Westerbeke won't stay running?

[mcmichael]

Hi
I've got a Westerbeke 4KW gas generator. It was running perfectly. I brought the boat out of storage, put in new filters and clean fuel and it starts right up, but as soon as I release the "on" switch both solenoids release. I disconnected both of the oil sensors which I read were normally open and nothing changed. I also jumped both temperature sensors and nothing happened. I tried all of them together to be sure and nothing changed. Anyone have a suggestion?

 

[Presentation]

Re-check the level of oil in the sump.

Could also be a faulty over speed switch, wrong / clogged fuel / water separator filter, Clogged fuel line.

 

[rcknecht]

I had a problem with a ground that caused a similar problem... The mechanic ran a new ground from the fuel lift pump, and it ran fine...

 

[MExcelsior]

This could be very simple. If you are starting remotely from the Engine room, make sure the rocker switch generator starter on the cabin panel is set in the middle and not the "off" position. If set to off in the cabin, your generator will start remotely from the engine room, but will die immediately after the preheat is released.

Hope this helps and sorry if too obvious.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[garryowen]

gerry's did that. turned out to be the impeller in the sea water pump so no cooling.

it had a new impeller but lost prime from setting on a hydro lift.

turns out hydo lifts are hard on the genny sea water pumps as they drain all the way down when on lift????????

any way just another thought for you to consider

 

[mcmichael]

Wow
Thanks for all the responses. What a great resource when you hit a wall. I will follow up on all of your suggestions. Just to clarify my problem though, the engine keeps running until I let go of the one switch, otherwise it starts and runs perfectly

Thanks again
Mike

 

[Presentation]

Mike, does water exit the exaust thru hull?

 

[fwebster]

Westerbeke designs their generators with sort of elemental logic. There are a number of safety switches for such things as oil pressure, over heat, cooling water flow, etc. all wired in series to the run solenoid. If one of those switches is open, then it cannot run. The reason it does run when you use the remote start is because that start switch bypasses the safety circuit, when you release it, the safety circuit is activated and the generator dies because one or more of the safety switches is open.

YOu either have a bad switch/sender or a sender sensing a condition that prevents the generator from running, like no cooling water flow or no oil pressure.

 

[ChrisJA]

mcmichael, I have the same problem that you experienced with the Westerbeke Generator. Were you able to solve your problem with the help of the Sea Ray Club. If anyone else can help I will appreciate it.

Chris

 

[Turkj40]

Damn westerbrokes. I have put more time and effort into a generator that still doesn't run than I care for. I hope you get it figured out.

 

[dwna1a]

Frank, does that year Wester have a governor? If it (the gov) has no oil it will shut down.

Other than that, listen to Frank

Chris, yours does have a governor, check the oil level and belt tension.

 

[ChrisJA]

dwna1a, My problem was solved.The problem was the water impeller. Although it was replaced at the beginning of 2016 summer. Since I replaced the impeller in August 2016 i have had no problem ("touch wood"). I still do not know why the impeller failed. I run the generator for about 15 minutes each week and that seems to do the trick.

Thanks for all of the advice.

 

[PlayDate]

My bet is stale fuel in the line. The OP mentioned the boat just came out of storage and the fuel filters and water separators were changed. However, the fuel in the line is the issue and it takes a lot of starting cycles to clear it. I use a fuel bulb to pull gas through the line. This is a known problem with Westerbekes and Ethanol gas. They will start and only run with the Preheat depressed......which basically keeps the choke closed.

 

[ande1416]

Hi
I've got a Westerbeke 4KW gas generator. It was running perfectly. I brought the boat out of storage, put in new filters and clean fuel and it starts right up, but as soon as I release the "on" switch both solenoids release. I disconnected both of the oil sensors which I read were normally open and nothing changed. I also jumped both temperature sensors and nothing happened. I tried all of them together to be sure and nothing changed. Anyone have a suggestion?

Did you get this figured out? I am having a similar problem after the waterpump bracket broke and was replaced my gen won't stay running and blows a fuse when I try to start it from the remote panel.