Generator remote start

[edmundsteele]

I am a new owner of a 2005 Tiara 3200 Open and am puzzled by the Westerbeke generator starting procedure. There are three toggle switches on the generator itself – preheat, start and stop. I can start the generator at the unit by holding down the pre-heat switch for about 10 seconds and then pressing the start switch etc. - just as the manual states. It fires and runs instantly. My problem is with the remote start from inside the boat. At this panel I have two switches – an on/off “blower” switch and a three position start / stop toggle switch. There is no “preheat” switch. The generator cranks when using the remote “Start” inside the boat but will not run. However, if the generator was started “externally”, the internal toggle switch will stop it on command. Where is my “Preheat” switch?

Ed

[Ridin'High]

Hi I have a 2005 38 Open with the same remote start set up. My Generator is a Kohler but I would think the procedure would be the same. Try this, with the generator off I press the stop/start switch to the stop position for about 10 seconds or so for pre-heat. The switch turns yellow, at that point push the switch to the start position. This will begin the starting process. Hold the switch down, it may take more time than you might think. The switch should start to flash yellow till the engine starts. When it starts it will turn green. Be sure to hold the start switch till it turns a solid green and watch your gauge to insure your generator is putting out power. I have never had any issues with starting my generator using this procedure. Good Luck Tom

[ReelMagic]

I agree with Ridin'High although I have an ONAN Generator. On mine the rocker switch in the cabin is depressed to the "Stop/Prime" position to ensure the fuel pump & pressure is OK to start/run. It blinks yellow as the pressure builds and then goes solid when pressure is high enough to start. I then depress the rocker switch to the "start/run" position until it starts.... Once running the light goes "Green". BTW same rocker switch is on the generator itself... Another point is that most of the time I don't need to "prime" prior to starting.... On both switches I hold the rocker in the "Start/run" position until the generator starts, generally blinking yellow for 10 seconds or so prior to gen start... M2C

[johnhesch]

Ridinghigh and Reel Magic are correct … push and hold toward the "Stop" to preheat, then hit start.

[edmundsteele]

I did try holding the "stop" down for 10 seconds (no sexy lights - just a plain black rocker switch). The generator didn't start on my first attempt but fired up remotely after the second crank.
Thank you all!
Ed