Westerbeke Check Engine Light

[Rocky Lou]

My latest issue with the MCG 5.0 is a Check Engine light. This started right after my mechanic replaced the Throttle Body Assembly that was needed since the butterfly kept sticking. The part was $1200, absurd, but, I'm going to hold my tongue. I've checked all fluids and obvious wiring disconnects and the problem continues. Has anyone downloaded the diagnostic software? There are a plethora of possible causes to Check Engine and I'd like to get the generator running again...it's an in water boat so mechanic visits are a big hassle.

 

[Jcat2010]

Have you tried opening the 12v breaker at genset? Should clear fault. If it comes back, then reset again and pay close attention to when it occurs. Like right at start, after five minutes, etc. there is a westerbeke gender owners group on Facebook that might be of help.

Look for westerbeke document - https://www.westerbeke.com/troubleshooting guide/efi troubleshooting may 2006.pdf

Accordingly, there are a number of components in the throttle body that could be the issue. If it started after the mechanic replaced the TBA, there is a high probability that the new TBA either has a faulty component, or there is a loose connection to a component. Did the mechanic start the engine and run a check with the software after the TBA replacement ? That could be a baseline for diagnosis. Most every equipment failure, or for that matter any system, starts with what changed since it last worked OK.

 

[Rocky Lou]

Have you tried opening the 12v breaker at genset? Should clear fault. If it comes back, then reset again and pay close attention to when it occurs. Like right at start, after five minutes, etc. there is a westerbeke gender owners group on Facebook that might be of help.

Look for westerbeke document - https://www.westerbeke.com/troubleshooting guide/efi troubleshooting may 2006.pdf

Accordingly, there are a number of components in the throttle body that could be the issue. If it started after the mechanic replaced the TBA, there is a high probability that the new TBA either has a faulty component, or there is a loose connection to a component. Did the mechanic start the engine and run a check with the software after the TBA replacement ? That could be a baseline for diagnosis. Most every equipment failure, or for that matter any system, starts with what changed since it last worked OK.

That's very helpful.

• I did many resets and the fault is always the same. The generator cranks for about 15 seconds, then the Check Engine light comes on.
• I'll read the document and see if there is anything amiss on what I'm capable to access.
• The Mechanic ran the engine, after changing the TBA, and I ran it successfully for a couple weeks. He did not have access to the software, he was moonlighting and providing 'in water' service. His company is a 40 mile boat ride away from me and we have zero factory trained techs for 500 miles of SF Bay Area on water.

 

[Jcat2010]

Good info. If its faulting during the first few seconds of the start cycle, but while cranking, then you should be able to use that guide to track down the suspects. Troubleshooting without the software is not easy, but possible. Still betting on a loose sensor wire that was working when mechanic ran it. Also, could be one of the K relays. Because of their location, the heat kills them. Trying to remember exact sequence of events from last summer but sounds similar- intermittently would start, or not. Think it was the middle relay - k2?

 

[Rocky Lou]

When the sensors, like speed and exhaust, have failed (and they've done it more than once), I usually get a different error code. I also suspect K2 relay based on what I read online.

 

[Rocky Lou]

Good info. If its faulting during the first few seconds of the start cycle, but while cranking, then you should be able to use that guide to track down the suspects. Troubleshooting without the software is not easy, but possible. Still betting on a loose sensor wire that was working when mechanic ran it. Also, could be one of the K relays. Because of their location, the heat kills them. Trying to remember exact sequence of events from last summer but sounds similar- intermittently would start, or not. Think it was the middle relay - k2?

Surprisingly, I found the relays fairly easily accessible under the control panel. I'm wondering if I can pull the relays and check them with a multimeter. If so, I won't have order and hope. I'll research that tomorrow.

 

[sdearruda]

Surprisingly, I found the relays fairly easily accessible under the control panel. I'm wondering if I can pull the relays and check them with a multimeter. If so, I won't have order and hope. I'll research that tomorrow.

Interesting thread. No major problems with mine yet (same exact model) but I’m curious as to the fix for this one. Rocky Lou were you able to figure it out?

Mine blew the 8A start circuit fuse. It was at the marina/dealer where we purchased it so they looked into it at no cost. Unfortunately, they couldn’t find the source of the issue. Tech said he unplugged all of the control unit connectors then plugged them back in and it started numerous times. He also said he’s seen that in the past where a pin wasn’t quite making contact and re-seating everything fixed the issue.

 

[Rocky Lou]

Interesting thread. No major problems with mine yet (same exact model) but I’m curious as to the fix for this one. Rocky Lou were you able to figure it out?

Mine blew the 8A start circuit fuse. It was at the marina/dealer where we purchased it so they looked into it at no cost. Unfortunately, they couldn’t find the source of the issue. Tech said he unplugged all of the control unit connectors then plugged them back in and it started numerous times. He also said he’s seen that in the past where a pin wasn’t quite making contact and re-seating everything fixed the issue.

No, after I went thru everything I could think of, I had a mechanic do the same. He ended up asking his boss to order the diagnostic hardware. That's the next step,,,I'll post afterwards,