Any Westerbeke diesel experts?...
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10-25-2018 08:28 AM
Any Westerbeke diesel experts? I have an 8kw and it is hard to start. After starting takes full load well and runs great. 2000 hours. I heat glow plus for 10seconds then crank for about 5 seconds. Nothing. Hold heaters on for another 15 seconds then crank, sometimes starts but quickly dies although Imhold heaters and crank on. I then need to wait about 5 minutes and then go through same routine and then it usually starts on second crank after firing for about a good 5 seconds until it catches and runs up. Checked glow plugs and all good. Thinking maybe weak priming and maybe a new fuel pump is in order? Comments?
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10-25-2018 07:00 PM
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10-26-2018 07:14 AM
To start the generator, depress the preheat switch and do not release it. After 15 seconds, depress the start switch and hold both the preheat and the start switches down until the engine starts. Release the start switch after the enfine fires up and smooths out enough to run on its own. Continue to hold the preheat switch down until the oil pressure is above 10 psi, then release the preheat switch.
From your description of your starting proceedure, it reads like you are releasing the preheat switch before trying to start the engine. You are actually turning off the fuel supply solenoid before starting so the engine behaves like it is being starved of fuel....which it is, if you release the preheat switch before the engine starts up.
Also, when you checked the glow plugs, how did you do it? The glow plugs are wired in parallel so you have to remove the wires from each glow plug to check them.......checking is done by measuring the resistance from the center terminal of the glow plug to the base of the glow plug. A good glow plug will show almost a dead short; a bad glow plug will show an open circuit.
Hope that helps....................
Frank
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10-26-2018 07:30 AM
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10-26-2018 07:44 AM
But, you may be on to something with the fuel supply solenoid.......it is made dirrerently than most. The Westerbeke solenoid has 2 coils. One is powered by the preheat switch, the other by the run switch. If either is weak, you will have starting problems.
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10-28-2018 05:06 AM
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10-28-2018 05:46 AM
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10-28-2018 06:05 AM
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10-28-2018 06:44 AM
https://westerbeke.com/Product/SOLENOID/037100?productname=SOLENOID&productid=542029C4DAF73B1CA82D6DCD
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10-28-2018 07:30 AM
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10-28-2018 08:11 AM
https://www.amazon.com/Westerbeke-023041-Solenoid-12VDC-Genuine/dp/B0748KL34J
For illustration purposes only; Amazons price is retail....you can find OEM Westerbeke solenoids for $145-$150 online.
Also, you said the engine starts and runs after you go thru a lengthly start up process. If it runs, then the fuel filter isn't clogged and the fuel pump is working. Climb down into the bilge and start the generator using the panel on the generator wnd watch the solenoid arm. You can see it move whne the solenoid opens.
Your symptoms are exactly those of a sticking fuel solenoid.
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10-28-2018 01:31 PM
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02-13-2019 09:23 AM
First, let me say we're fortunate to have Frank W on our forum. I've found him on other forums and his diagnosis on any topic is right on the money! This issue included.
That said, if I pull in the fuel solenoid by hand and start the genny down in the bilge, it runs great and the solenoid stays pulled in perfectly until I shut it down. It should be noted that there is a bulletin to make sure the wiring is delivering proper voltage to the fuel solenoid to "snap" it open. This voltage is from a different source than the "hold open" voltage source.
I'm not one to just replace parts. So, I'll check resistance on the solenoid first to be sure the "snap open" portion is defective. If it's good, I need to look into the wiring. But, the genny was starting just fine earlier last year with the switches in the cabin. So, I have a feeling I'll be buying a new solenoid. Thanks!
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02-13-2019 10:07 AM