Generator troubleshooting question

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jleonard

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Jun 25, 2008
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I have a Westerbeke 4.4 kw diesel, circa 1983, with 2100 plus hours on it.
Yesterday it started to make the lights "flicker every minute or so.
Watching the voltmeter (analog) it is dropping from 115 to "about" 105 or so and when it does the lights flicker. Genny is NOT overloaded, I only had 2 lights on and the battery chargers. Water heater had already finished 1/2 hour prior to the issue.

Engine seems like it's running smooth. I cannot hear the engine dropping any rpm when the voltage blips.

Brushes?
 
If the voltage is dropping and the RPM/Hz is staying at 60 or so, then I'd suspect the voltage regulator. Look for loose/green wires first. After that, maybe brushes.

Wes
 
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