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Westerbeke 82B Four Engine

The Westerbeke 82B Four is an engine. It powers generator sets from Westerbeke, including the 20.0 BED and 25.0 BED.

Also known as: Westerbeke 82B Four

Engine specifications

Generator sets powered by this engine

2

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter—
Fuel filter024363 Amazon eBay
Oil filter032874 Amazon eBay $33.00
Belt031152 Amazon eBay $16.95

Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.

Service intervals

12
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Starting batteries (and house batteries)Check50 hrEvery 50 operating hours check electrolyte levels (weekly); make sure connections are tight; clean corrosion.
Engine oil and filterChange100 hrFirst service — Initial engine oil and filter change at 50 hrs, then change both every 100 hours.
Fuel/water separatorChange200 hrChange every 200 hours.
Electric fuel lift pump filter (if applicable)Change250 hrFirst service — Initial filter change at 50 hours, then change filter every 250 hours.
Exhaust systemInspect250 hrFirst service — Initial check at 50 hrs, then every 250 hrs. Inspect for leaks, check anti-siphon valve operation, check exhaust elbow for carbon/corrosion.
Feed pump strainer (if applicable)Clean250 hrClean every 250 operating hours.
Fuel filterChange250 hrFirst service — Initial change at 50 hrs, then change every 250 hrs.
Raw water pumpInspect250 hrRemove pump cover and inspect impeller, gasket, cam and cover for wear; check bearings and seals; lubricate when reassembling.
Cylinder head hold-down boltsCheck500 hrFirst service — At first 50 hours, then every 500 hours. 32 kW head bolts do NOT require retorquing.
Heat exchangerOther1000 hrRemove, have professionally cleaned and pressure tested.
Coolant systemChange60 moDrain, flush, and refill cooling system with appropriate antifreeze mix. Manual states change engine coolant every five years regardless of hours.
Heat exchanger zinc anodeInspect1 moReplace if needed; clear heat exchanger end of zinc anode debris. Schedule table shows check each day.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Service specifications

41
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceDrive belt deflection3/8 to 1/2inchesthumb pressure at midpoint of longest span
Injection timingEngine timing (static timed - drop valve method)0.180 ± .005inches BTDC
Injection timingEngine timing (static timed - drop valve method)0.205 ± .005inches BTDC
Injection timingFuel injection timing0degrees TDC
Injection timingFuel injection timing12degrees BTDC
PressureCompression pressure427psiat 200 rpm
PressureCompression pressure limit of difference between cylinders47.2psiat 200 rpm
PressureFuel inlet pressure2.5 to 3.5psipositive fuel supply
PressureInjector pressure1920 +71/-0psi
PressureInjector pressure2417 - 2489psi
PressureLow oil pressure switch opening5-10psi
PressureOperating oil pressure (engine hot)50 - 60psiengine hot
ResistanceGlow plug resistance1.1 to 1.2ohms
SpeedGenerator speed for 50 Hz1500rpmfull-load
SpeedGenerator speed for 60 Hz1800rpmno-load
TemperatureHigh exhaust temperature switch opens260-270°F
TemperatureHigh water temperature switch opens210°F
TorqueConnecting rod cap59-65lb-ft
TorqueCrankshaft pulley nut253-289lb-ft
TorqueCylinder head bolts85-89lb-ftcold engine
TorqueCylinder head boltsDo Not Torquecold engine
TorqueEngine mounts23-34lb-ft
TorqueFlywheel112-118lb-ft
TorqueFlywheel130-145lb-ft
TorqueGlow plug7-11lb-ft
TorqueInjection pipe flare nut18-22lb-ft
TorqueInjection pump gear29-52lb-ft
TorqueInjector to head12-17lb-ftper bolt, tightened evenly
TorqueInjector to head43-51lb-ft
TorqueMain bearing cap72-77lb-ft
TorqueMain bearing cap80-85lb-ft
TorqueOil pan bolts12-17lb-ft
TorqueOil pan bolts14-19lb-ft
TorqueRocker arm assembly14-19lb-ft
TorqueRocker arm assembly80-85lb-ft
TorqueThermostat housing5.8-8.0lb-ft
TorqueThermostat housing6-8lb-ft
Valve clearanceExhaust valve clearance0.014inchesengine cold
Valve clearanceIntake and exhaust valve clearance0.012inchesengine cold
Valve clearanceIntake valve clearance0.012inchesengine cold
VoltageAlternator output voltage13.5 and 14.5voltsengine running

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Recommended fluids

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
Coolant50% antifreeze and 50% distilled waterAntifreeze containing Supplemental Cooling Additives (SCAs); specified for diesel engines10.88 LSystem capacity (fresh water) 11.5 qts (10.88 liters) for 20/25 kW; 8.5 qts (8.04 liters) for 32 kW. Premix before pouring into cooling circuit.
Engine oilSAE 15W-40 or SAE 10W-40API classification CF, CF-4, CG-4, CH-4 or CI-4 or better6.15 LSump capacity (not including filter) 6.5 U.S. Qts (6.15 liters) plus filter/cooler assembly for 20/25 kW; 6.3 U.S. qts (6.0 liters) for 32 kW. Not including filter.
FuelNo. 2-D diesel fuelSAE J313; cetane rating of 45 or higher; ASTM D975Do not use kerosene or home heating fuel.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Procedures

12
Drive Belt Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Never check or adjust the drive belt's tension while the engine is in operation.

