Westerbeke 9.0 BCG Technical Manual page 38

Starting the Generator's Engine
(Ventilate the Generator Compartment for 5 minutes prior to attempting to start the engine).
1. Depress and hold the ON switch (black). If the generator's engine has not been operated for a period
of time allow a few seconds with the ON switch depressed 5 - 10 seconds to prime the carburetor.
2. Depress the START switch (white). This will engage the starter and crank the engine.
3. If the engine fails to start in 20 - 30 seconds, release the two switches. Check for fuel and choke opera-
tion. Then repeat steps 1 and 2.
NOTE: Starter overheating and damage can occur from excessive cranking.
CAUTION
Prolonged cranking intervals without the engine starting can result in filling the exhaust sys-
tem, attached to the engine, with sea water coolant. This may happen because the sea water
pump is pumping sea water through the sea water cooling system during cranking. This sea
water can enter the engine's cylinders by way of the exhaust manifold once the exhaust sys-
tem fills. Prevent this from happening by closing the sea water supply thru-hull shutoff, drain
the exhaust muffler, and correct the cause for the excessive engine cranking needed to ob-
tain a start. Engine damage resulting from this type of sea water entry is not a warrantable
issue; the owner/operator should keep this in mind.
When the Generator's Engine Starts
1. When the generator's engine starts, release the START switch and continue to hold the ON switch
depressed for 4 - 5 seconds. This to allows oil pressure to build up and activate the oil pressure switch,
which maintains the ignition circuit.
2. Check to see if saw water flow is discharged with the exhaust.
NOTE: There will be some hunting evident when initially starting a cold engine. This will sub-
side once the engine warms up.
3. Allow the engine to run and warm up (initial commissioning). Check the AC output. Once the engine
is warmed, shut the engine down by depressing the red STOP switch. Keep this switch depressed until
engine stops completely. Check the engine's lubricating oil level and fresh water coolant level (initial
start). Add oil as needed to replenish oil that is now filling the internal oil galleries and the filter. Coolant
is needed to replace air that has been expelled from the fresh water cooling system. Top off the cool-
ing system by adding coolant through the manifold fill cap if needed and fill the plastic recovery tank
half-full.
Westerbeke Generators 32