[Richard G Cook]

FWIW, I replaced the Sherwood pump in my 37 Nordic Tug’s 6BT 5.9 M3 with an SMX, eight years and 5400 hours ago. With impeller replacements every year or two, it is still working perfectly.

1 user thanked author for this post.

bobandjoank

[Richard G Cook]

FWIW, I replaced the Sherwood in our NT37’s 6BTA 5.9 M3 with an SMX at 1489 hours. Currently at 6163 hours, and still fine. We typically travel at 7-7.5 knots, so not running the engine too hard.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Rob Schepis

[Richard G Cook]

On my 330hp 6BTA 5.9 M3, I replaced the stock 19si alternator with Tony’s 145A version.  Had an alternator shop modify it to use external regulation, and installed a Balmar MaxCharge 614 regulator. The regulator senses both battery temp and alternator temp, and reduces charging output if it needs to to maintain low enough temperature. In extensive use cruising the Inside Passage from WA to  Southeast AK, it charges a total of nine group 31 AGM’s without getting too hot. Has worked like a charm for five summers.

While messing with the alternator, also replaced the bolt holding the idler pulley with Tony’s 7/16″ bolt and spacer kit – well worth doing.

[Richard G Cook]

My boat has a single 6BTA 5.9 M3 330hp, originally with the stock 19SI alternator. My batts are all AGM.

I bought a replacement alternator from Seaboard that fit exactly but put out more amps – 145 amps vs the stock 19SI’s 105 amps. An alternator shop converted the new unit to external regulation ($86). I installed it with the Balmar 614 regulator, including battery and alternator temperature sensors connected to the 614. Works great – much better than the stock setup.

You could wire one existing alternator to charge the start batteries for both engines, and use an upgraded and externally regulated alternator to charge the house battery bank, where it makes more difference. Or you could convert one stock 19SI to external regulation.

I kept my stock 19SI as a spare. If either the upgraded alternator or the Balmar 614 failed, the stock 19SI could be re-installed, reverting to internal regulation until the newer equipment was fixed.

[Richard G Cook]

Hi Mike,

The 90 deree elbow Jack sent me did the trick on my setup. As in the photo in your post 104803.
I did have to turn the banjo bolt where fuel enters the injector block to position that line (gold colored one in my photos) a bit further aft.

[Richard G Cook]

Rob Schepis wrote:

Richard,

Tom is right on …. It’s all here, read through this: https://www.sbmar.com/articles/oil-pan-capacities-for-cummins-marine-engines/

Thanks Rob,
Richard

[Richard G Cook]

Hi Tom,

Maybe I missed something, but my NT37’s 6BTA 5.9 M3 330hp seems to have an oil cpacity of 16 quarts. I’ve used four full gallons every oil change. Was 13 quarts possibly a typo?

Richard

[Richard G Cook]

Hi Rob,

If I pull it and it looks OK, put in a fresh one and keep old one for a spare?

[Richard G Cook]

SMX pump was brand new last spring. No incidents, no apparent problems. This would be first changeout.

[Author]

Replies