  1. Remove the belt guard.
  2. Loosen the alternator adjusting strap bolt and the base mounting bolt.
  3. With the belt loose, inspect for wear, cracks, and frayed edges.
  4. Pivot the alternator on the base mounting bolt to loosen or tighten.
  5. Tighten the base mounting bolt and the adjusting strap bolt.
  6. Operate the generator about 5 minutes, shut down and recheck belt tension.
  7. Replace the guard.
Valve Clearance Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Adjust the valve clearance when the engine is cold.

Tools: Feeler gauge, Wrenches

  1. Retorque the cylinder head bolts before adjusting valves.
  2. Pull off the air breather pipe, remove rocker cover bolts and rocker cover.
  3. Position No. 1 piston at TDC on its compression stroke; adjust valves #1, 2, 3 and 6.
  4. Position No. 4 piston at TDC on its compression stroke; adjust valves #4, 5, 7 and 8.
  5. Valves are numbered 1 to 8 from the front of the engine to the back.
  6. Set each valve to 0.012 inch (0.3 mm) with a feeler gauge while the engine is cold.
Testing the Alternator diagnostic

⚠ A failed alternator can become very hot; do not touch until cooled.

⚠ Do not use a high voltage tester (e.g. Megger) on the alternator charging circuit.

Tools: Multimeter

  1. Start the engine.
  2. After a few minutes, measure starting battery voltage at the battery terminals with a multimeter on DC volts.
  3. Voltage should be increasing toward 14 volts; if so, alternator is working.
  4. If voltage remains around 12 volts, stop engine and inspect all wiring and connections.
  5. Check battery voltage with ignition on and engine off; should be 12 to 13 volts.
  6. Check voltage between alternator B+ output and ground with engine running; should be 13.5 to 14.5 volts.
  7. If only battery voltage at B+, check for 12 volts DC excitation at the EXC terminal and trace wiring.
Bleeding (Priming) the Fuel System - 20.0 KW and 25.0 KW maintenance

⚠ Glow plugs are energized during preheat bleeding; do not overheat them.

  1. Open the bleed screw on the filter housing one or two turns.
  2. Energize the preheat switch for 10-20 seconds, or slowly depress and release the primer pump.
  3. Force air out through the bleed point until all air is expelled.
  4. Tighten the bleed screw.
  5. Repeat preheat or primer pumping to purge air between filter housing and injection pump.
Bleeding (Priming) the Fuel System - 32.0 KW maintenance

Tools: Wrench, Towels

  1. Open the bleed screw on top of the fuel filter.
  2. Unscrew the knob on the fuel feed pump; the cylinder will pop up.
  3. Work the priming pump with full strokes until free of air bubbles.
  4. Close the bleed screw.
  5. Disconnect the fuel return hose, place towels, and pump until clear fuel discharges.
  6. Reconnect the return line and work the pump a few more strokes.
  7. Start the engine and check/correct any leaks.
  8. If running is unstable, loosen each injector high-pressure line 1/2 to a full turn to expel air, then retighten.
Changing the Fuel Filter (20.0 KW and 25 KW) maintenance

⚠ The cartridge contains fuel; take care not to spill it during disassembly.

Tools: Filter wrench, Rag

  1. Shut the fuel supply off.
  2. Loosen the fuel filter turning counterclockwise with a filter wrench.
  3. Wipe clean the sealing face on the housing bracket.
  4. Lightly oil the sealing o-ring on the new filter.
  5. Turn filter clockwise until the o-ring contacts the sealing surface, then turn 2/3 further.
  6. Turn on the fuel and start the engine; prime the system if it fails to start.
Changing the Fuel Filter (32.0 KW) maintenance

Tools: Container

  1. Shut off the fuel supply.
  2. Open the bleed screw on top of the filter and drain the bowl.
  3. Close the drain and unscrew the bolt securing the bowl; bowl and filter drop down.
  4. Clean the base and install a new sealing ring squarely in the base recess.
  5. Replace the upper sealing ring and the o-ring in the filter head.
  6. Install the new filter element and re-install the retaining bolt.
  7. Bleed the air from the filter assembly.
Changing the Raw Water Pump Impeller maintenance

⚠ If any vanes have broken off, find them to prevent blockage in the cooling circuit; they are often in the heat exchanger.

