Cummins 6CTA8.3M4 shutting off/complete loss of power

[James Hall]

Looking for any advice on where to go to solve an intermittent engine shut off issue

Both engines will shut off while running. A complete loss of power. It is intermittent. Sometimes it can take several minutes and in one case, about 5 minutes to start again. Sometimes, it will start right away

Topic

[Will Otto]

In my case, it was only the one engine. I replaced both switches. But it happened while I was up on plane cruising. I knew I had an issue since the light on my control did not illuminate.

[James Hall]

I have electronic controls as well, with start run switches too. Did both of your engines shut down at the same time? Where both switches bad?

[Will Otto]

James,

Just a thought since I went through a similiar issue. If you have them, make sure your Start/Run Switches are in good shape. I had one go bad. My switch is a MOMENTARY ON — ON — OFF.

I have electronic controls so if the controls do not see voltage from the switch it goes into some sort of “limp mode”. I changed the switch and it solved my issue.

Good luck!

Will

[James Hall]

sorry for all the novice questions about this intermittent engine shut off issue I am having, Im just having a tough time finding somebody to hire to solve this for me, and I am certainly not going to figure it out by myself. But I do appreciate the input, for this forum has given me more insights into this issue than others I have tried to hire thus far. To clarify things: both of my engines shut off 100% at the same , and have no power to them after this . all my electronics etc stay on. On one occasion, my windlass also didnt have power, but Im not sure about the other times since I was offshore. I also have no fire supression system. The twin cummins are in a 2003 riviera 40ft. Do you think a general marine electrician can solve this?

[Rob Schepis]

Having twin engines in this case with the issue happening to both engines at the same time is a big leap in diagnosing this ….. but obviously not for “Cummins” based on that quote you posted from them. Sad. For sure the issue is “off-engine” in your DC distribution. How about the fire suppression system as Joe suggested above? Has that been looked at and ruled out?

[Tony Athens]

I have been to every Cummins school they offer, and no Cummins tech will solve your issue based on what they teach at a Cummins school . This IS NOT a CUMMINS engine issue–This is a BOAT DC power distribution issue ( in simple terms——-How the engine and boat is wired & all is “hooked” together)..

Spend some time and study this.. You may need to hire someone to redo your boat wiring if this is above your pay grade..

[James Hall]

HI Tony

this is what cummins said

James, Multiple things could cause shut down and power loss to those engines. Sounds like a sensor or wiring issue since it is intermittent. Has it shut down with any fault codes? You may need to have a Cummins technician thoroughly look over all the wiring on these engines and test each sensor also test the computers. Its hard to tell without a code what could be causing this issue.

[Tony Athens]

100% electrical…..

1) Obviously, your engines talk to each other, and it appears, they also talk with the house wiring
Both of these are a 100% NO-NO in my book.

2) How soon do you want to re-wire your complete DC power distribution system and have a reliable set of “energize to run” diesel engines?

Tony

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James Hall

[James Hall]

the times the engines abruptly shut off, it happened while crusing at low rpm(less than 8000, or in neutral/idle. It has never happened while crusing(1400-2300). One time, I also had loss of power to my windlass at the same time

[Joe Witt]

I would look at your fire suppression system

[James Hall]

Hi Tony

Thank you for the reply. It is sudden shut of of both engines at the same time. A complete loss of power. When it restarts, it starts normal, no cranking or anything. Unfortunately, This is an intermittent problem. Sometimes when the engines shut down, i can start them right away, and other times it can take up to 5 minutes to get any power tot he ignition switch on the bridge. Something is shutting down the engines. It occurs random. Could be hours into a trip, a day or shorter

[Tony Athens]

How fast is the shut down–a second or 2, or 15-30 seconds +?

When it restarts,——easy to start or you have to crank a lot?

Post pics of the entire engine install showing all?

History of the engines operation over the past year or so?

[Author]

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