Westerbeke Generatot Question

H

hd2002hd

Member
Jul 20, 2010
457
St. Louis
Boat Info
1996-Sea Ray 215 Express Cruiser/1996-Sea Ray 330 Sundancer/1998-Sea Ray 400 Sundancer/1996-Sea Rayd
Engines
5.7 Mercruiser/454's/454's w/V drive/120HP
Generatot starts right up and runs fine, but no voltage output. The only thing I did since the last use a couple of weeks ago was change the starting battery. Starts right up but new electricity. Any quick suggestions?
 
After tuning about it, I recall using it on the hook and then going to the marina and the AC's were off, so whatever happened, happened between the cove and the marina. The genny was still running when we got back, but the AC's were off.
 
Check out what Frank said. The breaker of which he speaks merely cuts the AC to the boat but the gennie remains running.

Id like to say. I'm as smart as Frank, BUT, I know of what he speaks because I've BTDT!!!
 
Well, I appreciate all of the advice Frank has given on this site and always respect that knowledge. I did check the breaker, flipped it off and back on. Still no output. I can fix met anything with Google and assistance Crome sites like this, but I am not sure what the next step is to diagnose this issue. Any help is appreciated.
 
A few years ago we had same issue, turned out to be a part called a rectifier. Simple and inexpensive.
 
bahamabreisus said:
A few years ago we had same issue, turned out to be a part called a rectifier. Simple and inexpensive.
Click to expand...

Any idea where the rectifier is located and how to test it? I have also read that the capacitor failing is common. Any idea about that?
 
I'm having the same issue and haven't had time to repair it yet.
Not sure of your generators model / size?
PM me your email and I'll send you an electronic copy of a Westerbeke manual for the 7.0 gas generator.

I can't seem to copy them here but, can email.
 
Last edited:
Air O'Nautical said:
I'm having the same issue and haven't had time to repair it yet.
Not sure of your generators model / size?
PM me your email and I'll send you an electronic copy of a Westerbeke manual for the 7.0 gas generator.

I can't seem to copy them here but, can email.
Click to expand...

PM sent
 
endless seas said:
Do you have a separate breaker in the engine room close to the Genny?
Click to expand...
Yes. It is on the genny. It doesn't feel like it locks in when you flip off and then on but then it never has in the past either.
 
I'm currently experiencing a similar problem with my Westerbeke 4.5 BCG. I start it up, flip the switch on the panel in the cabin and all I'm outputting is 50 volts. I found a patch by accident this weekend that got it outputting proper voltage.

Try this...

Turn all the AC breakers off in the electrical panel in your cabin. Start the generator. Once the generator is warmed up, flip the generator power switches on and look at the panel to see if the generator is providing any volts. If it's not providing any power try turning on the Water Heater breaker. When I did this the voltage came up to 120 right away and I was able to use the generator for the rest of the evening with no issues. Seems the heavy draw from the water heater excites the circuit.

After looking through the threads this morning I was able to find a few others had the same issue. Most say it's the capacitor but it could also be diodes. I'm going with the Capacitor first
http://www.marinepartssource.com/ne...089&mfg=MMD Powerline&desc=31.5 MFD Capacitor

Here is the other thread I found regarding the same issue.
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/35763-Wild-Westerbeke-issue?highlight=wild+westerbeke+issue
 
Boater420 said:
I'm currently experiencing a similar problem with my Westerbeke 4.5 BCG. I start it up, flip the switch on the panel in the cabin and all I'm outputting is 50 volts. I found a patch by accident this weekend that got it outputting proper voltage.

Try this...

Turn all the AC breakers off in the electrical panel in your cabin. Start the generator. Once the generator is warmed up, flip the generator power switches on and look at the panel to see if the generator is providing any volts. If it's not providing any power try turning on the Water Heater breaker. When I did this the voltage came up to 120 right away and I was able to use the generator for the rest of the evening with no issues. Seems the heavy draw from the water heater excites the circuit.

After looking through the threads this morning I was able to find a few others had the same issue. Most say it's the capacitor but it could also be diodes. I'm going with the Capacitor first
http://www.marinepartssource.com/ne...089&mfg=MMD Powerline&desc=31.5 MFD Capacitor

Here is the other thread I found regarding the same issue.
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/35763-Wild-Westerbeke-issue?highlight=wild+westerbeke+issue
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help. I will try the procedure you stated Thursday when I get own to see what happens.
 
Bad capacitor. It's changed out and everything working now.
 
sb in gp said:
Would you mind posting more details, such as the part # and cost of the repair? Might help others in the future.
Click to expand...

I'll be doing the same job this week. I'll post back with some pics and the details.
 
Steps For Replacing The Capacitor - 4.5 BCG Westerbeke

DISCONNECT BATTERY and make sure genny has no power.
Locate louvered panel on the end of the generator. 4 screws hold it in place. Remove this panel to uncover the capacitor.
In the upper left hand corner of the box you'll see the capacitor. Carefully mark and remove the two wires from end of the capacitor.
WARNING: You must discharge the capacitor by taking a plastic handled screwdriver and laying the tip across the terminals.
On the starboard side of the box facing away from you is a flat head screw. Loosen it slightly and the capacitor should slide right out.
Install the new capacitor, tighten the screw holding it in place.
Install the previously removed wires.
Put the battery cables back in place.
Test the generator. If it's working replace the louvered panel.
 
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