Westerbeke generatro woes on 290 Amberjack

[WahooUSMA]

I have scoured the site for Westerbeke genset issues, most seem to have the rough idle or dying after 30 minute syndrome. Mine on the other hand ran perfect the last two trips out, then last weekend I went to start the generator and nada - it turned over then just quit. All I get is a solenoid 'click' and that's it! The terminals all look clean with minimal to no corrosion. Oil levels and coolant are filled. So I am stumped - could it be the starter, solenoid, or battery.....btw, does the generator on the 290 Amberjack have it's own dedicated battery?

Any help would greatly be appreciated.

 

[katricol]

Sounds like a battery issue

 

[dpmulvey]

The terminal "LOOK" clean. Are they tight on both ends. BTDT Felt Stupid Later!

As to the gennie having its own battery..... It should. The only way to tell is to trace the cables. SR does some strange things wigh battery configurations.

If if it doesn't, make it so. It's a cheap insurance policy.

 

[cfd95]

I have scoured the site for Westerbeke genset issues, most seem to have the rough idle or dying after 30 minute syndrome. Mine on the other hand ran perfect the last two trips out, then last weekend I went to start the generator and nada - it turned over then just quit. All I get is a solenoid 'click' and that's it! The terminals all look clean with minimal to no corrosion. Oil levels and coolant are filled. So I am stumped - could it be the starter, solenoid, or battery.....btw, does the generator on the 290 Amberjack have it's own dedicated battery?

Any help would greatly be appreciated.

I don't know how many batteries you have I'm guessing 3.
The Generator should come off the single battery which also starts the Port Engine.
The 2 batteries in a series should be the starboard motor and house battery.
Me sun dancer is setup this way same year as your amberjack.

If battery is good it could be a starter issue.
Corrosion on wire connections on starter
Need a test light or volt meter to see if starter solenoid is getting power with switch in start position. (small wire)
If these check out have someone hold the switch in start position and gently tap starter with a hammer if it cranks starter is shot

 

[WahooUSMA]

Thanks - It does have 3 batteries. But both engines fire w/out issue, so I am going to assume solenoid or starter (damn it). Anyway, out of my league for the do it yourselfer'. Just mo money mo money!

Thanks guys!

 

[dpmulvey]

Thanks - It does have 3 batteries. But both engines fire w/out issue, so I am going to assume solenoid or starter (damn it). Anyway, out of my league for the do it yourselfer'. Just mo money mo money!

Thanks guys!

Three batteries....

Before you make the starter assumption, figure out which is dedicated to the gennie and put a jump pack directly to the cables. The gennie does not take that much to crank. It's not much more than a hefty garden tractor motor. IF it still clicks, smack the solenoid with the blunt end of a screwdriver. That might loosen it.

 

[cfd95]

Thanks - It does have 3 batteries. But both engines fire w/out issue, so I am going to assume solenoid or starter (damn it). Anyway, out of my league for the do it yourselfer'. Just mo money mo money!

Thanks guys!

You can do it.
You have Sterndrives you have better access to gen than one with V drives

 

[WahooUSMA]

Finally found the culprit - the remote starting switch was bad! Runs and starts perfectly! Thanks for the advice!