Pre-purchase – 1997 6CTA8.3M – advice?

[Tony]

Hi all

Next week I am getting a pre-purchase survey done on a boat in Australia. This will be my first boat… so it is a big leap!

It is a 1997 Riviera 39 with twin Cummins 6CTA8.3M – just over 900 hours. I have some service records from the broker for the past few years, but it is not comprehensive.

It is due for a service and there is no record of the cooling system being done in the past few years.

I am getting a hull and engine survey test done with sea trial. It has Flow Scan fitted.

I am after suggestions about what to look for, what to test and anything else you guys have for me. I have told the survey guy that we will only do oil samples if it gets the nod from his other inspections and taking it for a run.

Pictures are not great, but they are all I have of the engine room.

Thanks in advance !

Tony

Topic

[Tony]

Hi again

On that note – with the boat about 800nm from me, the first shakedown voyage will be a good one…!

I will be getting a major service done.

With money not being unlimited (is it ever??!) – what are my priorities?

– seawater pump bench service?
– heat exchanger – to what degree?
– aftercooler – is a new core the way to go?
– is there a hose and clamp kit for CPL1929?

US-AUD exchange rate is a killer at the moment… 🙁

Thanks heaps

Tony

[Tony]

Hi Rob – thanks again for the info!

Much appreciated.

Hopefully things go ok for me!

I will be in touch once I get a service quote.

Cheers

Tony

[Rob Schepis]

Starboard pump in the video looks like it was replaced (wasn’t this the thread that said that anytime work is done the mechanic paints where needed? guess that doesn’t apply to pumps). The link I sent you had an article as to Sherwood pump failures and why the SMX pump was born. Only way to know what you really have is to put them on a bench and go through them. Anything else is a roll of the dice.

A prop guy needs to evaluate the props. If the metal is good and the props have not already been “re-worked to the max” then you should be good with a re-pitch and not need replacement.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Tony

[Tony]

And here is a better look at the water pump and fuel pump.

Cheers

Tony

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BFDYEpaCn0-Q6s_w4xwN3xepxzJfhdz7/view?usp=drivesdk

[Tony]

Thanks Rob.

Thanks for the info!

Apologies for my ignorance, but a couple of questions :

– does the boat need new water pumps do you think?
– is the prop issue about new props? Or re-pitching?

Cheers

Tony

[Rob Schepis]

tonus7272 wrote:

Reached 2600 revs on WOT run. just over 27 kts GPS and Floscan showing 26GPH……1930 revs was 18kts 12.6GPH

She needs to be propped down to see 2,700-2,725 and then those GPH numbers should come down to in spec range, with exception of the “hump” speeds and slow plane where she’s struggling to stay on top.

[Rob Schepis]

tonus7272 wrote:

Water and fuel pumps.

There’s that upside down pump … there is an SMX replacement:

https://www.sbmar.com/product/smx-1722-seawater-pump/

[Tony]

1930 revs was 18kts 12.6GPH

Cheers

Tony

[Tony]

Reached 2600 revs on WOT run. just over 27 kts GPS and Floscan showing 26GPH….

Cheers

Tony

[Tony]

Water and fuel pumps.

[Tony]

Hi Rob – thanks mate.

[Rob Schepis]

tonus7272 wrote:

Third time lucky Tony !

45395393

There you go, here’s the dataplate

1 user thanked author for this post.

Tony

[Tony]

Engine manual onboard for 6CTAM2

[Tony]

Third time lucky Tony !

45395393

[Tony Athens]

Not a good number.. Look at what Cummins says.

Tony

[Tony]

Hi Tony

I found another record with the port engine number.

Does this one compute?

Thanks

Tony K

Port engine number – 45393393 built sep 96

[Tony]

Hi Tony

it is about a 2 hour flight – one of the factors making this purchase a bit trickier !

I will be all over it on Monday though and will be great to get your thoughts

Cheers

Tony

[Tony Athens]

How far are you from the vessel?……..If you spend 1-2 hours on the boat with a camera, know how yo use it, and then take 30-40 good pics showing everything from all angles & perspectives , “put my eyes on this boat”, send them to me a Rob Schepis direct in high res, between the 2 of us, we’ll tell you more that any surveyor will.. Realize all he uses his his eyes too, and for sure, they do not compare..

Tony

[Tony]

Hi Tony – thanks again.

Really glad I found your site and this forum. I first looked at your page as I read somewhere about the recommended pump upgrade you offer, soooooo much more info here than just that!

I am pretty nervous about taking the leap and your input is fantastic.

Cheers

Tony

[Tony Athens]

When those engines left the factory, they were “World Class” for that vintage. Their condition today will depend on my concerns.. So, thumbs-up based on what they were 23 yrs ago.

What is wrong with this situation is that no typical survey will address what really matters..That’s what is sad. But that is the same for all the older boats with engines of this type–SWAC high performance marine diesel engines in the 60 HP / liter class. And even if only 5-10 yrs old, the exact same issues would be the same or apply… In 99% of the cases, it’s all about “Marine Age”, Exhaust design, and how the engines have been propped since new……………..Now add the “Nut Behind the Wheel” to the equation..

Find a surveyor that has a clue what these 3 things really mean, and then go from there..

Horse Power: Does not matter–Prop to 430 BHP at 2725-2750 RPM and you’ll be safe..

Tony

[Author]

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