westerbeke wont start!

[Havana Shamrock]

this is prob a repeat thread, i looked didnt see it. I have a 5kw gen, which ran fine until the other day it wouldnt start i tried on the remote panel today smelled some gas fumes it cranks but wont kick at all any ideas where i should start? i couldnt check for a spark today but i'll start there later, anything else?

 

[rondds]

bad plugs

 

[MExcelsior]

Could be many things. I would look for the obvious.... I'm guessing bad plugs or a fuel delivery problem. I would quickly check the oil for water ingestion just-in-case.

Mike

 

[sbw1]

Is it hard to start cold? Did it used to start cold from the remote? WBs are fussy until you figure them out. My remote start works fine when the genny has been run within 8-10 hours. Otherwise I have to open the day hatch and do an engine room start with both momentary switches. The top switch runs the fuel pump and primes the engine. I hit that for about 7 seconds and then release it. Then I activate the start switch and she fires up in about 10 seconds or so. Once running, it wants to bog down. As soon as the rpms drop, I activate the top switch to smooth things out. I might have to do that 2 or 3 times. After it settles in I begin to load it up. First the A/C, then the hot water heater, then the helm air and that's it. Running these gennys with little or no load really fouls the plugs making them hard to start. Maybe your remote can activate the fuel pump without the starter turning the engine over. If it does not, try the procedure I just outlined. If it does run the pump, operate that for a few seconds and then release it and crank the engine. I change plugs every year, even though I don't have to. It just eliminates the hassle factor associated with plugs.

 

[roadkingh1]

Carburator or fuel injection? When you say that it will not start.......it turns over and won't start or it won't turn over it is dead. There are many things that can effect starting. Do you have two toggle switches? You have sensors that will not allow the engine to start unless it meets all requirement. Foul plugs can be a factor the engines run rich and if there is no load on it, it will foul your plugs.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

the genny ran fine before we ran aground two weeks ago after the props where repaired it wont start. it cranks but wont fire. i smell fuel when i tried starting it from the gen remote panel i held the top switch and the fuel pump linkeage moves and then i tried the second switch but ni fire. the thing was tempermental since we got the boat (wish it was a kohler) anyway, gonna check for spark in the morning and take it from there. I know cars but generators are a different animal to me .

 

[rcknecht]

Down load the repair manual from Westerbeke.com and follow the trouble shooting sections... Are you low on fuel??? The generator draws from the tank at a higher point than the engine, and it will not run if the fuel is low...

 

[rondds]

When was your last plug change? A friend with your genny took the plugs out numerous times to clean them and still couldn't get the thing to run. Finally replaced them and it ran fine. WBs seem to be extremely tempermental. Start with the easiest things first. Three plugs may run you $10. Hardest part is probably getting to them.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

thanks for the help guys, i will start easy (plugs, fuel etc.) the $10 bucks doesnt bother me it's the $200 yoga lessons so i can reach them that does, haha

 

[capecodcruiser]

I just replaced mine last week and it wasn't "to" bad.....I obviously lifted the engine hatch, than slid the movable panel to the rear and layed on that for support. Use a 3/8 flex joint with your plug socket. Also bring a good sized pair of needle nose pliers to pull the socket off once you put them back in. And make sure you hand start the plugs with the plug socket, you don't want to cross thread those babies. And you just have to do it by feel, there is no way to see anything. Take your time, and it took me maybe 15 min. start to finish. Good luck.

 

[rondds]

This is my motto when working on the boat...

 

[Larry&Leisa]

Might check for low oil also..... ( insert sheepish emoticon)

 

[Havana Shamrock]

Ok , changed the plugs it wouldnt start without starting fluid but ran with a full load for an hour, I shut it down waited a few mins and tried to start it again but wont fire up, the #1 cylinder had some oil on the plug when i took it out which i dont like to see the gen has less than 20 hours on it could the rings be that worn ? didnt smoke when i started it. any more ideas? could the fuel pump be weak i have a little more than 1/4 tank of gas

 

[rondds]

Did you check the distributor cap? Not a cheap item but could be shoddy.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

wouldnt it react the same with or without starting fluid i'm thinking a weak fuel pump? maybe it cant pick up the fuel but can maintain enough pressure after its running.??