Troubleshooting Westerbeke 7.0 BCGB- Need guidance

As long as there is enough clearance to the back end, the capacitors and diodes are probably serviceable with the generator in the boat. I have about a foot between it and the fuel tank, so it was doable.
I "think" the 40 has the genset tucked behind and between the engines beam wise, opposed to ours, which are lengthwise on the starboard side behind the Stbd fuel tank
 
Now I need to address why it surges when not under full load... Gonna' go after rebuilding the carburetor next...:(
So, a bit of an update.

After capacitor issue was resolved, was going after the surging issue, making adjustments to the governor as you would. The loaded surging condition was completely gone, purred like a kitten, but unloaded it was hunting and surging still. RPM was variable by about 150, voltage would jump around significantly from 105-126 VAC All of a sudden, while on a significant surge, it backfired hard. Instantly, the unloaded condition smoothed out, not perfect, but not surging, and rpm fluctuation was down to about 50. I let it run for an hour or so and still good.

We went away for the weekend on a mooring and I ran it for an additional 10 hours or so over a couple of days and still good. This is telling me that some debris in the main jet or something was interrupting smooth fuel flow and the backfire blew it out, probably back into the bowl. I have ordered a carb rebuild kit and I think a good carb cleaning and adjustment will get this completely resolved.
 
I "think" the 40 has the genset tucked behind and between the engines beam wise, opposed to ours, which are lengthwise on the starboard side behind the Stbd fuel tank

If only that were the case! I'd be saving a ton of money. On my vintage 400 the gen is indeed starboard between the fuel tank and hot water heater. A real gem for access.
 
So, a bit of an update.

After capacitor issue was resolved, was going after the surging issue, making adjustments to the governor as you would. The loaded surging condition was completely gone, purred like a kitten, but unloaded it was hunting and surging still. RPM was variable by about 150, voltage would jump around significantly from 105-126 VAC All of a sudden, while on a significant surge, it backfired hard. Instantly, the unloaded condition smoothed out, not perfect, but not surging, and rpm fluctuation was down to about 50. I let it run for an hour or so and still good.

We went away for the weekend on a mooring and I ran it for an additional 10 hours or so over a couple of days and still good. This is telling me that some debris in the main jet or something was interrupting smooth fuel flow and the backfire blew it out, probably back into the bowl. I have ordered a carb rebuild kit and I think a good carb cleaning and adjustment will get this completely resolved.

Nice! This is consistent with the longtimers around here always suggesting we run the snot out of the generators. Run 'em and keep 'em running...
 

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