My 'new to me' 1987 Oday 272 has a Westerbeke Ten-2 diesel. Until last weekend, I've had plenty of craking power from 2 batteries to start the engine. So when it failed to crank, I took one battery to West and an auto supply house. BOTH said battery was fine, just needed a charge. Replaced in boat, cranked right up, so thought it may have been dirty contacts. Tried it again this weekend and also failed to start. Finally my question(s): 1) I've been reading around 12 v on built in voltmeter - Is this sufficient to recharge the batteries? and 2) Tach comes off 0 when first starts, but does not appear to be in sync with motor speed (never gets above 500 rpm). I don't think Tach could be causing problem, and I can live without one. But am I overlooking something with an inoperative Tach?
Westerbeke Ten-2
- Thread starter cbourne200
- Start date
- Status
Tach should have nothing to do with failed start. If battery is charged and engine won't crank I would check other parts of starter system such as starter and or ignition solenoid. It could even be something as simple as a bad ignition switch. Electrical diagnostic can be a bitch but if you start at the obvious and work your way from there you should find the culprit.
Thanks guys. Yes, belts were loose and have been tightened. Had a squeal about a month ago and no water coming out of exhaust for 10 sec. When squeal stopped, water came out. So tightened both water pump belt and alternator belt. Have had batteries charging for last 2 days, so will check tomorrow to see if it cranks and maybe get voltmeter on alternator to see if it's putting out more than 12 v. Motor does turn over, so don't think there is a switch problem. Thanks for help guys!
Charles
Charles
Keep us informed of this....A good learning experience for me...Good Luck!
Patrick in Wichita
This is one of those that make you scratch your head and go 'Hmmmmm...'.
I charged batteries and can start the engine now (person who checked battery said it was just 'low'). I checked voltage on battery - about 12.6v. Started motor - checked lugs off alternator - 13.6(good!). Checked battery with motor at idle - about 13.6 v (good!). Volt meter on 'console' showing about 11.5-12 v. Didn't check any wiring as it was getting dark. Checked Tach and made the following observation- when motor starts, tach sits at abour 250 RPM with engine in idle. If throttle advanced, tach drops to zero. Wouldn't think wires were crossed, as it reads 250 at idle. Here's a picture of back of tach. Doesn't exactly match westerbeke diesel diagram, but does show about 6.5 v across Gnd & 'B' post at idle. Volt meter is at bottom center, Tach is at right. Anyone have any ideas?
I charged batteries and can start the engine now (person who checked battery said it was just 'low'). I checked voltage on battery - about 12.6v. Started motor - checked lugs off alternator - 13.6(good!). Checked battery with motor at idle - about 13.6 v (good!). Volt meter on 'console' showing about 11.5-12 v. Didn't check any wiring as it was getting dark. Checked Tach and made the following observation- when motor starts, tach sits at abour 250 RPM with engine in idle. If throttle advanced, tach drops to zero. Wouldn't think wires were crossed, as it reads 250 at idle. Here's a picture of back of tach. Doesn't exactly match westerbeke diesel diagram, but does show about 6.5 v across Gnd & 'B' post at idle. Volt meter is at bottom center, Tach is at right. Anyone have any ideas?
Attachments
- Status