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Westerbeke Generator Tune Up

Discussion in 'Ocean Yacht' started by alvareza, Feb 2, 2024.

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  1. alvareza

    alvareza Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2010
    Messages:
    145
    Location:
    Scituate MA
    My 10kw generator is little smoky and there is sometime a little oil sheen. Not sure what should be included in a tune up, valve adjustment, injector setting? I haven’t had this done in 5 years and don’t know the prior history. I do change the oil, impeller, zincs etc myself. I was able to replace the heat exchanger that had a crack where the radiator cap goes. But, I am leery of tackling valve or injectors. Can I get a recommendation for a shop/mechanic in the Tamp Bay Area? Boat is in Madeira Beach right now. Thank you!
  2. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Satsuma, FL
    What color is the smoke?
    Clear up under load or smokes when loaded?
    Little oil sheen?? After starting? Running cold or warmed up? Under load more sheen?
    How is the crank-case oil consumption?

    Sadly, those lil Mitsubishi engines don't do well with lots of hours and don't rebuild well.
  3. alvareza

    alvareza Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2010
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    Location:
    Scituate MA
    Gray smoke on start up. Does seem to smoke once running. However, we noticed the dirty transom and oil sheen after it has ran for a longer period overnight at a dock without power. Does not seem to using oil.

    It’s a 10kw unit. I’ll need to check total hours.
    Last edited: Feb 2, 2024
  4. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    13,443
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Grey smoke is usually cold or low compression. Unburned fuel igniting in the exhaust.
    That sheen may be more unburned fuel also.
    There is a small chance a valve adjustment may help.
    I fear you have a leaking exhaust valve.
    My first step would be to check valve lash and determine if a valve is not closing all the way or recessed.
    Another idea;
    If there is enough exhaust pipe between the head and exhaust manifold and if you can get to them, shoot those exhaust pipes (at the same location) with an IR gun.
    All pipes should be very hot and near the same temp between all the cylinders. The cold lung would be your first suspect area.

    Keep us up on what you find.

    I'm in the wrong part of the world to help on a local (to you) shop or tech.
  5. dewald

    dewald Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2017
    Messages:
    104
    Location:
    Treasure Island, Florida
    Try Yacht Power Products
    1510 1st Ave North
    St Petersburg, Fl 33706 - Right by Tropicana Field
    727-822-2628

    I bougth parts and asked for advice from them.
    Last time I talked to them was about 5 months ago.
  6. Eroc

    Eroc Member

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    Apr 8, 2010
    Messages:
    66
    Location:
    CT
    I would start with checking injectors and adjusting valves if you don’t have any prior service history. I have a 10BTD in my 48 with 8k hrs, I get very little smoke when cold and clears once warm. Westerbeke is very easy to order parts from although expensive.
  7. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    13,443
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Engine parts directly from a Mitsubishi industrial part jober is a great path for saving bux.
    Sadly, not much generic or cheap for the Worst-r-break parts.
  8. alvareza

    alvareza Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2010
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    145
    Location:
    Scituate MA
    Thank you all for the responses. I could not get a clean view of the three exhaust runners. Might try again today when mechanic comes by to look at it. Unit has 1719 hours. I’m leaning towards the tuning valves and injectors. I’ll explore the option above to save on parts. Thanks again
  9. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    That just finished its break in cycle and starting to wear in.
    A good fresh engine like this should not smoke unless it is a dock queen.