How to change coolant in diesel westerbeke generator help!


1

17sgm17

New member
Hi there....I pulled the hose off the heat exchanger that went to the manifold coolant reservoir and it drained, however I have not pulled the fresh water plug on the bottom of the heat exchanger, and I cannot find the block drain plug on the engine, it must be on the back on he generator which means I have to go through the wall inside the cabin, why did formula build this boat like this, awful awful idea putting the generator there!

I then flushed the system and left water in it but haven't drained the water yet because I'm trying to figure out this block drain plug, someone please help.....

thank you
 
I had the same problem. Impossible to remove the plug on the bottom of the heat exchanger. The only way I can think of doing this is to put a small tube through the filler cap and suck the fluid out. Or does the Generator with pan slide out somehow? Even filling antifreeze looks difficult with the way the unit has been mounted without access. I have a 2005 40 PC.
 
gwazoo27 said:
Wow that's a great idea thanks for posting Gary
Click to expand...

I realize this is an old post but did the shop vac work for getting all the coolant out? And, how did you refill the coolant? Through the expansion tank?

I have a 400SS and only have about 3" of clearance from the top of the generator to the cockpit floor. What a joke.
 
I did. I loosen the coolant cap so antifreeze would fill faster through expansion tank. After that I had to get the air out using the bleed on thermostat housing. It’s a P I T A.


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Wilks, thanks for the feedback. So, let me know if I have this right with steps below. I am going to try to do tackle it this week as it's the last thing before she goes to sleep for the winter.

Getting coolant out
1. Remove or loosen coolant pressure cap
2. Disconnect fresh water / coolant hose from heat exchanger
3. Suck coolant out of via hose that was disconnected
4. Reinstall hose

Adding coolant to generator
5. Keep coolant pressure cap off or loosened
6. Loosen thermostat air bleed petcock to release any air before pouring coolant in
7. Start generator
8. Begin adding coolant via expansion tank
9. Let generator get up to normal operating temp
10. Once filled, tighten petcock, reinstall coolant cap

Did I miss anything or something not sound right? Was the petcock thermostat air bleed something you needed to do as there was air trapped? I would think the expansion tank over time would take care of air in the system but I am not an expert. Did you have to run/stop/restart your generator several times to bleed the system?

Thanks for your help Wilks. I owe you a virtual beer.
 
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I filled the gen before starting. Faster coolant cap. Then added extra into expansion tank. Loosen the air bleed and then finger tight. Started gen and let it come up to temp. While running I loosen air bleed until all air was out. Added more to expansion tank as needed


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Wilks said:
I filled the gen before starting. Faster coolant cap. Then added extra into expansion tank. Loosen the air bleed and then finger tight. Started gen and let it come up to temp. While running I loosen air bleed until all air was out. Added more to expansion tank as needed


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Click to expand...

Got it! Much appreciated.
 
Wilks, were you able to take the pressure cap off of the generator? I can loosen mine but it doesn't want to come off. Is that how you initially filled your generator was through the pressure cap or did you loosen it and then pour it via the expansion tank?

Also, I can't find how much coolant this generator is supposed to hold? I was able to suck out about 1/2 gallon from the hose that attaches to the heat exchanger but of course I spilled some but does this about right?

Should I be getting more? Thanks for your help.
 
Posting for future reference for those with a similar issue. I was not able to remove my coolant pressure cap and this is how I flushed and then filled the coolant on my Westerbeke diesel generator.

Getting coolant out
1. Remove or loosen coolant pressure cap
2. Disconnect fresh water / coolant hose from heat exchanger
3. Suck coolant out with shop vac via hose that was disconnected
4. Reinstall hose

Adding coolant to generator
5. Tighten coolant pressure cap
6. Loosen air bleed petcock to release air while pouring coolant back in
7. Remove clear hose connected to expansion tank
8. Attach funnel with extension hose to expansion tank hose
9. Pour coolant in funnel while holding high / keep doing this until about gallon is poured into generator
10. Watch for coolant to come out of air bleed valve
11. Once it starts to come out, shut air bleed valve off
12. Re-attach hose to expansion tank
13. Fill expansion tank with coolant
14. Start generator
15. Let generator get up to normal operating temp
16. Look for any leaks
17. Add coolant to expansion tank as necessary
 
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