I have a 1992 lakeview with a westerbeke 12.5k generator. Gradually over last summer and this one, the generator doesn't seem to have enough power to start the a/c unit ( heat pump - central air). The a/c runs fine on shore power. I've tried turning everything else off to start the a/c but now it won't crank at all. I am at Kentucky Lake and it's hard to find someone to work on it. Any suggestions of what the problem could be, or names of generator repair persons at Kentucky Lake?

Thanks!

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Betsy<BR><BR>1992 Lakeview - 62 x 14<BR>Kentucky Lake

I'd suspect it's not getting enough fuel. Have you checked the fuel filter?

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Willie
She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw

Is the generator running OK otherwise? Will it power your stove/oven OK?

If the A/C is an air cooled system, you may need to install a "Hard Start Kit" on the compressor. AKA, Start Capicitor and rely. They make them in one unit now, and are easy to install.

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Banana Tom

Edited: 07/05/2012 at 03:24:59 PM by BananaTom

yup what tom said^^

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1977 58' Aluminum Sumerset
Kentucky Lake

so you say it wont crank, w/out the gen motor running its much more dificult to trouble shoot the ele output, need to start with a motor mechanic first, .

Westerbeke offers on line diagrams of your unit. W/that in hand an the unit running a
good AC man might be able to track down the output issue...MIGHT

a 12.5 should run a typical Central air system, If Your shore power isnt kicking at the pedistal, nor or the breakers or fuse inside panel box are being thrown. Your AC is operating with shore power I doubt adding the slow start capacitor is the isssue here. No more than your central air is calling for by its self the 12.5 if its performing properly, the 12.5 will run that Central AC unit
Now when u factor in other start ups the issue changes

I would think if other compressors, like the frig, were trying to kick on at the same time, Hot water heater, etc then the above would apply.

Either way you need to get the mechanical side up runing,
One suggestion when you do get it serviced see if your repairman can check you output,
some one else on here can give u the terminology but the older units tend to drift over time. the unit needs to produce a proper cycle/output thus all your motors will last longer, its important to maintain effecient output.

cross your fingers the govenor isnt the issue.....pricey part

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"Come OOON Back............

Edited: 07/07/2012 at 08:17:30 AM by DaleHollow

If you are on the NORTH end of Ky lake, you should call More Power Diesel at 270-898-8844, ask for Mike or Wimp, and they can direct you to a good generator repair company, in that area.

The "won't crank at all" part tells me the A/C isn't the problem. But one man's "won't crank" is another man's "won't START"...

Does it turn over but not run? Or does it not turn over at all, as if the battery's dead or the engine's seized up?

If a "no-start" I think Willie may have been close with a fuel problem, maybe the fuel pump slowly went south and finally gave out altogether...

If it won't turn over at all-- I don't even want to go there...

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1988 SkipperLiner 53x14
1995 Tracker Party Cruiser 32 *for sale*
2003 Chaparral 260 SSI
2000 Allegro Bus 40' DP

if it needs a fuel pump go to napa or any other parts store and get a electric pump. we just bought one for my brothers 8kw westerbeke for 39$ @ napa and it was a perect fit, he saved over 200 $.

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1991 gibson 44 executive
454's
norwich,ohio
docked on the good ole ohio river in marietta

Sounds like youre having the exact same problem we had with our 12.5kw westerbeke. When we first bought the boat, the genset had no filter on it what so ever. The carb eventually started getting clogged up with the accelerator pump going first.

First off, the accelerator diaphragm had a hole in it so it wasnt even pumping fuel to the accelerator jet. Then second off, the accelerator pump jet was clogged. It was a slow process with the A/C being the first problem.

We simply cleaned the carb in carb cleaner, bought a new accelerator pump diaphragm, then installed a 10 micron fuel/water separator. Been good ever since!

Its hard to find much information about these generators at all. No one talks about them or anything. Like the brand of the carb, no one knows what it is?? You should not have to pay so much for parts. I know westerbeke didnt design that engine. You should be able to buy a distributor cap for less than an arm.

And I agree with the above about the fuel pump. We replaced the fuel pump for $50 with a universal from napa. Works great!

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1990 16x78' stardust
Eastern Ky