Dead generator

[Brisyboy]

Hi,
We are out cruising at the moment and the generator has packed it in. Very serious as it means no COFFEE!!!
Itas a westebeke 8btd. I ran it this afternoon no problems - shortly after I shut it down I needed to fire iit up again - pressed the preheat then the start -nothing - no instrument lights, no movement of the instruments, no clicking from the starter motor - totally dead. Seems to me like a fuse but can't find one.
Any suggestions? Its home tomorrow if I cannot figure this out.

Please help

 

[psneeld]

Is it not wired to a circuit breaker close to the genset to protect the wire from there to your main panel?

Mine is on the bulkhead near the genset, a fairly typical setup while other brands often have that breaker panel right on the genset.

I have a Westy 8kw also.

 

[Ski in NC]

Hopefully you have a portable voltmeter on board. Start at the starter motor lugs and check for 12v there while someone holds the preheat. That's where power comes in.

Also a little red push button breaker right at back of cylinder head, usually.

 

[dwhatty]

Do you have a dedicated start battery for it? If so, one thing to check.

 

[High Wire]

push the STOP toggle then try again
As others said check the gen batteryterminals and connections at the starter and block
If you need a wiring diaagram , email me.
Some 8BTDs have start controls on the gen as well as remote panel. Try from both locations.
Also there is an Emergency Stop toggle mounted on the top the generator electrical box. Easy to bump off. Should be toggle up.

 

[psneeld]

Ooops...was thinking 110v side last post.

My 8 kw panel has a plug pigtail right behind the start, instrument panel...check that for contact too.

 

[dhays]

Hopefully you have a portable voltmeter on board. Start at the starter motor lugs and check for 12v there while someone holds the preheat. That's where power comes in.

+1

 

[Mule]

Good luck, I truly hope you have better luck with Westerbeke, the company, parts distributors and dealers than I did. Their company flag should be black and have a scull and crossbones on it. Do search for my tale of woe. Deal with this ethically bankrupt company with your eyes open.

 

[Brisyboy]

I am sitting with a coffee and the generator is humming away - whew.
Thanks for the responses - it was great to wake up this morning with some options. I went hunting for the circuit breaker as psneed suggested - not found - without a meter my checks were rudimentary unfortunately Ski (as is my elect knowledge) so we were resigned to coming home early.
My final option was to call the local Westebeke agent - WHO WAS VERY HELPFUL!!!
He suggested that the control box located on the generator (we also have a remote panel) had a glass fuse that I should check. Down to the dungeon I go - no fuse evident as he suggested so I took the front panel off to see if it was inside -nothing. I put the panel back on - gave the wiring loom coming out of the box a shake in frustration and out of desperation I thought I would give it a try - BINGO.
When I get home I shall get into that box and check all connections.
Anyway, thanks again for all those who contributed - a great group to belong to.

 

[Mule]

Good, I am glad it worked out for you. I am sure not all have the bad experiences I have had with Westerbeke.