Operating Instructions - Westerbeke BTG 8.5 Operator's Manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
PRESTART INSPECTION
Before starting your generator for the first time or after a pro-
longed layoff, check the following items:
a
Check the engine oil level: add oil to maintain the level at
the full mark on the dipstick.
a
Check the fuel supply and examine the fuel filter/separator
bowls for contaminants.
a
Check the DC electrical system. Inspect wire connections
and battery cable connections.
a
Check the coolant level in both the plastic recovery tank
and at the manifold.
NOTE: After the initial running of the generator, the air in
the engine's cooling system will be purged to the coolant
recovery tank. Open the air bleed petcock to ensure that
the cooling system is purged of air. After shutdown and
after the engine has cooled, the coolant from the recovery
tank will be drawn into the engine's cooling system to
replace the purged air.
Before subsequent operation of the generator, the engine's
manifold should be topped off, and the coolant recovery
tank may need to be filled to the MAX level. .
STARTING THE GENERATOR
A
WARNING:
Ventilate the generator compartment
for a minimum of five minutes prior to starting. The
· ventilating blowers remove any explosive gasoline
fumes from the generator compartment and bilges.
1. Depress the ON switch and hold it down (5-15 seconds),
this primes carburetor. Continue to depress ON.
2. Depress the START (white), when the generator
starts, release the START switch. Continue to engage
the ON switch a few seconds longer.
NOTE: Keeping the ON switch, depressed by-passes
the oil pressure shutdown circuit allowing the oil
pressure to rise enough to close the switch and
maintain the ignition circuit
3. Release the ON switch.
Once The engine is running apply a light load to the gener-
ator and allow the engine to warm up to operating temper-
ature (130°-150° F/ 55°-56°C) before applying heavy loads.
If an optional instrument panel is installed, monitor the
gauges for normal readings.
NOTE: Some unstable running
may
occur in a cold engine.
This condition should smooth out as the engine warms up
and when the generator loads are applied
a
Check load leads for correct connections as specified in
the wiring diagrams.
a
Examine the air inlet and outlet for air flow obstructions.
a
Be sure no other generator or utility power is connected to
the load lines.
a
Be sure that in power systems with a neutral line that the
neutral is properly grounded (or ungrounded) as the system
requires, and that generator neutral is properly connected
to the load neutral. In single phase systems an incomplete
or open neutral can supply the wrong line-to-neutral volt-
age on unbalanced loads.
A
CAUTION:
When starting the generator, it Is
recommended that all AC loads, especially large
motors, be switched OFF until the engine has come up
to speed and, In cold climates,
starts
to warm up. This
precaution will prevent damage caused by unanticl·
pated operation of the AC machinery and will prevent a
cold engine from stalling.
A
CAUTION:
Prolonged cranking intervals without
the engine starting can result in filling the engine
exhaust with raw water. This may happen because the
pump is pumping raw water through the raw water
cooling system during cranking. This raw water can
enter the enginets cylinders by way of the exhaust
manifold once the exhaust system fills. Prevent this
from happening by closing the raw water supply
through~hull shutoff~
draining the exhaust muffler, and·
co«ecting the cause of the excessive engine cranking.
Engine damage resulting from raw water entry Is not a
wa«antable Issue: the owner/operator should keep this
in mind.
STOPPING THE GENERATOR
1. Remove the AC loads from the generator and allow the
generator to run for an added 3 to 5 minutes (this stabilizes
its qperating temperature).
2. Depress the STOP (red) switch.
3. When the generator stops, release the STOP switch.
NOTE: In an emergency, if the generator will not stop using
the stop switch, remove the 8 amp fuse in the control
panel.
Engines & Generators
7