Servicing Cummins Engines

[Simister]

I am looking to purchase a Riviera 42 power boat with 2 QSC-500 Cummins engines. They have 500 hours on them and the boat is a 2007 model.

I would like to service the engines myself. I have always done my own servicing which included my previous boat (50 HP Volvo Diesel), Tractor, car, motorbike etc. I am very mechanically minded and are quite capable of fixing most things.

My intention would be to do the normal oil changes, fuel and oil filter, engine anodes and impellers. Valves and timing belts I would leave for a cummins specialist to do. I like to do as much as I can on the engines as this gives me an insight into where to look if I have problems at sea.

Can anyone give me some advice if it is wise to do my own servicing on these engines or not.

Thanks, John

[Lepke]

They aren't any more difficult that any other diesel of the same size. Before you change the fuel filters, make sure you know how to get the air out. Get a service manual if you don't have one. Sometimes one on cd shows up on Ebay.

[Simister]

Thanks for that. Yes, I will pick up a service manual. I was also thinking of fitting the reverse oil system for easier changes.

John

[ranger58sb]

Easy enough to do normal periodic service, assuming decent access: oil and filter changes, impeller changes, fuel filter changes, coolant filter changes. Yes, add the oil exchange pump, although I'd be surprised if the Riviera didn't already include that.

Not too much more difficult to do your own aftercooler service, AirSep service, belt replacement. Valves only slightly more intricate, mostly since you'll need gauges.

Changing coolant -- emptying, purging, refilling -- is slightly more difficult, but that's more about capturing and recycling quantities like that.

DO order the service manual.

-Chris

[Simister]

Thanks Chris, That all seems fairly straight forward. I will definitely order the workshop manual. Not all the Rivieras have the oil reverso pump. I have been told they can be easily fitted and cost around $1000.

Regards, John

[capricorn38]

I have recently purchased a twin Cummins powered boat, I too am going to service the engines my self. I came across a web site of a company in WA that has saved me a packet on filter prices.
They supply all popular brands, I have Fleet guard oil and fuel (secondary) and Racor primary filters.
I have just ordered all filters and the pricing compared to what I paid from truck spare parts out let was amazing.
I have no affiliation with this business just thought members on this site might want their details.
Not sure if I can put them up, on here.
Any way send me a PM and I will give the email addy.

cheers James

[Simister]

Hi James,

I also live in Victoria. I would be interested to know the name of the WA company you purchased the filters etc from. I will try to send you a personal email.


Regards John

[Simister]

are the risers/mixers on the Cummins qsc-500 engine stainless steel? Should they be periodically replaced? I am aware that cast risers can be subject to corrosion, however, I am not sure if stainless - fresh water cooled risers/mixers eliminates the problem completely.

Any advice on this would be appreciated,


Regards John

[ranger58sb]

Don't know about the QSCs, but exhaust is stainless on our earlier Diamond Series 450Cs.


-Chris

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, James.