While running Gen Set - stopped with low oil warning

[Interlude]

I have a 2019 C302 Luxury edition. While out cruising this weekend, I started the generator so that we could run the air conditioner. It started with no issue after priming ( holding stop for 30+ seconds) and was running fine. The generator runs so quietly I did not notice that it had shut down until we pulled into the slip and shut down the main engines and turned off the blower, which I had left on - there was a low oil warning light on ( the first red box) . I checked the oil level and it was fine. My yard had serviced the generator both at the end of last season and prior to putting the boat in the water. This was the first time I was running it for any length of time.

Couple of questions: 1) confirm is is designed to run while underway without issue. 2) given the oil level is fine (and very clean as it fresh oil) what could cause this low oil shut down. 3) what do you recommend as next steps to determine the issue.

Thanks

--Arthur KLIMAN
617-510-9033

 

[Martin610]

We would need more information, particularly what gen set you have.

Most of them can run while underway, but perhaps not while on plane. I have a MASE. Changing the oil filter, which is the screen type, is difficult as access is limited. Any kind of crimp in that filter can cause a shutdown.

-martin610

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Arthur,

Martin is right. We would need a bit more info, like the make and model of your generator. You should have a Westerbeke 5kw in your boat (these have the red square fault lights) but let us know if that is not the case. These have been reliable units. However, their trouble codes sometimes do not quite match the actual issue. You would need to do a little digging. Have you tried restarting the generator? The shut down could also have been the cause of low fuel pressure or low water pressure. So perhaps do a quick check at the dock and see if she runs properly. You also should have a high speed pickup in your through hull, so should not have any issues running the generator under way. Hope this helps get you started.

Cheers!

Ralf

 

[Interlude]

Thanks for the response Ralf

Yes I have the Westerbeke 5Kw gas gen set that came with our C302 new. I know it has high-speed pick-up on the thru hull because I have seen it. Last weekend was the first time I tried running the gen-set while underway, including on plane

I have not been back to the boat since the issue, but plan to be there on Saturday. I was planning to see about running it while at the dock. I can say that the error code (the first red box) did not clear until I turned off the battery switches (expect for the HOUSE) I'll be curious when I go back if the error will clear or if I need to do something else to clear it when I turn on the batteries.

I don't know if this is related but, while coming into the dock, I noticed that only the bow thruster was working. When I tried to use the the stern thruster, the only response I heard with a click of a relay. Kind of reminded me of what a starter relay does when there is low voltage. I decided prior to trying to trouble shoot that issue, I would leave the boat connected to shore power so the inverter/charger could recharge all the batteries. I'll test this again on Saturday.

Thanks

--Arthur KLIMAN
617-510-9033