Blown Westerbeke

[Jims380DA]

I found a ton of oil in my bilge the other day and traced it back to the generator. Had a tech down here today to see where my leak was and he said that I broke a rod and it blew a hole in the block. Nice way to start the season.

I keep everything fully serviced and the tech commented on the cleanliness of my boat and the bilge. The generator has only 135 hours on it.

Do I have any recourse with Westerbeke? Obviously this must be a fluke thing. Anyone ever replace a gen and know the cost? I know the riser and manifold has to be removed off the starboard engine to take out the generator. Thanks

 

[fc3]

If the case is not badly cracked, then it could be an easy rebuild. If you know how to do the job yourself. You may need to bore and sleeve the cylinder that was bad. The crank journal for that cylinder might also need to be turned. Westerbeke is the sole source for parts for these things. When I rebuilt mine, I had to wait a couple of weeks for some things, like a specific bearing size, and the oil pump nut, to come in from Japan.

Figure to bore, sleeve, replace the bad c-rod, piston rings, you're almost, but not quite a grand in parts. Labor varies depending on where you are located, which is not in your your profile.

If you hire someone to do the job, might be close to the price of a new generator, in which case, get one of the Safe CO models. Shoot a photo of the block and I might be able to tell if it's repairable.

This is what a Westerbeke gas genny looks like when disassembled. This is just after repainted it despite that it the paint was still pretty good. I'm fussy about stuff. I also repainted it disassembled rather than assembled, like the factory does. Better coverage that way.

Best regards,
Frank C

 

[fwebster]

Since you didn't tell us, check the year of the Westerbeke and re-read your warranty. Westerbeke has a pretty long warranty for major components and revolving engine parts are considered major components.

 

[Jims380DA]

The generator is a 2000 model year but when into service in 2001. I cant send a picture of the whole in the block. It is behind the starter and he could only see it with a mirror. FC-3, I am not capable of tring to rebuild it. Fwebster, how long do you think the warranty is for? thanks guys

 

[fwebster]

It was a 5 year warranty..........and they are pretty picky about the dates, so one a couple of years out of time probably isn't going to be covered.

Your best approach to stem the blood flow is to find a remanufactured unit.

 

[Jims380DA]

Frank,

Know any souces to find one?

 

[fc3]

Not a clue. Those Mitsubishi engines are rare here, but common in Japan. Behind the starter could be a bad spot. The main oil gallery is around there as the oil pump is on the front of the engine, and the oil filter boss is right behind the starter. Westerbeke mounts a remote oil filter kit to allow the starter to be placed in that location.

That engine might be done.

Best regards,
Frank