Generator question

Dave O

New Member
Jun 9, 2022
5
Boat Info
1997 40 sedan bridge
Engines
3116 caterpillars
I have a Westerbeke diesel gen. While tightening down the positive terminal of a new battery, the wrench accidentally hit the casing of the gen causing a spark. I didn't think much of it at the time. Now when I start the gen it runs at very low rpm's almost like a "safe mode"and shuts itself off after about 30 seconds. Any ideas what happened? Where should I direct the mechanic to start first? Thanks in advance.
 
Probably tripped a circuit breaker.
 
I assume you have a BTD diesel generator?

Its mechanically governed so there is no "Safe Mode". It should start and run at 1800 RPM +/- a few.

Your description doesn't really give me enough info to make a great diagnosis, but the things that are electrical are the shut down sensors and the fuel solenoid.

If the fuel solenoid is not pulling fully in, it could cause a low fuel flow, and low RPM, and that may not be enough to keep the engine going. However, the 30 second shut down seems like a shut down sensor...Oil pressure, coolant or exhaust temp switch. You can jump the shut down sensors 1 at a time and see if that solved the issue.
 

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