine. Yesterday, started and ran for a few minutes, switched over from shore power and added a "normal" load. AC wasn't running b/c weather was cool. Ran for about 5 minutes and cut off. Couldn't get it to start again. Turns over, but doesn't crank.
Thanks again for all of your help.

Paul
 
This doesn't sound like one of the normal generator problems where it will consistently start and run for a while, then shut down on its own from overheating or low oil or low coolant. This sounds like a air, gas or spark problem. I'd start with the spark. Replace the spark plugs if this hasn't been done in the past year or so. These things tend to eat spark plugs if not run under load on a regular basis.

When you pull them, check them for fouling. If you don't have access to new ones right away, inspect and clean them out real well using a solvent and some emery paper in the gap. Let them dry before re-installing. If that doesn't work, consider changing the fuel filters, but I doubt that's the problem due to the symptoms. I would expect it to slowly degrade if the fuel filters were getting clogged, not just shut down and not restart.

You should also check the coolant level and oil level.

Did not notice the water flow last time you ran it? Was it normal? Have you tried removing power completely (batteries/shore power off)? There may be an error code that is not allowing it to start. I don't know if that would reset it, but I would give it a shot.
 
More info; On my last (previous) outing, the water hose for my starboard engine came off after the clamps failed. I shut the engine down quickly after it got very loud, smoked a little, and temp shot up. I limped back in on port engine, repaired the hose and clamps, and put her in the slip. I did not run the genny then. The engine temp was normal again. I then had MM replace all three impellars as routine maintenence. I assumed they fired the engines and genny up after this maintenance to test, but am not sure. The first time I fired her up since all of this was Saturday and that's when I had the problem of the genny shutting down after a few minutes. I don't know if this is all related, (I am guessing it is) but wanted to give as much background info as I could. I would appreciate and help before I call MM to have them go poking around with the $ meter running!

Thanks again.

Paul
 
You need to see if there is water coming out with the exhaust for the genny. If a new impeller did not fix things, then maybe the water pump? Just my nickel....
 
r_moss said:
You need to see if there is water coming out with the exhaust for the genny. If a new impeller did not fix things, then maybe the water pump? Just my nickel....
Click to expand...

+1... or a blockage... there are no error codes flashed when it shuts off?
 
I was having a similar issue on my 340 DA. Couple things to check. Make sure that the stainer is clear and not clogged. Then, make sure you don't have an air lock issue. I was getting a LOC error message and I had to fill up the unit where the strainer is. Give it a try.
 
Thank you for the suggestions. Strainer is clean; I will check for air lock, clogs, and also check the water flow. I will report back. If anyone has any other suggestions, write on!

Thanks,

Paul
 
Blockage - I just went though that whole process.
 
You will also want to pull out the Generator owner's manual and check to see if the Westerbeke will indicate an error code when it shuts down. Truth in advertising stamtement: I have very limited (10 months) Westerbeke experience--my 02 320DA had a 4.KW Westerbeke. If you have a helper stand outside and observe the exhaust outlet for the genset once you get the generator started, you ought to get an idea regarding water flow fairly easily. Inadequate water flow, as others have alluded to, will compel a genset shutdown.

The Onan in my 03 420DA will flash primary and secondary error codes that give you an idea where to start troubleshooting.


Since you had clamps fail, I'd recommend that you inspect all clamps and hoses in the ER-I had to replace all the raw water intake lines in my 03 420 when I bought the boat in winter '06. This is not routine maintenance you want to defer.
 
Mine looked like good water flow. But you could see steam coming out of the exhaust. The sign that it was overheating - despite the clean strainer and new impeller - Finally realized the clog was between the through hull and the strainer.
 
Were you able to close the valve at the hull and remove the hose from there to the strainer? Is that where you found the clog?

Thanks yet again.

Paul
 
I ended up having troubles. So, used an air compressor after removing the strainer and blowing the hose out the reverse direction.
 
Last edited:
Put in a new impeller again and runs great. The steaming went away from the exhaust despite having good water flow.
 
I'm not sure on how your raw water is plumbed up, but mine has a brass 90 degree elbow on the strainer that is on the inlet side from the through hull. That elbow always catches stuff before it ever gets to the strainer and then backs up crap in the hose between the through hull and the strainer.

Here's a post on the problem I have:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showpost.php?p=50348&postcount=4

I had crap in that hose a few weeks ago when I started doing some generator maintenance. If I was a motivated person, I would remove that 90 degree elbow and relocate the strainer... but I'm not.

I'm not saying this is your problem but it is something that gives the symptoms you describe. You need to see if you have error codes available when the thing shuts off. Other things can cause these symptoms as well (like a bad battery/charging system).
 
Re: Generator quits running after about 5 minutes *UPDATE*

Update:

Boat is 2 hrs. from me; Had mechanic look at it. The same mechanic that replaced the impeller. He said he got it running after the new impeller (before I had my issue). It had water flow. Now he can't get it started at all. The have a genny mechanic coming down on Monday. I am going down this weekend and I thought I would replace plugs and fuel filter just to see if that was the problem. ANy tips or hints on doing this? Are the plugs going to be easily accessible?

Many thanks.

Paul
 
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