Westerbeke 3.0 gasoline generator - starter

[rkaufmanpr]

Hi everyone. I have a Westerbeke 3.0 gasoline generator. When I press the start switch the engine starts running but the generator continues running (powered) as well... it does not disengage.
Any ideas or suggestions?

Richard

[bobconnie]

??? HUH ?

[skipmac]

Do you mean the starter doesn't disengage?

[rkaufmanpr]

Skipmac,
After the generator engine has started (and after I stop depressing the start switch) there is still 12V flowing into the starter solenoid keeping the starter running and engaged.
Any ideas why this is happening?

[Sailmonkey]

Could be a myriad of things. is the generator producing power? is the oil pressure switch working? etc........

[skipmac]

Could be the ignition switch. Could be a solenoid.

What happens if you engage the starter, turn over the engine but the engine doesn't fire up? Does the starter stay engaged then?

What do you do when the engine starts running and the starter is still engaged?

I'm no mechanical expert so one of the pros on the forum may have a better idea, but barring a better idea what I would.

- Disable the ignition on the generator so it can't start. In the old days that would mean pull the coil wire. Now maybe unplug the electronic ignition.

- Depress the start switch to see what happens. Does the starter keep turning when you take your finger off the switch? Do you hear the solenoid on the starter click on and off when you push and release the start switch?

- Do you have a volt meter? Do all the above but check voltage at the switch, at the solenoid, etc to see when and where you get 12V and when and where it stops.

[brutb]

Most likely the solenoid is hanging up or the shaft on the starter is rusted or gummed up not allowing the starter gear to release. Pull starter and have it tested. Check that the starter gear is moving freely on the starter shaft. I hope you have not had water on or around the starter. Good lucky.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by brutb

Most likely the solenoid is hanging up or the shaft on the starter is rusted or gummed up not allowing the starter gear to release. Pull starter and have it tested. Check that the starter gear is moving freely on the starter shaft. I hope you have not had water on or around the starter. Good lucky.

My first thought was also the starter gear hanging up. I've had that happen to me a couple of times over the years. But the OP said there is 12V to the solenoid even after releasing the start button???

Not sure if he confirmed that with a meter AND the 12V was to the low power terminals or the starter or the battery side of the main terminals.

If he is seeing 12V to low power terminal from the start switch then I would suspect the switch. If 12V to the starter/high power side after releasing the starter switch then I would think the solenoid is sticking. Either should be easy to check with a meter. Of course the battery terminal on the solenoid should always be hot.

Can you think of anything else that might give these symptoms?

[motion30]

on occasion low voltage to the solenoid will make it stick in the closed position