Generator doesn't start

[RetiredHenry]

My Bayliner 4788 has the Northern Lights 8 kw generator which is the problem I'm having. The generator starts and rune, relatively okay, but it doesn't stay that way for long. I tried to keep it with almost no load on it but it would still shut off. I'm not getting any warning signs or lights, but it is a bit warm around it. I've been around generators for most of my life and I know they get hot, but I feel like this could be an overheating issue, but I'm not an expert so I'd like to get your opioins?

 

[SilentHours]

The gen might be overheating or maybe the coolant flow isn't right, since no warning lights, check for any blocked sea strainers or hoses, and make sure the raw water pump impeller is in good shape. Also, keep an eye on oil levels and filters. If all that checks out, maybe the thermostat is stuck or the engine is getting too hot internally

 

[RetiredHenry]

I didn't dig into it too much, but as far as I was able to see there wasn't anything blocked and the coolant levels were good. Is it worth replacing the theromostat just in case?

 

[fr13sorch1ps]

The gen might be overheating or maybe the coolant flow isn't right, since no warning lights, check for any blocked sea strainers or hoses, and make sure the raw water pump impeller is in good shape. Also, keep an eye on oil levels and filters. If all that checks out, maybe the thermostat is stuck or the engine is getting too hot internally

I agree, must be overheating, especially with no alarms but the heat. The absolute first thing I'd check on any marine generator that's getting warm and shutting down without specific alarms is the raw water pump impeller

 

[ToastedNuts]

The sensor could have an oil pressure switch which might cause it to shut off and in some extremer cases oil starvation may lead to overheating. I was going to say something fuel related, but that's not going to get it too hot. Speaking of, is it much hotter than before when it was working fine or just a bit?