Oil/gas in Generator exhaust

[BigWalmac]

Hey guys,

Running my generator at the marina I noticed a fairly large oil/gas slick around the boat and realized it was coming from the water exhaust of my generator... Ideas what could cause this and or how I can troubleshoot this?

Thanks!


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[Windjammer]

If it's a Kohler, change the plugs. Then check to see if the choke is sticking. This would be a good starting point for troubleshooting.

 

[BigWalmac]

It is Westerbeke 4.5 but I will check plugs. Any other ideas?


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[bahamabreisus]

Fouled Westerbeke plugs will do that also

 

[BigWalmac]

Great. I'll change them out... That said, motor sounds and operates like a champ... Anything else to diagnose


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[bahamabreisus]

Ours used to do the same thing, just started changing plugs every year. Never had the issue again.

 

[RollerCoastr]

Fouled Westerbeke plugs will do that also

...and it can be because of a stuck choke! The choke solenoid in my Westerbeke is a serious wimp. Lubricating it / making sure it moves smoothly is on my regular maintenance checklist.

 

[BigWalmac]

...and it can be because of a stuck choke! The choke solenoid in my Westerbeke is a serious wimp. Lubricating it / making sure it moves smoothly is on my regular maintenance checklist.

Can you show me where/how to check and lubricate the choke solenoid?


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[RollerCoastr]

Page 23 here: https://www.westerbeke.com/operator's manual/42832_bcgtc_gas_operat_man.pdf

Mine is to the right of the carb, just below the flame arrestor. It's a cylinder that's probably between the sizes of a C and a AA battery. When you press the "ON" toggle, it should move the arm behind it to close the choke, and when you release it should return to open. I use a spray lube and let it open and close a few times to make sure it's not hung-up.

 

[RollerCoastr]

One more thing: extended running with with incomplete combustion can also gunk up the engine with carbon and/or send oil into the crankcase. Check the oil to make sure it hasn't "made oil" on the dipstick and smell it to make sure you don't smell gas. If the level has gone higher or it smells, change the oil asap.

The carbon can removed with Sea Foam. My 7.0 became a while new machine after I de-carb'd her. She even got quieter because the valves were seating better. Some people say it's snake oil, but I really don't call my genny the Westerbeast anymore!