Westerbeke 50 - Operation; Preparation for First Start

OPERATION
PREPARATION FOR FIRST START
The engine is shipped "dry" ••• with lubricating oil drained from
the crankcase and fluid from the transmission. Therefore, be sure to
fOllow these recommended procedures carefully before starting the
engine for the first time.
1. Remove oil filler cap and fill oil sump with heavy duty,
diesel lubricating oil to the highest mark on the dipstick. See table
under Maintenance for an approved lubricating oil. Do not overfill.
Select an approved grade from the listing and continue to use it.
2. Fill the reverse gear to the highest mark on the dipstick with
TYPE A transmission fluid. Do not overfill. Refer to the
Transmission Section of this manual for details.
Engine oil is not recommended because it can foam, and it can con-
tain additives harmful to some transmissions.
If the engine is equipped with a V-drive, fill to the full mark on
the dipstick with the recommended lubricant specified on the data tag
on the V-drive housing.
3. Fill fresh water cooling system with a 50-50 antifreeze solu-
tion only after opening all petcocks and plugs until all entrapped air
is expelled.
Fill surge tank to within one inch of the top. Check this level
after engine has run for a few minutes. If trapped air is released,
the water level may have dropped. If so, refill tank to within one
inch of top and replace filler cap.
4. Ensure battery water level is at least 3/8" above the battery
plates and battery is fully charged so that it is capable of the extra
effort that may be required on the first start.
5. Fill fuel tank with clean diesel fuel oil~ No. 2 diesel fuel
oil is recommended. The use of No. 1 is permissible but No. 2 is pre-
ferred because of its higher lubricant content.
NOTE: I f there is no filter in the filler of the, fuel tank, the
recommended procedure is to pour the fuel through a funnel of 200 mesh
wire screen.
6. Fill grease cup on the sea water pump, if present, with a good
grade of water pump grease.
FUEL SYSTEM
The fuel injection system of a compression ignition engine depends
upon very high fuel pressure during the injection stroke to function
correctly. Relatively tiny movements of the pumping plungers produce
this pressure and, if any air is present inside the high pressure
line, then this air acts as a cushion and prevents the correct
pressure, and therefore fuel injection, from being achieved.
In consequence, it is essential that all air is bled from" the
system whenever any part of the system has been opened for repair or
servicing.
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