3.5 westerbeke gas gen shutdown

[Lunasea]

Tried to start the genset for the first time today. Engine starts right up but shuts down after a few seconds-- maybe 3 seconds at most. Are others having problems with the gas genset? Local genset mechanics say they only work on diesel versions. Cannot seem to find anyone to look at it. Called Westerbeke worldwide distribution network and their recommended support folks also have no experience with gas? Wonder why the Tug used gas as a 15K option that seems to be an outcast in the generator world?

 

[Kevin Lamont]

Tried to start the genset for the first time today. Engine starts right up but shuts down after a few seconds-- maybe 3 seconds at most. Are others having problems with the gas genset? Local genset mechanics say they only work on diesel versions. Cannot seem to find anyone to look at it. Called Westerbeke worldwide distribution network and their recommended support folks also have no experience with gas? Wonder why the Tug used gas as a 15K option that seems to be an outcast in the generator world?

Hello,

Couple of things to check, 1. ensure generator is getting proper water flow 2. try bleeding fuel system at the generator, there is a schrader valve on the generator (there maybe some air in the fuel system). Hope this helps, these have been typical issues I have seen with the gas generator.

Thank you,
Kevin Lamont

 

[Lunasea]

Thank you Kevin! I will certainly try your suggestions.

 

[Matty]

I am having an issue with it not running smoothly and shutting down when under load. I changed out gas filters. I attempted to bleed but seems to keep showing air bubbles. So next I will check all the hoses and connections. Other issue is I believe my gas is over 4 months old and from what I read these generators are sensitive to gas quality.
Previously the electronic valve on the seawater supply was bad. I replaced it with a manual valve.
So still working on the issue but thought I would throw this information out there for you to have.

Kevin...is the gas pickup stem for the generator not as deep in the tank to avoid running the tank too low for the outboard or are they same length?

 

[Lunasea]

WE checked the water flow and the fuel for bubbles/low pressure/blockage. A mechanic friend also evaluated then bypassed the initial checks (temp, oil pressure, etc .)the engine makes at start up by holding down the start switch. Engine still shutdown within 3 seconds at most. Seems to throw a speed fault by leaving the two red leds on after shut down. The MPU seems fine. Could it be the stepper motor that controls fuel flow to injectors? If anyone has some suggestions I would appreciate your input. Thank you.

 

[tompat42]

My 2022 Cutwater 32CB Westerbeke Gensat (gasoline) failed after 61.5 hours. Ultimate diagnosis was water intrusion into the cylinders by a certified Westerbeke installer. His opinion was the factory installation was such that on starboard turns at relatively high speeds could cause sea water to be ingested back into the cylinders. I have extensive experience with two Westerbeke diesel gensets and found them to be very reliable. The gasoline gensets have builtin sensors that will shut the engine down should a fault (ie water in the gasoline fuel). I ruled out replacing the gasoline genset with another gasoline or diesl generator. After considering options I selected a Renogy Energy solution consisting of
four 400Ah smart LiFePO4 batteries where the generator was mounted and two 3000 watt inverters in the storage area. This package will give 1600 Ah of power at 12.8 volts and 6kw of AC power. All equipment is manufactured/supplied and supported by Renogy Energy by a certified local installer (North 30 Degree Marine) located in Gulf Shores, Alabama so I don’t anticipate any support issues in the future. Performance with the two Yamaha 300 outboards will remain excellent since the new Renogy Energy package of four batteries is within the weight envelope of the genset. Also have the navigation enhancement with the Proteus navigation system (https://www.tocaroblue.com) that is compatible with the Garmin 8600 MFD’s that came with the Cutwater. Applicable website for the Renogy Energy is https://www.renogy.com/