500/520 DB official thread

Yes, they are Baldwin. I buy my parts from Fisheries Supply (the biggest marine distributor on the west coast), and they recommended them over FleetGuard -- as did a large commercial fuel yard. I change them every year, haven't had any issues, and oil samples come back clean.

Cummins has been on the boat twice and never said anything...but frankly I would not use them unless I had to. We did our survey in Dallas, and the mechanic was clueless -- even forgot to label the oil samples. The manager gave me a full refund. In Seattle they came out for a recall (cooler bracket) and I asked them to flush the coolant system. They had to come back a 2nd time for the recall. The bill for the coolant change was $1600. 12 hours plus disposal fee - basically billing me for the time spent on the recall, when in fact it was only 2 hours on the coolant system. After several heated calls, I decided not to use them again. I recently hired an independent mechanic who used to work for Cummins.
 
Aha got it, a search brings up “opinions” all over the place
Thanks for responding. Sorry to hear about your mech troubles.
 
Has anyone figured out how to get the generator on NMEA 2000?
Yes. I have generator data across all of my instruments including Vessel View 7.
First you need to determine if the generator (assume it is an Onan MDBKN or other compatible eQD series) has a Network Interface Module (NIM). That looks like the first picture and is located behind the generator's switch panel.
Second you need to convert the NIM from Smartcraft protocol to SAE J1939 protocol. That entails cutting the W2 jumper on the NIM board.
Third you need to convert from SAE J1939 protocol to NMEA 2000. This requires a converter like a Maretron J2K100. Be aware there are a few quirks in programming the J2K100 that needs to be correctly done to receive the NIM's data; Maretron will actually sell you a pre-programmed unit for the Onan to make it easier....
You can use the existing Smartcraft cable from the generator to the Port engine harness. Disconnect it from the engine harness. Remove the 123 CAN bus resistor (the yellow cap) from the generator harness and install it on the Port engine's harness where the generator's harness was disconnected; the engine's data buss will not work without it. There are two Smartcraft connectors on the end of the generator's harness, one for the resistor and one to connect to the engine's harness. Add a new resistor (Smartcraft 123) to the generator's harness then cut off the Smartcraft connector that connected to the engine and install a SAE J1939 connector (last picture).

NIM Modifications.jpg
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IMG_3582.JPG
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Has anyone upgrade their fuel tank sensors? We find that the stock sensors + Vessel View is not very reliable in terms of fuel levels, and I'm considering replacing them with Maretron sensors, either utlra-sonic or pressure sensors.
 
Sliding door... Missing something?

Trying to figure out what goes in this hole? Maybe it had a blank plug that is missing? I assume it is for the hardware to be flipped over in if the door was used as a right pull?

D28E2CD3-13C8-4644-865B-BAD87F850A71.jpeg
 
thanks... i figured it was a plastic plug of some sort. Not sure if there is an adjustment to set the handle vertical or horizontal. Seems intuitive for it to be vertical when pulling it open or closing it however my exterior handle is horizontal...
 
The hole and plug are to cover and access the bolt that holds the outside handle to the door. Ps I think mine is the only one I’ve seen that is horizontal
 
What does everyone have planned for their Winter projects?

Most of mine are below...

1) Galley Sink to Common Drain conversion - complete
2) Replaced the last remaining (JBL) stereo remote on the Bridge w/Nema 2k and Fusion NRX300 - complete
3) Upgrade Interior and Exterior lights to LED - partially complete
4) Replace Diesel View with a new Vessel View 703 - on the list
5) Replace Sea Ray Navigation GPS with Garmin 7616 - ordered last week during West Marines Triple Points
6) Replace QSM11 OE Air Filters with Seaboard Marines Filters - on the list
7) Replace seal on the Subzero Fridge - on the list
8) Replace the Underwater Light Switch with a Child Proof Version - on the list
9) Clean and Touch up paint in the engine - on the list
10) Torque the manifolds bolts and exhaust elbows to try and manage the exhaust leaks.
11) Trimmed the props almost 2” last fall. Brought the GPH down to 20.5ish at 2000rpm
12) Maybe add the EGT Sensors - still debating which system.
15) Replace TV’s with digital version - complete, one of the best upgrades
16) Add WiFi extender for the Dock WiFi and improve the HotSpot WiFi when away from the dock. - still working through the best system to do this
17) adding a temporary ladder to the hydraulic platform when lowered
18) Add chain counter - Complete Lofran
19) Replace OE VHF speaker with a new comparable version Garmin. - on order
20) Install new 55lb Stainless Steel Anchor

fun stuff... just need more time and more cash!!!

Pictures of some of the above projects...

