Westerbeke WPDS-20 Technical Manual page 6

INTRODUCTION
5
IMPORTANT
THIS MANUAL IS A DETAILED GUIDE TO THE INSTALLATION, START-UP, OPERATION
AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR WESTERBEKE MARINE DIESEL ENGINE. THE INFORMA-
TION IT CONTAINS IS VITAL TO THE ENGINE'S DEPENDABLE, LONG TERM OPERA-
TION.
READ IT
KEEP IT IN A SAFE PLACE
KEEP IT HANDY FOR REFERENCE AT ALL TIMES
FAILURE TO DO SO WILL INVITE SERIOUS RISK, NOT ONLY TO YOUR INVESTMENT,
BUT YOUR SAFETY AS WELL.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIESEL ....
The diesel engine closely resembles the
gasoline engine inasmuch as the mechanism
is essentially the same. Its cylinders
are arranged above its closed crankcase;
its crankshaft is of the same general type
as that of a gasoline engine; it has the
same sort of valves, camshaft, pistons,
connecting rods, lubricating system and
reverse and reduction gear.
Therefore, it.follows to a great extent
that a diesel engine requires the same
preventative maintenance as that which any
intelligent operator would give to a gas-
oline engine. The most important factors
are proper maintenance of the fuel, lub-
ricating and cooling systems. Replacement
of fuel and lubricating filter elements at
the time periods specified is a must, and
frequent checking for contamination (i.e.
water, sediment etc.) in the fuel system
is also essential. Another important
factor is the use of the same brand of
"high detergent" diesel lubricating oil
designed specifically for diesel engines.
The diesel engine does differ from the
gasoline engine, however, in the method of
handling and firing its fuel. The carbu-
retor and ignition systems are done away
with and in their place is a single com-
ponent - the Fuel Injection Pump - which
performs the function of both.
Unremitting care and attention at the
factory have resulted in a Westerbeke
engine capable of many thousands of hours
of dependable service. What the manufact-
urer cannot control, however, is the
treatment it receives in service. This
part rests with you!
ORDERING PARTS
Whenever replacement parts are needed,
always include the complete part descrip-
tion and part number (see separate Parts
List furnished, if not part of this pub-
lication). Be sure to include the
engine's model and serial number. Also
be sure to insist upon Westerbeke factory
packaged parts, because "will fit" parts
are frequently not made to the same
specifications as original equipment.
GENERATOR SETS
Westerbeke diesels are used for both
the propulsion of boats and for generating
electrical power. For generator set app-
lications, all details of this Manual
apply, except in regard to certain por-
tions of the Installation, Operation and
Maintenance sections. Additional infor-
mation is provided in the section titled
Generator Sets, Section T.