Westerbeke generator issue

[RealeLemay]

I have a 2014 Westerbeke 6.5 MCG gas generator , fuel injection , low CO , unit
Problem is it will not start , occasionally , then other times it cranks and starts perfect , not a battery issue , seems to be possibly a on off start switch , k1 relay or ECU issue .
Anyone have a similar issue
My Westerbeke dealer is a lost cause so far
WB

 

[PlayDate]

My first suggestion is to check for spark when you have a no start episode. That will set the direction for the next set of diagnostics.

Oftentimes a loose connection or a broken wire is the problem on a 16 year old boat. To check that....if it does start....tug on the wiring harness especially that feed the distributor. If the engine cuts off....you may have found the issue.

Also....are you using the remote panel to start the generator or the switches on the generator?

 

[RealeLemay]

My first suggestion is to check for spark when you have a no start episode. That will set the direction for the next set of diagnostics.

Oftentimes a loose connection or a broken wire is the problem on a 16 year old boat. To check that....if it does start....tug on the wiring harness especially that feed the distributor. If the engine cuts off....you may have found the issue.

Also....are you using the remote panel to start the generator or the switches on the generator?

The generator is only 2 years old, and the starting issue is not incoming power related . The starting sequence is controlled by the momentary switch , on, start, stop , an ECU , and 3 relays
When I turn on power from the battery , you then push start , and release to on position . There ECU takes over and begins a start sequence , the relay energizes after a 4 second delay , turns on power to the ignition, checks all sensors are in normal position and then cranks the starter.
The initial start sequence does not always begin , so one time nothing happens , another time it cranks and runs .
If a sensor is bad or in alarm condition an LED display will alter to a problem
We get no alarm but no start / run .
It seems sporadic , my best quess is either;
1. Bad on / start/ stop switch , but it does the same issue with the remote switch
2. Possible the K1 relay is malfunctioning
Or
3. The ECU is gone astray ?
I was hoping someone else has experienced this Westerbeke model issues
Thanks
WB

 

[PlayDate]

Your right I missed the 2014 part. Hopefully another member has your model and can give you some insight. I did take a look at the Service Manual for your model and highlighted a couple of things:

When Westerbeke looked at your generator....did they plug into the diagnostic port and monitor the ECU? ECUs are generally binary meaning that they either work or they don't.

The Start sequence detailed in the Service manual only looks at a couple of conditions to begin the Start routine. It either is flunking these conditions or failing after the Crank signal is sent. The diagnostic software would really be helpful to determine if an error condition is being set (seems like something worth buying Diagnostic Software Kit #055410).

For what it is worth....I don't think that it is a switch since it behaves the same way on the remote panel as it does on the generator.

Since it is intermittent......your guess about the relays is a good one. If the ECU is booting and setting the right conditions the relays could be the source of an electro mechanical failure.

My last thought is a condition which they don't describe which is the Wideband O2 sensor not heating up. On other ECUs...the delay start occurs to give the Widebank O2 sensor a chance to heat up. If the intermittent start only occurs on a cold engine.....it might be worth looking into.