Beta Marine BetaGen 10, Installation Manual, Page: 80 / 116

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Problem: Engine overheats - general
Possible Cause Solution
Check coolant level: Top up.
Pressure cap loose: Tighten correctly or replace.
Switch sender faulty: Replace.
Insufficient restrictions in pipe to calorifier: Clamp off pipe to confirm.
High exhaust back pressure: Must not exceed the information given in ‘Exhaust Back
Pressure’ in the installation section.
Problem: Engine overheats - keel & radiator cooled
Commonly overheating is caused by:
(a) Not fully venting the engine cooling system of air. It is necessary to remove all air from the cooling system -
including the ‘skin’ (radiator) tank/s and (if fitted) the Calorifier and associated piping.
(b) Keel cooled, are the vessels skin tank/s adequately sized for using maximum engine power on fast flowing
rivers or estuaries?
NB:
Skin tanks originally intended for canal use only may be sized with the vessel being over propped and not using
maximum engine output as part of the calculation. Should this be the case, an additional or enlarged skin tank may
be required if maximum output is required. For further information please visit: www.betamarine.co.uk
Problem: Engine overheats - heat exchanger cooled
The most common cause of overheating is insufficient seawater flow due to a blocked intake. If this happens first clear
the debris, causing the blockage. If the problem is not cured then check the system for sea water flow which should
be 13 - 14 litres/minute minimum at 1,500 rpm.
(a) With the vessel moored run the generating set engine. Hold an appropriate container under the exhaust outlet for
10 seconds and measure the amount of water collected*. Multiply this value by 6 to give the flow in litres/minute.
Repeat twice and take an average. If the flow rate is noticeably less than the 13 - 14 litres/minute minimum, then:
(b) Check the impeller within the sea water pump - if worn replace.
(c) If any pieces of rubber impeller are missing then they must be located as they are most likely to be trapped in
the entrance to, or within the heat exchanger cooling stack.
(d) Check flow again as in (a).
*NB: This operation must only be done in safe conditions, in port with assistance. Always use appropriate personal
protective equipment, risk assess handling hot water and exposure to exhaust gas emissions.