Upgraded Galley Drain tie in to Common Drain
IMG_9743-1.JPEG

Upgraded:
59986439029__BDA50851-0665-4519-A2FE-62BD7E6968A0.JPG


Old Caulk
20191119_121246-1.jpg

New Caulk
20191119_153702.jpg

Old Air Filter
engine 4.jpg

This is one of the reasons we do it...
IMG_5796.JPEG

Sunday Funday
Sept19.jpeg

Prior to cutting the props down 1.75"
IMG_8394.JPEG
 
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What does everyone have planned for their Winter projects?
If you are in that deep then maybe consider relocation of the port engine's fuel cooler. It's in a miserable location down under the raw water pump. Can't get to the zinc's, hose clamps, or even get it out to descale. So, when I replaced my RW pumps I moved it to the other side of the engine.
For me, this month is pulling, cleaning, and new soft-goods on all of the engines' coolers; we are at that time in the maintenance cycle. While all that is apart the exhaust manifolds get pulled, re-surfaced, new gaskets and bolts.
fuelcool Relo.JPG
 

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Wow! I just did the same modification with the fuel cooler since I was changing all the raw water hoses. Looks like we even had the same angle fastening plate made. I relocated the strainer and still need to clean that area.
 
View attachment 79551
Wow! I just did the same modification with the fuel cooler since I was changing all the raw water hoses. Looks like we even had the same angle fastening plate made. I relocated the strainer and still need to clean that area.
No brainer, right?
I also moved the strainer back about 6 inches.
You definitely did the fuel hoses right.
Don't forget to get a bonding wire on it.....
 
What does everyone have planned for their Winter projects?

Most of mine are below...

1) Galley Sink to Common Drain conversion - complete
2) Replaced the last remaining (JBL) stereo remote on the Bridge w/Nema 2k and Fusion NRX300 - complete
3) Upgrade Interior and Exterior lights to LED - partially complete
4) Replace Diesel View with a new Vessel View 703 - on the list
5) Replace Sea Ray Navigation GPS with Garmin 7616 - ordered last week during West Marines Triple Points
6) Replace QSM11 OE Air Filters with Seaboard Marines Filters - on the list
7) Replace seal on the Subzero Fridge - on the list
8) Replace the Underwater Light Switch with a Child Proof Version - on the list
9) Clean and Touch up paint in the engine - on the list
10) Torque the manifolds bolts and exhaust elbows to try and manage the exhaust leaks.
11) Trimmed the props almost 2” last fall. Brought the GPH down to 20.5ish at 2000rpm
12) Maybe add the EGT Sensors - still debating which system.
15) Replace TV’s with digital version - complete, one of the best upgrades
16) Add WiFi extender for the Dock WiFi and improve the HotSpot WiFi when away from the dock. - still working through the best system to do this
17) adding a temporary ladder to the hydraulic platform when lowered
18) Add chain counter - Complete Lofran
19) Replace OE VHF speaker with a new comparable version Garmin. - on order
20) Install new 55lb Stainless Steel Anchor

fun stuff... just need more time and more cash!!!

Pictures of some of the above projects...

Upgraded Galley Drain tie in to Common Drain
View attachment 79533
Upgraded:
View attachment 79532

Old Caulk
View attachment 79535
New Caulk
View attachment 79537
Old Air Filter
View attachment 79538
This is one of the reasons we do it...
View attachment 79540
Sunday Funday
View attachment 79541
Prior to cutting the props down 1.75"
View attachment 79543
Curious as to your idea for the temporary ladder for the plat form.
 
Curious as to your idea for the temporary ladder for the plat form.

I am planning to use the same Ladder and Quick Release Brackets used in the the Landry Room. Will mount the holders in the same location SR mounted the cover for the Retractable Ladder on the Fixed portion of the Swim Platform. Also thought of ordering the OE retractable ladder and mounting it in the OE same location.
 
I am planning to use the same Ladder and Quick Release Brackets used in the the Landry Room. Will mount the holders in the same location SR mounted the cover for the Retractable Ladder on the Fixed portion of the Swim Platform. Also thought of ordering the OE retractable ladder and mounting it in the OE same location.
I thought you were doing a ladder to get into the water. I would be interested in seeing your finished project and what you come up with when you are done. It would be nice to have something bridge the gap
 
Factory has a retractable ladder built into the hydraulic platform to get in the water. We need to go from the fixed platform to the hydraulic platform when it is lowered.
 
Factory has a retractable ladder built into the hydraulic platform to get in the water. We need to go from the fixed platform to the hydraulic platform when it is lowered.
Gotcha. I had added an additional boarding ladder to the fixed platform because with my dingy on I can’t use the built in ladder and I was worried about how to get someone back in the boat with the dingy on if there was an emergency.
It would be interesting to see a solution to getting on the platform with it in the water.
 
Factory has a retractable ladder built into the hydraulic platform to get in the water. We need to go from the fixed platform to the hydraulic platform when it is lowered.
This is what i was wondering if you were tackling. I'm always worried with the kids hanging out on the platform when lowered in the water. They end up going back and forth and the gap is significant enough to pose a risk of falling in between.
 

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