Westerbeke 12B TWO Operator's Manual page 6

GENERAL
Introduction
This manual contains the equipment operating procedures as well as additional information needed to help
the operator keep the equipment in proper working order. Study and follow the instructions carefully. A
planned maintenance program is included in this manual; adhering to the program will result in better equip-
ment performance and longer equipment life. Proper diagnosis of a problem is the most important step to
satisfactory repair; therefore, a troubleshooting table is included.
Understanding the Diesel Engine
The diesel engine closely resembles the gasoline engine, since the mechanism is essentially the same. The
cylinders are arranged above a closed crankcase; the crankshaft is of the same general type as that of a
gasoline engine; and the diesel engine has the same type of valves, camshaft, pistons, connecting rods, and
lubricating system.
Therefore, to a great extent, a diesel engine requires the same preventive maintenance as a gasoline engine.
The most impOltant factors are proper ventilation and proper maintenance of the luel, lubricating and cool-
ing systems. Replacement of fuel and iubricating filter elements at the time periods specified is a must, and
frequent checking for contamination (that is, water, sediment, or allege) in the luel system is also essential.
Another important factor is the use of the same brand of high detel·gent diesel lubricating oil designed specifi-
cally lor diesel engines. Be careful not to put gasoline in the diesel fuel tank(s). Gasoline does not have the
same lubricating qualities as diesel fuel; consequently, gasoline in the fuel lines will damage components in
the fuel lift pump assembly, fuel injection pump and injectors.
The diesel engine does differ from the gasoline engine, however, in its handling and firing of fuel. The car-
buretor and ignition systems are done away with and in their place are two components - the fuel injection
pump and the fuel injectors.
Ordering Paris
When contacting your Westerbeke dealer, parts distributor, or the factory concerning your Westerbeke unit,
always provide the engine's model and serial number, and transmission number as they appear on the black
and silver "Westerbeke" plate which is mounted on the engine's exhaust manrrold. When ordering parts for
your Westerbeke engine, be sure to insist upon Westerbeke factory packaged parts, because "will fit" or
generic parts are frequently not made to the same specifications as original equipment.
Note that component locations in the rnanual are referenced from the front of the engine which is the pul-
ley/drive belt end. (The flywheel/transmission end is the rear end.) Left and right sides are determined by
the engine; imagine straddling the engine and facing in the same direction as the front of the engine: the left
side is at your left, the right side is your right.
Westerbeke engines and generator sets are thoroughly checked and given a final run under various load
conditions before leaving the factory. Test running the engine ensure dependable operation, long service,
and a satisfied owner.
Care at the factory during assembly, and thorough testing, have resulted in a Westerbeke diesel engine
capable of many thousands of hours of dependable service. However, the manufacturer cannot control the
treatment the unit receives in the field. That part is up to the owner/operator.
Westerbeke Diesel Engines 4