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- Cummins Marine Forum Topics
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External alternator regulator
This topic has 11 replies, has 6 voices, and was last updated by
8 months ago February 10, 2021 at 10:33 am Is it advisable to have an external regulator on the alternator (19SI) to deliver a much better charge profile for my AGMs? I’ve read quite a bit of literature from different manufacturers, and the Balmar MC-614 looks like a good unit, but some objective advise would be welcome at this point. It’s also unclear to me how complicated it would be to hook up the MC-614 to my 19SI alternators. My setup is twin 6BTAs w/ 19SI alternators …
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in: Cummins Marine Engines
11 RepliesSeptember 14, 2023 at 6:41 pm I have the stock Delco 22SI/160A alternator on my 2018 QSB. I have read the above comments and a few articles on the subject of voltage regulation for better battery charging. My current use is 4 to 5 hour runs, a 10 hour periodically. That may change in a year if we do the ICW/Loop so much more frequent and longer runs. I have 960Amp hr AGMs. A few questions : 1. Would it make sense to get a smart alternator for my future use case?Ā 2. Externa…Last Post by:
posted: 8 months ago
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Sherwood M71 impeller replacement interval
This topic has 5 replies, has 4 voices, and was last updated by
1 year ago
April 9, 2020 at 2:07 pm I have the M71 pump on my 2004 6bt 220hp Since there is not an SMX pump for that model. Due to Covid I am on the boat Full time and operating the boat daily 2-8 hours usually at only 1200-1600 rpm to save fuel. I would normally change the impeller annually with about 150ish hours, but this year will likely see many more hours than that. The current impeller was new in November and now has about 250 hours. (Impellers and new pump purchased from S…
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in: Cummins Marine Engines
5 RepliesMarch 27, 2023 at 7:03 pm Boating experts recommend the best time to replace the boat impeller is every 100 to 300 operating hours or every three years. The replacement cycle for the impeller is also based on the frequency of use and the condition of the water. You have to replace the boat impeller soon if there are signs of damage or deterioration, such as melted rubber, bends, cracks, and other deformities.Last Post by:
posted: 1 year ago
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Pencil Zinc Install
This topic has 19 replies, has 12 voices, and was last updated by
2 years ago
May 8, 2017 at 9:21 am In an effort to not ignore the basics, I’m posting these tips on replacing zincs. The aftercooler and heat exchanger zinc cap threads are 1/2″npt and the gear cooler zincs caps are 3/8″npt.Ā Having taps of each size in your “zinc kit” is a good idea so you can chase those threads clean.Ā Thread the new pencils onto your caps and snug them up you do not want them coming lose and banging up the tube ends of your coole…
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19 RepliesApril 27, 2022 at 5:44 pm I will chime in also. I Rectorseal #5Ā the zinc threads themselves.Ā Ā Then I use pliers or a vise and a wrench to tighten the zinc into the cap.Ā Ā Snug firmly onlyĀ asĀ the smaller ones can be weak and break if overtightened. Seals the threads so they are protected fromĀ the seawaterĀ Ā so they do not degrade, at least not untill the rest of the zinc is gone.Ā Ā That way they do not fall out of the cap. IĀ then rectorseal the cap threadsĀ for th…Last Post by:
posted: 2 years ago
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Aftercooler pressure tester
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This topic has 24 replies, has 11 voices, and was last updated by
2 years ago November 9, 2019 at 12:39 pm So after cleaning the aftercooler core I wanted to pressure test it for leaks before assembling the aftercooler. I saw a picture of the way Seaboard tests them but I wanted something I could hook up quickly since I have 2 aftercoolers to test. I thought I would share my cheap and easy design . ABS 4″ pipe with a 5″x4″ reducer, end caps, with one end tapped with a female air fitting and valve so I can regulate the air pressure.…
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February 21, 2022 at 12:16 pm I tested to 25 PSI with air, per a lot of recommendations on this site.Ā
24 Replies
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posted: 2 years ago
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6BTA oil pan gasket change in boat
This topic has 7 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by
2 years ago
October 10, 2021 at 11:03 am I have an oil leak on the front end of the motor where the oil pan bolts to the block. I am wondering if the pan can be dropped in the boat and a new gasket installed. At the rear of the pan I have 3″ from the bilge to the bottom of the pan and the distance increases towards the front of the motor. Looking for feed back on if that is enough room to drop the pan in the boat? Will post pictures.
