Westerbeke running rich

[Michael Mirra]

My gas Westerbeke 7.0 is putting out a lot of black soot from the exhaust. Do you think it could be just the plugs needing to be changed? Any ideas where to start? I usually do my own maintenance but will need to find a tiny mechanic to change the plugs

 

[370Dancer]

The spark plugs on these units is an annual thing. Recently, my choke linkage was sticking after starting. Ran like crap until I wiggled the linkage. Then smoothed out and ran like it was new.

 

[firecadet613]

The spark plugs on these units is an annual thing. Recently, my choke linkage was sticking after starting. Ran like crap until I wiggled the linkage. Then smoothed out and ran like it was new.

Try some silicone spray on the linkage. I've had to do the same on my Kohler 5E.

 

[bahamabreisus]

Agree, plugs should take care of the problem

 

[capecodcruiser]

Plugs aren't the issue. Go ahead and change if you don't know how long they have been in there but you have a carburetor issue. Choke staying on or internals need to be cleaned out. Black smoke is too much gas-track that cause down.

 

[RollerCoastr]

The choke solenoid is wimpy and needs to be lubricated. When it sticks, the engine runs rich until it fouls a plug.

I can replace the plugs on mine fairly easily, but when I lack time or patience, I cheat: fire it up for just a few minutes, then shutdown and feel around the head near each plug. The fouled plug will be in a cooler area than the rest. Replace that plug and make sure the choke linkage is moving fully. If all signs of a fouled plug are gone (cloudy exhaust water, sheen on the water, low rpm/power output, surging), then let it warm up and put a good healthy load on it and let it burn off some carbon. That's a good use-case for Sea Foam.

 

[Michael Mirra]

Plugs aren't the issue. Go ahead and change if you don't know how long they have been in there but you have a carburetor issue. Choke staying on or internals need to be cleaned out. Black smoke is too much gas-track that cause down.

You might be right. It starts easily and sounds like a like it’s running smooth. After it runs for awhile I start getting a lot of black soot in the water. Plus it doesn’t put out the 7kw like it should. I thought maybe it wasn’t running at the correct speed. I did spray the carb with carb cleaner a while ago but it didn’t seem that help maybe it is the choak linkage

 

[RollerCoastr]

Plugs are a symptom instead of a cause, that's true, but these little 3 bangers run incredibly well on 2 cylinders. Don't assume too quickly that the plugs are ok!