Westerbeke 4.5 BCG - Changing Coolant; Drive Belt Adjustment

COOLING SYSTEM
CHANGING COOLANT
The engine's cooiant must be changed according to the
MAJNlENANCE SCHEDULE. If the coolant is allowed to
become contaminated, it can lead to overheating problems.
A CAUTION: Proper cooling syst9111 maintenance is
critical; a substantial number of engine failures can be
traced bat:k to coo/Ing syst,em corrosion.
Drain. the e11gine coolant by removing the ~ plug on the
engine block and opening the manifold pressure cap. Flush
the system with fresh water, then reinstall the drain and start
the refill process.
NOTE: The drain petcock on the heat exchanger should also
be used to help drain engine coolant. ·
A WARNJNG: .Bewate of the hot engine coolant.
Wear protective gloves.
Refilling the Coolant
After replacing the engine block drain plug, close the heat
exchanger~s-c_oolant petcock. Then run the engine at idle and
slowly pour clean, premixed coolant into the manifold.
Monitor the coolant in the manjfold and add as needed. Fill
the manifold to the filler neck and install the manifold
pressure cap.
Remove the cap on the coolant recovery tank and fill with
coolant mix to halfway between LOW and MAX and replace
the cap. Run the engine and observe the coolant expansion
flow into the recovery tank.
After checking for leaks, stop the engine and allow it to cool.
Coolant should draw back into the cooling system as the
engine cools down. Add coolant to the recovery tank if
needed and check the coolant in the manifold. Gean up any
spilled coolant.
DRIVE BELT ADJUSTMENT
For your safety, Weste:rbeke generator models come equipped
with belt guards that cover over the belt(s) on the front of the
engine. ("Out of sight -out of mind." The belt guard is NOT
installed for that purpose.) Operators are advised that proper
inspection, service, and maintenance is required.
Drive beltS must be properly tensioned. Loose drive belts
will not provide proper alternator charging and will eventu-
ally damage the alternator. Drive belts that are too tight will
pull the alternator out of alignment and/or cause the alterna-
tor to wear ont prematurely. Excessive drive belt tension can
also cause rapid wear of the belt and reduce the service life
of th~~ water pump's bearing. A slack belt or the pres-
ence of oil on· the belt can cause belt slipping, resulting in
high operating temperatures.
The· drive belt is properly adjusted if the belt can be deflected
no less than 3/8 inch (lOmm) and no more than 1/2 inch
(12mm) as the belt is depressed with the thumb at the mid-
point between the two pulleys on the longest span of the belt.
. A spare belt or belts should always be carried on board.
A WARNING: NeWll attempt to t:heck or ad/usttbe
dtlre belt's tension while the engine Is la apBtBllan.
GOVERNOR
FRESHWATER
· PUMP PULLEY
Adjusting Ben Tension
L Remove the belt guard. FRONT CRANKSl-JAFT PULLEY
2. Loosen the alternator adjusting strap bolt and the base
mounting bolt.
3. With the belt loose, inspect for wear, cracks, and ftayed
edges.
4. Pivot the altematOr on the base mounting bolt to the left
or right as required, to loosen or tighten.
5. Tighten the base mounting bolt and the adjusting strap
bolt.
6. Operate the generator for about 5 minutes then·shut down
and recheck the belt tension.
7. Replace the guard.
Engines & Generaters
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