Testing Oil Pressure - Westerbeke 20.0KW SBEG Operator's Manual

OIL PRESSURE
NOTE:
WESTERBEKE recommends that the following engine
adjustments be performed by a competent engine mechanic.
The information below is provided to assist the mechanic.
DESCRIPTION
The lubricating system is a pressure feeding system using an
oil pump. The engine oil is drawn from the oil sump by the
oil pump, which drives the oil, under pressure, through the
oil filter and various lubricating points in the engine. The oil
then returns to the oil sump to repeat the continuous cycle.
When the oil pressure exceeds the specified pressure, the oil
pushes open the relief valve in the oil pump and returns to
the oil sump, keeping the oil pressure within its specified
range.
TESTING OIL PRESSURE
To test the oil pressure, remove the oil pressure sender and
install a mechanical oil pressure gauge in its place. After
warming up the engine, set the engine speed at 1800 rpm and
read the oil pressure gauge.
Oil Pressure Between 55 and 16 psi at 1800 rpm.
Note:
A newly started (cold) engine may have an oil
pressure up to 70 or 80 psi. A warmed engine can have an
oil pressure as low as 40 psi. Oil pressure will vary
depending on the load placed on the generator.
MECHANICAL OIL
PRESSURE GAUGE
LOW OIL PRESSURE
The specified safe minimum oil pressure is 4.3
+
1.4 psi (0.3
+
0.1 kglcm2). A gradual loss of oil pressure usually indicates
worn bearings. For additional information on low oil pressure
readings, see the ENGINE TROUBLESHOOTING chart.
OIL PRESSURE SENSOR
The generator's drive engine has an oil pressure sensor
mounted off the oil gallery. This sensor, during generator
operation, is sending a DC voltage to the ECU that it
interprets as oil pressure. Should the engine's oil pressure
drop below a safe minimum, the DC voltage to the BCU
win
drop. The ECD will interpret this as a low oil pressure fault
and stop the generator.
Oil PRESSURE SENSOR
Engines
&
Generators
18