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in: Cummins Marine Engines
7 RepliesOctober 11, 2021 at 11:39 am Hello Tom, Yes, it is a 2000 Nordic Tug 37. I did tighten several of the pan bolts in that area but unfortunately it did not make a difference. The leak is not horrible but If I can solve it I would be happier. Thanks for the reply! LeeLast Post by:
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6bta 5.9 – what engine oil?
This topic has 2 replies, has 2 voices, and was last updated by
2 years ago
October 11, 2021 at 8:49 am I’ve searched high and low – can’t find the oil spec for this engine but I have seen the capacity recommendations. What oil should I be using – viscosity and brand? Synth or non synth? –Kevin
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2 RepliesOctober 11, 2021 at 11:20 am Tom – extremely helpful – thanks much. –KevinLast Post by:
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oil change
This topic has 2 replies, has 2 voices, and was last updated by
2 years ago
September 8, 2021 at 4:41 am what if I forgot to change oil filter befor changing oil. Can I do it afterwards, or does that affect the amount of new oil to the engine ?
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in: Cummins Marine Engines
2 RepliesSeptember 8, 2021 at 12:28 pm Thank you very much for this – I have new filters and will instal them. I was afraid the oil might all leak out if I did the filter change afterwards. But as I can read from your text – there is no danger.Last Post by:
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oil change
This topic has 2 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by
2 years ago September 8, 2021 at 4:55 am we have a Cummins 6BT509 Marine engine in our boat. We just changed the oil, and only got 7,5 liters on it. We had expected it to take between 12 an 14 liters. Is this normal. (We did not change the oil filter).?
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2 RepliesSeptember 8, 2021 at 8:42 am I agree. Do not overfill the oil. There is a good article under Tony’s Tips here on the site regarding oil in the Cummins 6BT(A) 5.9 L engine and how much oil to put in, remarking the dipstick, etc. It sounds like you were not able to completely drain the engine. How did you “get the oil out”? Did you drain from the lowest point (drain plug) either into a container or the bilge? Did you use a “built in” oil change p…Last Post by:
posted: 2 years ago
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Air vs. Water Pressure Test
This topic has 2 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by
2 years ago July 27, 2021 at 8:19 pm I’m pressure testing the water side/ core of my aftercoolers in their housing with air to check for leaks. I know Tony recommends 25 PSI, but I believe that’s for water. Any recommendation for PSI and time to maintain pressure using air? They’re holding 20 PSI for 15 min and slowly dropping to 15 PSI over 30 min. Thanks!
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in: Cummins Marine Engines
2 RepliesJuly 29, 2021 at 2:00 pm I had this almost exact problem. I followed Rob’s advise and totally submerged my aftercooler with test system (under 20 psi pressure) in a large garbage can filled with water. It soon became very apparent where my leaks in the testing setup were. I attached a photo showing failed attempts to locate the leak using shaving cream. The water method worked way better. After dealing with those test equip. leaks, my test lasted overnight with no…Last Post by:
posted: 2 years ago
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Fresh water flush with engine off.
