Maintenance schedule 6btaM1

[Scott Edson]

I have a new to me 6btaM1. I bought it last October with 3000hr and it has 3900 now.

I have been changing the oil filters and oil every 300hr, and changed the exhaust pump impeller once (m71) but that’s it as far as maintenance.

It is a keel cooled, wet exhaust design, I believe originally done by sbmar many years ago.

I also see a slight oil sheen from the exhaust, not sure if this is normal or not. I probably have to add maybe a quart or two between oil changes to keep it topped up.

I don’t run the engine hard, typical cruise is 1400-1450rpm, wondering if I should give it some rev’s every so often as I’ve been told the turbo needs to be ‘blown out’.

Anyhow, thanks for any responses in advance.

Topic

[Rob Schepis]

Have some engine / engine room pics to post?

Oil filters? More than one?

You mention the impeller, what about the pump itself? Do you know it’s history? Post some good pics of the pump.

https://www.sbmar.com/articles/typical-signs-of-a-sherwood-seawater-or-raw-water-pump-leakage/

Keep the oil topped off? Are you measuring the # of quarts and being sure not to overfill?

https://www.sbmar.com/articles/oil-pan-capacities-for-cummins-marine-engines/

Getting the rpm’s up under load from time to time is a good thing, it will let you know all is up to suff as to WOT throttle rpm’s (prop load) and that your seawater/coolant is operating as it should.

[Author]

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