Westerbeke Generator Oil Pressure

[Rocky Lou]

My 5.0 MCG multi=port gas generator runs for 20 seconds then quits with the oil pressure light showing. There's plenty of oil and the unit is relatively new and little used. I was advised the next step is to jumper the Oil Pressure switch to insure it's working. I'm not looking forward to doing that since the switch is deep inside the engine. Changing the switch will be even more challenging. Wondering if anyone had a similar problem and what was the result?

 

[Matty]

My westerbeke is not working more often than it works. From what i read the sensors can often be the problem. Mine shuts down after short runs as well. I have read that when it starts to run rough you can hold start button down and it will override sensors. But that does not tell you a lot. If you can locate the service manual (not operatering manual) it details how to check each sensor. Very thourough manual. I have not had time to do it but will next month. Tempted to just replace them all. But not sure why as mine has low hours as well.
As always it is difficult to find someone to service the equipment.

 

[Larry1030]

These generators are very very sensitive to any disruption or change. Makes them very difficult to use. We had a similar issue after a routine maintenance oil change. Ran for 20 minutes and would then shut down. Ultimately we drained a little bit of the new oil out and it ran fine. Just slightly being overfilled will cause the oil pressure sensor to shut it down. Might want to give it a try.

 

[Rocky Lou]

Very useful comments, thanks! I'll be taking another crack at it soon and will report back. I did pull the wires from the oil pressure switch, jump them, and it still died with the same indicator light. Seems crazy for a generator that has about 2 hours total use.

 

[NwRecon]

Check to make sure the fuel bulb is firm and if not pump pump pump, release air out of schrader valve in fuel lines near top of Gen, pump bulb. The bulb needs to feel firm like the one in the fuel line to OB. If the system has air in it, the gen will run for a few, start to sound a little like a diesel and maybe even a little back fire, pop pop. Then the auto shutdown will trip, lights flash (oil included) then all becomes quiet.

What now? Start looking, 108 hours on Gen. Old owner just had the oil changed and both fuel filters before I purchased. Dates written on filters and oil in Gen so clean hard to read the level. All looks good and OB runs great. Old saying is if it work well before servicing and now you have a new problem, ask yourself, did I breed this problem into the situation? Maybe?

I suggest when changing filters, fill them with fuel or oil (common sense will help you decide which) if you can and install if possible without spilling. It will save you lots of time and frustration. If you are changing a diesel fuel filter and you fail to do this, in most cases you will have problems bleeding the air out and getting it to run correct again.

Gen runs great now, starts fast and easy and works excellent under a load. What works for me might not work for you but I offer it as an easy option to try.

 

[Rocky Lou]

It was a bad sensor, as Matty suggested. The repair process was way too difficult. I'm at the end of 2 years ownership and that is the actual end of the warranty, even though it says it's 5 years, the stuff that breaks, like sensors and switches, is not covered.

Selected Parts Covered During years Three through Five
The selected parts covered during years 3 though 5 are limited to:
cylinder block, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, valves, valve lifters
and manifolds.

First, I called tech support at Westerbeke that told me to pull the blade connectors on the oil switch to jumper the switch. Bad decision as they are impossible to get back on without removing a hose. Then, I contacted a distributor for warranty service who told me there was no one in my area and that he'd send me a sensor tool to check it. The tool showed that the sensor was bad so I was shipped a new one. Again, you need bionic fingers to work on these generators, really awful. With the new sensor in place, the engine ran well and I was planning to run it more regularly. Then, yesterday, I noticed that there was salt water leaking from a hose that was visible and coolant leaking from somewhere that I now need to determine...so the beat goes on.

If you are thinking it might be nice to have a generator to fire up on occasion, think again. I'd only recommend for someone who really needs it and is willing to spend more time on it that any other part of the boat. These boats are too small to have a generator in a location that you can easily access and service.