This topic has 11 replies, has 8 voices, and was last updated by
2 years ago May 23, 2020 at 8:23 am I was just reading a comment Tony made about being able to flush the engine when off with the right exhaust. My exhaust is thru the bottom of the hull. So water is introduced in a shower ring just before it exits the boat. So water running simply falls out. Iām removing my fuel cooler, installing a 115 degree pump exit and was going to run a hose down to bypass the cooler (6CTA8.3) Now Iām thinking this would be the perfect spot to install a hos…
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in: Cummins Marine Engines
11 RepliesJuly 1, 2021 at 9:07 am My set up is fantastic! Very simple and only take a couple of minutes (by myself) to flush with the engines off. Its so simple to do, I flush these engines every time I start a motor. I can do this because (as you can see in the pictures I posted) my exhaust is discharged directly through the bottom of the hull (NO Exhaust lift)(not common) As for yours, its not the exhaust leaving the engine you have to evaluate, it how it gets out of the boat…Last Post by:
posted: 2 years ago
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6BT 5.9-M 220 hp, 1135 hrs, 2002 no service records
This topic has 6 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by
2 years ago May 26, 2021 at 6:28 am I am in the process of purchasing a Nordic Tug 32 with a 5.9M cummins. I have never owned a cummins always had the smaller displacement Volvos and did all my own maintenance. I’m green to this engine but have read many good reviews on it’s durability and longevity if like any engine maintained properly. I will have a full engine survey completed but I would like to know as much about the engine good and bad so I know what to look for…
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6 RepliesMay 28, 2021 at 6:29 am You have a 6BT 5.9 210 AKA “220 Diamond” built new in 2001.. Your engine is living in a very “moist” environment and that is what I’d worry about, not past maintenance.. Valve adjust at 1000 hours and oil changes at 200 hrs max.. Do a gear oil change too.. Probably never been done.. Go thru the seawater side of the ………….20 + years of having seawater sitting in it………Learn …Last Post by:
posted: 2 years ago
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Flow valve for raw water intake
This topic has 3 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by
April 26, 2021 at 4:31 pm I have a 6bta. I pulled off the plate to access the impeller and water is flowing pretty consistently. There is a valve on the bulkhead to control the flow of water to the raw water pump. I have been having a lot of overheating issues. Is it possible the valve isnāt open enough and not allowing enough water to flow into the pump causing the engine to heat up? How would I know how much to open the valve?
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in: Cummins Marine Engines
3 RepliesApril 30, 2021 at 7:14 am I will second firehoser 75’s comment that the valve between the through hull and the raw water pump should be FULLY OPENED any time the engine is running. THe pump needs/must be able to grab all the water it can. It should not be throttled in any way. Unless that valve is doing something else it should be gone. The only valve should be the actual through hull valve for shutting off the water when the engine is not running. As for the re…Last Post by:
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Installing and running Fresh water flush system
This topic has 5 replies, has 4 voices, and was last updated by
3 years ago April 26, 2021 at 12:55 am I have just installed the Seaboard Marine bronze caps with valves onto 2 x engine raw water strainers and 1 x genset strainer. All strainers are GROCO units and the new caps screwed straight on. Unfortunately here in Australia we have different hose fittings to the US and the supplied reducing nipples in the valves assume you will screw on a std hose with crimped on hose end. I had to source some 3/4″ NPT brass nipples that fortunately a…
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5 RepliesApril 28, 2021 at 7:44 am Phil, As far as operating at low rpm, that should not be a problem. Diesels don’t like idling for long periods of time, especially at no load (neutral). Most Nordic Tug owners operate their Cummins diesels at approximately 1/2 throttle while cruising. That equates to 1300-1400 rpm for a speed of about 7-8 knots (hull speed basically). These are mostly turbocharged and aftercooled engines. About every 10-20 hours of operation (we usually do…Last Post by:
posted: 3 years ago
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Envirovent 6BTA 5.9 M2
This topic has 4 replies, has 4 voices, and was last updated by
3 years ago
April 19, 2021 at 11:09 am Recently purchase a ’96 Black Fin 29′ Flybridge… Not necessarily a nautical guy but born/raised in Detroit so got tools for Christmas and birthdays my whole life. We didn’t have cell phones and video games but we had tools and motors if you know what I mean. My point is that my 6BTAs are original and run fine but fill my bilge with the black nastiness call oil leakage. What a mess in a bilge. One engine needs a new ta…
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in: Cummins Marine Engines
4 RepliesApril 21, 2021 at 8:39 am Gents, Thanks so much for the replies! I have read everything Tony has written as part of studying on this venture. In fact, I have read just about as much as I can find re 6BTA Marine configurations. Don’t laugh but that includes the original Cummins manual several times and the parts manual which I bought on line. I have no doubt I’ll be back, again, thank you all!Last Post by:
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6BTA Fuel Cooler Removal
This topic has 8 replies, has 5 voices, and was last updated by
3 years ago April 6, 2021 at 1:51 pm I assume I can leave the oil pressure sensor and fuel/oil block on the motor when doing the fuel cooler removal, right? Plan on just plugging the fuel line holes in the fuel/oil block. Trying to create one less thing to mess with. Thanks
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8 RepliesApril 8, 2021 at 4:27 pm The design of the gear brackets make it almost impossible to get at the 4 bolts. I can re-bend a wrench but then no room to turn it and itās rather short so no leverage. Front mounts not too bad at all, remove engine brackets with mount attached and then reverse process to reassemble. Next time at the boat I will try and get photos to explain better.Last Post by:
posted: 3 years ago
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V Ribbed Belt Lifespan?
