Westerbeke generator issues

[Civility]

Westerbeke 4.5 DCGB generator will only run with a load. As soon as the load is removed, the generator shuts down? Any ideas? I should also state that I can't start the generator from the switches located at the generator. It will turn over, but will not start.

 

[techmitch]

Check governor oil level for the stall when unloaded.

 

[Civility]

Check governor oil level for the stall when unloaded.

Next time I’m at the boat I’ll definitely check that!

 

[Civility]

Check governor oil level for the stall when unloaded.

Well, still as frustrated as ever. Went to the boat today and checked and added oil. Still doing the same thing. It’s just really odd that the generator will run perfectly under a load. It’ll start up fine when it’s cold, turn on a load and it will continue to run. The generator without a load shuts down immediately after it has run a load. When the generator first starts up, it will continue to run for approximately a minute and a half without a load, and then shuts down. Very frustrating

 

[PlayDate]

Let’s start with the basics:

You have a 4.5 BCGB not a DCGB.
Do you have a copy of the Service Manual? https://www.westerbeke.com/technical manual/44898_4.5-7.0bcgb_technical_man.pdf

How many hours are on the generator?
When was it last serviced?
When did the problem start happening?

In regards to the switches….some had a remote switch that rests in the Off position. If you have that type of switch at the remote panel, it must be placed in the On position for the generator switches to work properly.

If I had to speculate you have an over speed issue which is why it works under full load and shuts down with a light load. Engine speed is set with digital volt meter that measures hertz.

 

[Stee6043]

Well, still as frustrated as ever. Went to the boat today and checked and added oil. Still doing the same thing. It’s just really odd that the generator will run perfectly under a load. It’ll start up fine when it’s cold, turn on a load and it will continue to run. The generator without a load shuts down immediately after it has run a load. When the generator first starts up, it will continue to run for approximately a minute and a half without a load, and then shuts down. Very frustrating

You mentioned you checked the oil but did you check the governor oil as mentioned above? It's an alternator looking thing on the top/front of your generator. It has it's own oil. I had a 4.5 Beke run itself out of governor oil and it ran all kinds of strange. Check the governor...

 

[dwna1a]

You mentioned you checked the oil but did you check the governor oil as mentioned above? It's an alternator looking thing on the top/front of your generator. It has it's own oil. I had a 4.5 Beke run itself out of governor oil and it ran all kinds of strange. Check the governor...

Agree! It only takes 2.5 to 3.5 ounces of 30w oil. Even a half ounce can throw the engine into doing some crazy stuff