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Vessel Name: LISA MARIE
Engines: 600 HP CUMMINS QSC 8.3 HO
Location: OCEAN CITY, NEW JERSEY
Country: USA
Diesel novice here, that is in third year of ownership of twin diesels on a 36FT express. The engines ran flawless all summer, and on the last run to the winter storage facility, which also built the custom express. Had 1000 hour service performed on pair of 2008 Cummins QSC 8.3 600 HO engines by factory techs. Complete heat exchanger dismantle and pressure test. One week prior, storage yard changed Racors and in-line fuel spin on filters. I was present at the time of the filter change, and Racors were primed, but in-line filters were not primed, “per Cummins recommendations”. Factory Tech re-assembled engines and sea trial was arranged. Tech was informed new filters were installed. Boat was dropped in the water for sea trial, with myself, Tech, and yard personnel in attendance. Port engine was difficult to start, but after 12-15 cycles of “key switch prime”, engine started. Starboard engine would not start after 15-20 cycles, and bleeding of lines by Tech. Long story short, starboard engine required new fuel pump??? Am I off base thinking that priming the engines this way may have contributed to the failure of the fuel pump? Again, engines were running fine all season, but a change of fuel filters and 1000 hour service and heat exchanger, sea water pump, gear oil cooler, after-cooler, etc. check results in a new fuel pump required? Thanks for your input.
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There is not, but there is a very good picture showing your “on-engine fuel maze”.. Understand this and installing a “squeeze bulb” priming system is the key to simple priming.
Tony
Ron,
It’s really hard to comment on the “whole job” as to how the services were performed or what they should cost.. We have out protocols and methods, & the Cummins School techs have theirs.. I know them both, been to all of the schools, and that’s why we do things the “Seaboard Way” .
But I will say this, if the tech DID NOT remove the “IN” bleed screw” from the “last chance” fuel filter and he tried to prime the engine per the Cummins book, and then loosen the outlet screw to fill the new filter, he has no clue about the fuel system in general this engine has, and does not have much experience besides.. Sad in my book and then charge top $$ for the work.. Running the pump dry for 10+ cycles certainly did not help the pump. I’ll also guess the starter had quite a workout too.
Looking towards the long term—Considered spending some effort in figuring out a way to fresh water flush your engines when at the dock.. Only 1000 hours in 8 yrs tell me your engine spend a lot of time at the dock jut sitting… If you do, then 6-8 yrs from now, your coolers will not even need servicing….
Tony
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