Westerbeke Genny Does not like to start after a week?

[Mittens]

So 2002 340 dancer, 4.5kw westerbeke genny, 400ish hours. runs great. new water pump and empeller as well. BUT if you let it sit for 2 weeks it does not want to prime.


I can take my hand and manually pump the throttle 2 times, and it fires right up and is good to go. for over a week sitting still fine but around the 2 week mark it needs the throttle pumped again like a old 4 barrel.... So what part is the culprit?

 

[joeyleggz]

What’s your start up procedure? Pre heat switch held down for 10seconds while starting ?

 

[Mittens]

Normally, I click it on (middle position) then hold preheat for 3-6 second and then roll to the top position to start. try for a few seconds and on the second hit she takes. I have tried longer pre heats and shorter and it does not matter, needs the pump if 2 weeks Plus.

 

[sbw1]

Try engaging the fuel prime switch down for 5-7 seconds and then engage the starter for 5-7 seconds with the primer switch still engaged. It won't start but then let it sit for about 30 seconds. Next, engage both switches again and it will try to start assuming good state of tune. When it catches, let it run until it starts to die and engage the primer switch and hold it until it recovers and runs. You may need to engage the primer switch two or three times before it runs on its own. These engines do Not start easily, especially when very cold. I sometimes start the genny after the mains have warmed up the ER. Much easier when warm.

 

[Mittens]

So I know how they work this is not my first rodeo. I do exactly what you stated other then I hold the primer for a few seconds after she catches... and then release and most the time its good, sometimes I have to hold the primer for a few more seconds and then for sure good.

What I am saying is after 2 weeks it no longer will start...... I HAVE to manually pump the carb. then its good with normal routine.

 

[CliffA]

sounds like fuel is either slowly evaporating or leaking out of the carb bowl.....maybe a rebuild of the carb would help....

cliff

 

[sbw1]

So I know how they work this is not my first rodeo. I do exactly what you stated other then I hold the primer for a few seconds after she catches... and then release and most the time its good, sometimes I have to hold the primer for a few more seconds and then for sure good.

What I am saying is after 2 weeks it no longer will start...... I HAVE to manually pump the carb. then its good with normal routine.

Not sure what to tell you other than maintain it by the WB book. Do you perform all the required maintenance at the prescribed intervals? WB gennys have quirks, but they are very reliable in my experience. Maybe you should have it serviced by someone who is trained to work on it, learn from that tech and maintain it on a schedule that insures better reliability going forward.

 

[white glove boat]

My 4.5 BCGTC is a child , when it starts it runs till doomsday ! The thing is going to be that way because the carburetor is basic and the fuel pump is a piece of junk facet pump as well as the distance from the fuel solenoid on mine and the merc type spin on fuel filter . Hell I can tell you after ethanol came on board it was worse ! I've replace two fuel pumps and always have to allow extra time for fuel pressure come to the carb. I toggle the on switch then hold the oil pressure bypass switch . The fuel solenoid is audible so I listen for the fuel pump noises to start . Then turn off the start and do it again and she will start. This is how I have to start her up always . Iv'e just accepted it . Iv'e rebuilt the carb ,changed plugs , fooled around with plug gap,made gov. adjustments ,replaced cap ,rotor , igniter , all the shutdown and bypass switches and it still is an effort to start. I do know that the problem is fuel and the time it takes to get fuel to mine. They are overly complicated machines but run very well( when started) and maintain good voltage ,I just hate their child like tendencies!I guess I have a love hate relationship with mine . As a side note , everyone [4.5BCGTC] Iv'e worked on in my shop has exhibited some kind of fuel to carburetor stubborness .Built in aggravation , try multiple start switch cycles before engaging start cycle it may work for yours.