Any opinion on Cummins in Tampa ?

[Chewie63]

Hi

just to share : I am asking an engine survey on a 40 MY 2006 with twin Cummins 5.9 QSB with 800 hours and an Onan generator.

They quoted me 1250 usd with 5 analysis of oil sample.

Does anyone has any opinion on the quality of service of Cummins Tampa and also on the price they are asking for.

Pls feel free to comment

Thanks from a Sea Ray new comer

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[Alex F]

I don't know CUMMINS shop in Tampa (maybe Frank W. will chime in), so I can't comment on the service. But the price for full mechanical survey seems to be decent.

 

[Chewie63]

Hallelujah and huge thanks for your answer from a newbie a little bit lost.... Cummins in Tampa seems to be the Florida branch of Cummins but I do not know if they are good or not...I can't imagine the genuine brand who build the engine can't service them well but.. .

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[FootballFan]

Price sounds about right. Would have to look it up, I think I might have paid a bit less. Mine was QSC, included samples (5) and they hooked the laptop up during the sea trial - monitored each engine. This was a Cummins authorized/certified shop - not Cummins itself.

Ask them to pull the full maintenance history for the engines out of their system. That was a suggestion Frank W gave me - was great. Can see everything Cummins or Cummins authorized shop has done to the engine.

There are specific things for every engine - If Frank W. chimes in - he has a lot of insight - he knows his stuff.

Mark

 

[fwebster]

If they are a Cummins dealer, they should be adequate for a pre-purchase survey. It is important to use a Cummins dealer on a Q-series engine because they are electronic engines and you will need access to the Cummins system to run diagnostics and upgrade/update the ECM if it is necessary. Most dealers don't send a novice out to do a survey, but you should ask for a technician that has experience with QSB engines which I don't think should be a problem in the Tampa area.

I question just doing 5 fluid samples. I recommend lube oil and coolant sampling on Cummins engines because they require SCA in the coolant. The coolant sample will analyze the condition of the coolant, the SCA's and look for contaminants. You should also sample the transmission lube oil since the boat is 10 years old and because this is a frequently ignored maintenance item. Finally, sample the lube oil and coolant in the generator. That is 8 total samples, not 5. This extends past what a normal engine survey encompasses, but the technician is there, you will be running the boat and it is just a few more sample bottles for him to deal with, but it will give you the complete picture.

A final point on surveys......be there with the engine and hull surveyor. You will learn years worth of knowledge about your boat, its construction and the engines in a day and a half.

Enjoy the process.......... it is the best money you will spend on your new boat.

 

[trit21]

QSB's engines are parent bore engines and don't require SCA in the coolant but a good diesel rated low silicate will function just fine. So don't be surprised if it has none.