Westerbeke 7.6BTD Diesel genset startup takes a long time


jlanka

jlanka

New member
Not sure if this is a problem or normal. If I haven't used it for a while (say 1 week) it will take at least a minute of cranking before it starts. I hold down the pre-heat switch for around 20 secs and then the start button. I will release the start button after about 15 secs, and then press it again. Takes around 3 or 4 tries before it finally starts.

Is it normal for it to take so much time cranking? Am I doing something wrong?

I haven't tried to start it after letting it sit for an hour after running to see if it acts any differently.

Thanks in advance for any tips
 
The fuel is probably draining out, its loosing prime. Fuel shut off leaking, anti-siphon valve on the tank allowing fuel to leak back to the tank
 
AllDodge said:
The fuel is probably draining out, its loosing prime. Fuel shut off leaking, anti-siphon valve on the tank allowing fuel to leak back to the tank
Click to expand...

So this is not normal and needs to be fixed? Sorry if I sound ignorant...
 
Most diesel must have fuel available. If it is draining back and getting air, then this would keep it from firing right up. If this is what is happening then it should be fixed.

Now if its not starting because of something else like maybe, fuel stop solenoid not opening up, fuel pump not working, or something else, then that would have to also be looked into.

I'm thinking its draining back. So to test to prove the issue, get it started and run for maybe a minute. Shut it down and try to restart. If it starts right back up, shut it down and let it sit 30 minutes to an hour and try again. If it again starts right back up I would lean more to fuel is draining back.

Could put a piece of clear tubing (test only) between filter and pump (not on the pressure side). After its run a bit, shut down and see if there are any bubbles. If all good, come back in the morning and see if the fuel has drained back.
 
just found a manual - I've been starting it wrong I wonder if that is causing my problem? I've been pressing preheat for 15 secs but then releasing it and then pressing the starter. Thoughts?

STARTING
PREHEAT: Depress the PREHEAT switch for approximately15 seconds then, with the PREHEAT switch still depressed,depress that START switch.
START: With both switches depressed the generator will start.Release the START switch but continue to depress thePREHEAT switch for about 5 more seconds. This allows theoil pressure to rise enough to close the oil pressure safetyswitch.
 
If preheat has something to do with keeping fuel stop switch off, then yes

Gen's do have oil pressure switches which will kill the motor if pressure drops
 
So I tried starting it this morning using the procedure in the manual. The last time I had it running was Sunday. It still took a long time but about half of what it usually takes - 2 tries for about 15 seconds each. Then I shut it off, waited a few minutes and it started back up immediately with no pre-heat.
 
I looked up the parts manual and yours uses an electric lift pump like most do (including mine). Mine drains back and while it is a gas model (1994) with about 60 hours on it. It use to take some cranking to get the motor started. I installed a bypass switch so I can turn the lift pump ON before I started to crank the first time. This solved the long cranking issue. Mine being gas means the fuel evaporates from the carb

You could do similar, but yours being diesel means there is no evaporation. Might be able to fix yours by maybe a new anti-siphon valve (located on the tank).

Page 15 is the pump
https://www.westerbeke.com/parts manual/41800 7.6 btd parts list edition 1.pdf
 
That appears to be plastic and I wouldn't put that in the engine room. You need aluminum like this one

https://www.amazon.com/attwood-Universal-Anti-Siphon-Valve-Fitting/dp/B00E9PJ2R4

They come in different sizes and yours would probably be 3/8 NPT to 3/8 fuel line but need to check.

Before buying, suggest removing the old one and inspect, it might just need cleaning. See if the check ball inside does seal off. It should allow folw in one direction with slight pressure/suction, and no flow in the other
 
A note, being a diesel you will have 2 lines going to the tank from the Gen. One goes to the lift pump (the one were discussing) and the other goes back to the tank and probably does not have a valve fitting on it,
 
SO I tried starting it about 3 hours later and it took a while to start again. I'll investigate the fuel flow valve issue
 
I had the same gen.I would hold the preheat for 30 seconds and while still holding it down hit start. Never a starting problem.
 
I have same diesel gen and have same problem. You need to hold the preheat up to 15 sec after start. That overrides the oil pressure sensor for auto shutdown. I am thinking the glow plugs may be getting weak. When mine starts I get a little black smoke from excess fuel. Don’t think it’s a fuel issue.


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auto shutdown isn't my problem. It's taking a long time to start - I just tried it now, took 3 tries of 20 secs each. I think the fuel is seeping back down into the tank and I probably have to replace the anti-siphon valve.
 
The preheat switch overrides there low oil pressure switch. The low oil pressure switch will cut off the fuel pump to kill engine. That is why you have to hold it down until after engine starts and oil pressure comes up.


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Wilks said:
How many hours are on it? Have you ever cleaned fuel injectors?
Click to expand...

I don't know where the hour meter is. I just bought the boat in May and have never cleaned the injectors. I will check with the marina owner as he has done the boat maintenance for a few years.
 
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