I have a 2002 260DA with a Westerburg...

[Jimm]

I have a 2002 260DA with a Westerburg generator.  The generator will crank and run for about 4 or 5 seconds but will soon stall out.  Has anyone had any of these problems with this generator.  I assume it is fuel related. The generator had low hours and probably set for a few seasons without running.  

[JMB1]

I know they have safety cutouts switches for temperature and oil pressure. You may try bypassing them one at a time just to test. Never use it bypassed. There is usually a temperature switch mounted to the exhaust to cut it off if you aren’t pumping water.

[wingless]

Welcome to the forum.

On my 2000 Westerbeke 7.0 BCGB generator, at startup I must press the preheat button (continuously holding before) and toggling after until the gen has stabilized under no load. (Marked ON at gen control panel and PREHEAT / ON at salon control panel)

Then I apply load, usually the AC and press preheat again until the gen stabilizes.

[Jimm]

Yes I hit the preheat button several times and it continues to run for a few seconds longer but even with me hitting the preheat the gen still eventually stalls. I just can’t seem to get it running continuously. The gate valve is open and water and exhaust comes out of the side of the boat.

[wingless]

Thanks for the info.

My suggestion is to remove the flame arrestor from the carburetor to expose the carb for analysis.

Many years ago the moving parts on my carb stopped properly moving freely, so I cleaned / moved everything w/ it all still in place. I don't remember if I used aerosol carb cleaner or spray start. The existing engine room blowers are useful for discharging the fumes.

That service restored normal operation.

Note that the flame arrestor also suppresses backfires so operation w/ that part removed is not recommended.

[tomt3studios]

Check you tube for generator problems like yours. They are common on RV's

[Harley1]

The preheater on a gas engine is not a thing . Check your carb... is there a wire connected to the bowl ?
That is a Those wires are for the fuel shut-off solenoid.It shuts off fuel flow to the main jet,when the key is turned off.
Measure the voltage with preheater held on and when off.
It should have some voltage all the time to

[Harley1]

Keep the solinoid open.

[wingless]

The carburetor on the 7.0 BCGB on my 2000 380DA has both a fuel cutoff solenoid and an electric choke.

As had been previously stated, the controls are marked ON at gen control panel and PREHEAT / ON at salon control panel that control this electric choke.

The fuel solenoid, ignition coil and fuel pump all are wired to receive power from the same source.

[RMS]

Although 4-5 seconds sounds short i would check you generator cooling water intake scupper.(I am a diesel guy but assume the same set up) If it is plugged it will shut off. If your fuel is low it will shut off as well

[RAV]

I have experience this with past boats. It usually was the water intake impeller. There is a sensor you can disable (just pull one of the wires) that will test this but don’t run much longer than 15-20 seconds.

[Patman]

It could be the fuel cap. If it is vented and has been plugged by small insects or debris, it will only run for a few seconds. Try loosening the cap just enough for it to breathe and see if that allows it to run properly. If so, replace (or repair) your fuel cap.

[old_timer]

I had similar problem, low hour gen. That starts and runs for 5 sec then shuts down. I was never able to find the actual problem, but found out that if I shut down the gen before it shut itself down, then restarted, it ran ok.

[Bow_Tie]

Make sure water is coming out of the exhaust. If not replace the impeller.

[Peter_V]

Could be the carburator, they get gummed up from non use and need to be rebuilt

[Jimm]

Thanks Peter. I really think you are on the right track with carb or fuel pump, but unfortunately the mechanic wants to pull the gen out of the boat. I don’t think this is necessary but I can’t seem to get any headway with the mechanic. I am on Lake Lanier in Georgia. Not sure why he won’t change the fuel pump first. The impeller was changed.

[Harley1]

You mean westerbeke generator ..
You've gotta change the fuel filter and service that engine every year.

[Bow_Tie]

I had the same issue on a 2000 370 EC. Generator would run only for a short period and shut down. The Tech found a bad sensor, diagnostic was in the bilge, about one hour. You don't need to pull the generator to fix this.

[Peppy]

same issue on 2000 380 Sundancer. One of the sensors was bad and the switch in the cabin some time would lose contact and turn off Gen a few seconds after I let go of the togel switch.
work was done in the boat.