Problem with Westerbeke 3.8KW Generator

[Mike Sibley]

I recently purchased a boat with a Westerbeke 3.8KW Generator - a small thing in a white clamshell soundproofing case. After running for around 30 minutes, it cuts off, indicating a problem with either temperature or oil pressure. I suspect that it is a problem with oil. The owner's manual indicates that the wire oil strainer should be cleaned periodically and the oil sump drained (it has no regular oil filter), but the manual does not say how to accomplisgh this. The generator is in a locker with limited access, so I can't inspect it from every angle. Does anyone know how/where I can get access to the wire oil strainer and how I drain the oil sump?

[johneri1]

Hi Mike, Here's a forum that might be helpful:

boatdiesel.com/Forums/index.cfm?CFAPP=15&Forum_ID=165&P=2 - 25k -

[GordMay]

Check out the free-online Westerbeke Operators’ Manual for their 3.8/4.5 kW Generators:
http://www.westerbeke.com/Online_Man...b_oper_man.pdf

[never monday]

the engine has to be tilted up out of the box to access the strainer

oil pressure problems don't appear after 30 min of running. It's more likely a cooling problem.

[Mike Sibley]

Originally Posted by never monday

the engine has to be tilted up out of the box to access the strainer

oil pressure problems don't appear after 30 min of running. It's more likely a cooling problem.

Tilted in which direction? Can you give more information?

I initially thought that was a cooling problem, but then changed my mind because: 1) watter was flowing freely through the engine - or at least coming out the exhause freely, and 2) the temperature of the cylinder head, measured using a temperature probe connected to a multimeter, was 190F, which I believe falls within normal operating range. Could it be a faulty temperature sensor? If you think it is a temperature problem, what are the steps to verify or resolve the problem?

Even if the problem is a temperature, I know that I still have to figure out how to clean the wire strainer for the oil and drain the oil sump. There is not much room in the locker, so I guess the geneator must be removed entirely to accomplish this - a job I am not contemplating with glee. Any recomendations would be greatly appreciated.

[never monday]

190 is high for that motor. It should be down around 140. pull the thermostat and verify it's operation.

[never monday]

The documentation from Westerbeke on that unit is poor. I would look for an older Fischer Panda service manual on the PMS4000. Not the 4200. The 4200 is a fresh water cooled version and has some differences.