Tools: Two small screwdrivers

  1. Close the raw water intake valve.
  2. Remove the pump cover.
  3. Carefully pry the impeller out of the pump with two small screwdrivers.
  4. Install the new impeller and gasket, moving blades to conform to the curved cam plate.
  5. Apply a thin coating of lubricant to the impeller and gasket.
  6. Open the raw water intake valve.
Engine Oil and Filter Change maintenance

⚠ Used engine oil contains harmful contaminants; avoid prolonged skin contact.

Tools: Filter wrench

  1. Run engine until warm, then shut down.
  2. Discharge used oil through the sump drain hose; replace hose in bracket and cap securely.
  3. Remove the old oil filter; confirm the rubber sealing gasket comes off with it.
  4. Wipe the filter sealing surface on the engine block free of oil.
  5. Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil to the new filter gasket.
  6. Screw the filter on and tighten firmly by hand; do not over-tighten.
  7. Fill with new oil to, but not over, the high mark on the dipstick.
  8. Run engine and check oil pressure and for leaks around filter and drain.
Lay-Up and Recommissioning maintenance

⚠ Do not leave old engine oil in the sump over the lay-up period.

  1. Drain all engine oil, replace the oil filter and fill sump with new oil.
  2. Top off fuel tank with No. 2D diesel and add fuel additives; change filter/water separator element.
  3. Flush raw water circuit with fresh water then antifreeze solution.
  4. Remove raw water pump impeller; store it and replace cover with a new gasket.
  5. Check and clean or replace zinc anode; clear zinc debris from heat exchanger.
  6. For long lay-up (12 months or more), remove glow plugs and squirt oil into cylinders.
  7. Rotate crankshaft by hand two revolutions and re-install glow plugs.
  8. At recommissioning, install impeller, reconnect batteries, check zinc anode and start engine.
Replacing the Thermostat maintenance
  1. Remove the cap screws and disassemble the thermostat housing.
  2. Apply a thin coat of sealant on both sides of the new gasket.
  3. Press the gasket into place and install the new thermostat.
  4. Reassemble the housing; do not over-tighten the cap screws.
  5. Run the engine and check for normal temperature and no leaks.
Starting Procedure operation

⚠ Prolonged cranking can fill the exhaust system with raw water and damage the engine.

  1. Complete prestart inspection and switch all AC loads OFF.
  2. Depress PREHEAT: approx. 10 seconds at +41°F (+5°C) or higher.
  3. Preheat approx. 15 seconds from +41°F (+5°C) to +23°F (-5°C).
  4. Preheat approx. 20 seconds at +23°F (-5°C) or lower; limit continuous use 30 seconds before cranking.
  5. While holding PREHEAT, depress START to engage the starter solenoid.
  6. Release START when engine starts; hold PREHEAT until oil pressure reaches 15 psi.
  7. Check gauges for oil pressure and battery charging voltage.
  8. Warm engine 5 to 10 minutes to 140-150°F (60-66°C) before applying heavy loads.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Voltage reconnection

VoltagePhaseConnectionLeadsNotes
120single phase120V - 60 HzBE single phase, 20 KW BED shown
120/240single phase120/240V - 60 HzJumper required for 120V - 60 Hz
190three phaseParallel Wye (Star), L-L 190 VAC 3-phase 50 Hz; L-N 110 VAC 1-phaseTwelve wire reconnectable
208three phaseParallel Wye (Star), L-L 208 VAC 3-phase 60 Hz; L-N 120 VAC 1-phaseTwelve wire reconnectable
230single phase230V - 50 Hz
230three phaseSeries Delta, 230 VAC 3-phase 50 Hz; L2, L3-N 115 VAC 1-phaseSix wire reconnectable
240three phaseSeries Delta, 240 VAC 3-phase 60 Hz; L2, L3-N 120 VAC 1-phaseSix wire reconnectableRepositioning of ground lead from neutral to generator housing
240three phaseSeries Delta, L-L 240 VAC 3-phase 60 HzTwelve wire reconnectableSeries Delta requires a jumper on the regulator board between terminal B and 0
380three phaseSeries Wye (Star), L-L 380 VAC 3-phase 50 Hz; L-N 230 VAC 1-phaseTwelve wire reconnectable
480three phaseSeries Wye (Star), L-L 480 VAC 3-phase 60 Hz; L-N 265 VAC 1-phaseTwelve wire reconnectable

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Common questions

Which generators use the Westerbeke 82B Four engine?

The Westerbeke 82B Four powers 2 generator set(s), including Westerbeke 20.0 BED, Westerbeke 25.0 BED.