What engine is in Westerbeke 4.0BCG genset?

Shock_Loaded

Shock_Loaded

Member
May 2, 2013
92
Lake Norman, NC
Boat Info
1990 310 Sundancer
Engines
454's V drive 4kw westerbeke
Thinking maybe Mitsubishi? Any ideas? Tried my google fu, but must not be very strong today....
 
Any Idea which one?
Found a Diahatsu A series that matches the bore and stroke exactly.
I would like to go electronic in the distributor instead of points, if a kit is available. So guess I need to figure out what type of distributor it has.
 
I believe it's actually a Daihatsu, but Mitsubishi and Suzuki also used the same design for a couple of different cars. I'm saying this because I believe the 4kw is the same motor as the 5, and 6.5. At least it is if you have the 3 cylinder engine. A Daihatsu Charade car has the same engine, as does a 1986 Chevy Sprint. If you tell me what you're looking for I've got a pretty good database built up in my head and on my home PC of where to get replacement parts, and what car engines it cross-references to.
 
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390x said:
I did a whole thread on doing exactly what you're talking about.

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/60620-Electronic-Igntion-for-Westerbeke-6-5-bcg-(1989)
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I want to do. Mine is a twin cylinder tho not a triple. I just looked in the parts manual, and it appears like the same engine just a twin. Took a quick look and the valve guide is the same part number, so it almost has to be the same mfr. I will have to get some pics of the distributor and see if it will match up with any of the kits.
 
Shock_Loaded said:
That is exactly what I want to do. Mine is a twin cylinder tho not a triple. I just looked in the parts manual, and it appears like the same engine just a twin. Took a quick look and the valve guide is the same part number, so it almost has to be the same mfr. I will have to get some pics of the distributor and see if it will match up with any of the kits.
Click to expand...

You probably have this engine. It's a start. HiJet is what you're looking for. They're mini-trucks used in Japan. You probably have a two-cylinder NipponDenso distributor. When you figure that out, go to the pertronix website and look for an ignition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daihatsu_A-series_engine
 
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390x said:
You probably have this engine. It's a start. HiJet is what you're looking for. They're mini-trucks used in Japan. You probably have a two-cylinder NipponDenso distributor. When you figure that out, go to the pertronix website and look for an ignition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daihatsu_A-series_engine
Click to expand...

You are correct. I was in touch with pertronix today. They are looking into making me a custom unit. I will keep you guys posted.
Thanks for the assistance 390x!
 
Shock_Loaded said:
You are correct. I was in touch with pertronix today. They are looking into making me a custom unit. I will keep you guys posted.
Thanks for the assistance 390x!
Click to expand...

What's the up-charge for making a custom one? I'm surprised they didn't have one.
 
Shock_Loaded said:
You are correct. I was in touch with pertronix today. They are looking into making me a custom unit. I will keep you guys posted.
Thanks for the assistance 390x!
Click to expand...

I'm surprised they didn't have one. What's the up-charge for a custom unit?
 
I have the four cylinder version. My cap got wet and it damaged the trigger and the igniter. for some reason westerbeek charges $1100 for the part!!!!!!!! it had a Mitsubishi symbol on it. I remove the dist and brought it them. they said its a Mazda Dist. I went t a Mazda dealer they said It belonged to 323 Mazda fro 1983 era. Mazda 323 wasn't in the USA till 1988 so they couldn't get ay parts for it. I went on ebay and switch location for japan and found what I needed. I took the d\cross reference part numbers to rock auto and picked up cap rotor exciter trigger al under $50
 
Saverio said:
I have the four cylinder version. My cap got wet and it damaged the trigger and the igniter. for some reason westerbeek charges $1100 for the part!!!!!!!! it had a Mitsubishi symbol on it. I remove the dist and brought it them. they said its a Mazda Dist. I went t a Mazda dealer they said It belonged to 323 Mazda fro 1983 era. Mazda 323 wasn't in the USA till 1988 so they couldn't get ay parts for it. I went on ebay and switch location for japan and found what I needed. I took the d\cross reference part numbers to rock auto and picked up cap rotor exciter trigger al under $50
Click to expand...

Yep, that sounds about right. These Japanese motors find themselves all over the place. One company designs/builds parts, and many others use it.
 
See below for response. 1.) not shutting it down for 2-3 weeks during season. 2.) not gonna pay $350 minimum to finance pertronix R&D.
Just my $.02.
Any alternate viewpoints?

Jason,

This would be a custom build. We would require you to ship us the distributor with cap and rotor. The price is normally $350 minimum for custom work. We have a lead-time of about 2-3 weeks. If you would like go ahead with the build please let me know.
 
Shock_Loaded said:
See below for response. 1.) not shutting it down for 2-3 weeks during season. 2.) not gonna pay $350 minimum to finance pertronix R&D.
Just my $.02.
Any alternate viewpoints?

Jason,

This would be a custom build. We would require you to ship us the distributor with cap and rotor. The price is normally $350 minimum for custom work. We have a lead-time of about 2-3 weeks. If you would like go ahead with the build please let me know.
Click to expand...

I don't think you need a custom one. you need a two cylinder denso distributor ignition module. I'm sure you could rig one up.
 
@390x- You are correct, I'm sure the 1632 plate and pick up would work, just need the trigger to be two at 180* from each other. I asked that question of the tech at pertronix, and he replied that it just isn't that simple.
I will have to do some more searching...
 
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