This topic has 4 replies, has 4 voices, and was last updated by
3 years ago April 5, 2021 at 9:23 am I just replaced my serpentine belt because I’m second owner of the boat and do not have a record of it ever being changed. It is possible it’s original meaning about 10 years and 1600 hours. The old one had a lot of black dust, but no tears and no obvious cracking. The belt is a 3289056 on a Cummins QSC 8.3. I went ahead and put on the new one for peace of mind (prepping for some extensive cruising this year) even if this was prematu…
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4 RepliesApril 6, 2021 at 6:28 pm Good Pic————–That’s the ways you do it…. Copyright it!Last Post by:
posted: 3 years ago
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Hose ballooning at aftercooler
This topic has 11 replies, has 6 voices, and was last updated by
3 years ago
March 20, 2021 at 8:21 am Went for a 2nd sea trial after completeing a aftercooler, heat exchanger , impeller service, Port engine hose at aftercooler looked like it was going to explode at 2000 rpm starboard side perfect… Does that hose have pressure, i know mechanic used a regular radiator hose
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11 RepliesMarch 22, 2021 at 6:51 am I installed an outboard-style water pressure gauge to monitor impeller condition, but should also indicate any plugging trends in the system. Runs about 5-6 psi at cruise. raw water alarm optionsLast Post by:
posted: 3 years ago
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6BTA Turbo’s With Oil On the Air Side
This topic has 11 replies, has 4 voices, and was last updated by
3 years ago March 14, 2021 at 6:28 pm I am working my way through diagnosing a smoking starboard engine on a 2000 Riviera 36 with 6BTA 330 Diamonds. I can’t pull the aftercoolers until I have my seacock fixed in a months time. However, I have started on the air side by pulling the AirSep filters off. I noticed in the barrel that attaches to the air side of the turbo some oily residue, which I assume is from the crank case breather. However, the two turbo’s look quite …
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11 RepliesMarch 19, 2021 at 1:43 pm Hi Warren, I had no idea you were located in Aus. You do not list any info either in your posts or your “on screen” persona. š Now, it makes sense, and I guess you will have to look for a non-North American made device (heater), maybe even “made in Australia”?? There must be some oil pan heater products that will meet your needs? Good luck.Last Post by:
posted: 3 years ago
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6BTA CCV maintenance procedures
This topic has 3 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by
3 years ago March 17, 2021 at 7:52 am If I suspect that the CCV system is clogged with oil etc. what maintenance procedures are there to clean it out so that it works properly. It’s on a 2000 6BTA.
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3 RepliesMarch 17, 2021 at 2:54 pm Post some good pictures of the Walker system “as installed”–A few angles and of all the hoses.Last Post by:
posted: 3 years ago
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Freshwater flushing, worth the effort?
This topic has 16 replies, has 10 voices, and was last updated by
3 years ago February 23, 2021 at 5:11 am For those sitting on the fence about doing it, I thought I should share this. I just pulled one of my aftercoolers, 16 years old, 3.5 years since last serviced,100% salt water use, freshwater flushed after every use – been flushing since they where new. Pulled the caps and the core slid out without any effort, not one tube was blocked. Pics 1 to 4 taken as it was disassembled, everything still covered in metalube, pics 5 to 9 taken after c…
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in: Cummins Marine Engines
16 RepliesMarch 6, 2021 at 10:10 am And there are still those that do not believe in fresh water flushing & using the proper assembly practices & grease starting from DAY 1 .. Compliments of Bill Fuller ( Yanmar 4LHA 230’S) .. He listened to me 21 yrs ago.Last Post by:
posted: 3 years ago
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External alternator regulator
