Genny normal operating temperature

[brimanst]

I am not sure if this belongs in this section, but since I am talking about a 48db, I figured I could stretch it. Recently, I had an overheating problem with my 10BTD Westerbeke diesel genny. After cleaning the sea strainer, water temp gauge, and replacing a perfectly good impeller, I discovered one of my fresh water hoses had burst. I ordered new hoses all around, since they were still all painted read (I have a 1998). I put in fresh 50/50 antifreeze and water and everything seems to be alright now.

So here is the question:
On the temp gauge it normally sits around 175 degs. Then it drops to about 160 for a while. It then shoots up to 230 and falls down gently back to 180, then 175. Then it starts all over again. Is this normal, or does it indicate that the thermostat is not reacting quick enough? I am going to order one just to make sure I have a spare, but I would like to know if this is normal behavoir. Thanks in advance.

briman

 

[Asureyez]

Or

is the Temperature sending unit failing? A reading of 230 would equate to steam .. which might be above the system pressure maintained by the coolant cap.

I've recently had to replace the sending unit on my 8 BTD due to erradic readings.

None the less, I doubt a broken thermostat would fail in such a way so as to allow such a huge temperature ranges, all essentally above or at operating temp. When you go for the thermostate you'll have the temp sending unit in your hand ... be sure to check the wiring connectors for a near broken wire at the connector.

Given the low temp is close to operating, is there an unsual load on the diesel to cause a heat spike?

Did you check the heat exchanger for a build up of debris?

 

[brimanst]

I did clean out all the debris from the heat exchanger. I also replaced the temp gauge with some teleflex brand from the boat store. Is it possible that the gauge does not have the proper dampening mechanism to level out the signal the sending unit is sending?

I can also look into replacing the sending unit, but it is sending changing signals, so I thought it was working.

On a side note, does anyone know of a good Westerbeke dealer? My local place does not stock any parts, so I end up paying for shipping anyways, and I would rather talk directly to the shipper.

 

[Asureyez]

Our Hosts?

Have you checked with BoatFix, our trusty hosts here?

http://www.boatfix.com/

Their website fails to make any mention of carrying Westerbeke anything, but they imply they are marine diesel experts when it comes to parts.

If not I trade with a Outfit down here in Ft. Lauderdale thats stocks most items but their proces are higher than a cats back!

 

[brimanst]

Lucky for me I solved the mystery. It was not the sending unit, or the thermostat. It was an air pocket in the system. Once I purged the air and put in a little more coolant, it ran like a champ. I ran it for 12 hours yesterday and it hugged the 180 marked with no oscilations. Thanks all for your help.

briman