Westerbeke Glow Plug (Informational)

[Jim lanza]

We have a Westerbeke 5.0 BCDB GenSet in our Albin 40 Sundeck. I've come upon a problem twice in the last week regarding parts. Apparently many (all?) of the Taiwan builders utilized 'European' motors, which have many different parts than the American-built motors.

I had to replace a circuit breaker, built by Carling Switch. The part number was clearly printed on the part, but none of the distributors for Westerbeke or Carling were able to find the part, telling me it didn't exist. I located the correct part from Hansen Marine in Mass. Their parts guy (Steve) realized when I told him that it was a 20 Amp breaker that it was a European part, and was able to provide the exact replacement part. Kudos, to Steve at Hansen.

Well, turns out that the glow plugs (Champion CH-152) all had to be replaced, and yes, they're 'European' as well (Westerbeke part 36961 $ 59.00 each). Champion informed me that the parts were not available in North America (except through Westerbeke apparently for the aforementioned outrageous price of $59.00!). Preferring to buy from an American distributor, I found JEGS, a performance auto parts company. They are able to provide the glow plugs for the paltry( I know, not really) sum of only $ 21.99 each, a grand total of $75.00 with shipping). I know that Westerbeke historically charge exorbitant prices, but that shouldn't keep us from locating the same part at a better price. If you have any 'Hints' on obtaining parts, let us know.

Jim
M/V Encore
Albin 40 Sundeck