Cummins 500 hour service

[Art]

MM just did a 500 hour service on my 480C's. I notice on the scope of work "Check valve clearances". Should I receive a print out of actual measurements? I guess what I'm asking what output should I expect for all the inspections and checks they claim they are doing for $2K. Thanks, Art

 

[Jaws]

Art,
I just had the 500 hour service done as well but have not received the Cummins report yet. I do not expect to see much detail on the valve lash adjustment figures, and our "aftercooler inspection" does not include a tear down. (I checked them with a boroscope) I noticed that one belt was replaced. Basically, aside from valve lash adjustment you get the stamp of approval from Cummins to put in your engine maintenance history. That's important at resale.
James

 

[Art]

Does anyone know roughly how long it should take to check valve lash and make adjustments if necessary. The engine room is pretty tight on the 450EB but there is reasonable clearance from the top of the engines. Thanks, Art

 

[Alex F]

Art,

We have almost the same engines, when I enquired about the valve adjustment I was given quotes between $250 and $400 (different cummins dealers). I'm sure your jobs fits somehwere in these lines.

 

[Asureyez]

One man about 1-1/4 hours per engine plus the genny maybe 35 minutes. All told three 3 1/2 hours. IF they have reasonably good access to the engine fronts and head room over valves.

 

[fwebster]

Guy, he's got an EB, not a DB or a DA..........they are going to be an absolute b---h to get to.

 

[Asureyez]

An EB could be days

 

[Art]

Thanks guys, but full disclosure I did say "pretty tight" and reasonable clearance".
Is it really more difficult than changing outboard impellers and zincs?
How often should you check valve lash?

Art

 

[Jaws]

Every 24 months or 600 hours according to the Cummins manual.
James

 

[First_Mate]

Every 24 months or 600 hours according to the Cummins manual.
James

I don't understand how lash can change with time. Should only be a function of wear - or engine hours... 600 makes sense. 24 months does not.

 

[First_Mate]

One man about 1-1/4 hours per engine plus the genny maybe 35 minutes. All told three 3 1/2 hours. IF they have reasonably good access to the engine fronts and head room over valves.

Do you happen to have the procedure and specs for this?

 

[Jaws]

I agree. That's why I had it done at 500 hrs. or in my case, eight years. But, that is what the manual states. I am sure there is a technical reason for the recommendation.

 

[Art]

I agree with First Mate. I would think engine hours or cumulative fuel burn (relating strongly to RPM's) would be appropriate.

Art

 

[Asureyez]

You'll note that Cummins specifies a lot of big maintenance items in a time relationship vs. use. For example on a 450 M3 After cooler, remove and inspect every 600 hours or 2 years. Under use can cause problems related to corrosion, decay and age, lack of oiling, gaskets and seals taking a set etc..

The cause is to have undertaken PM in the marine environment. These 500-600 hours/2 year scheduled service can cost up to 12K as lots of parts are often involved. Scheduled replacement of hoses, clamps, gaskets etc., re-torqueing, R & R for cleaning and pressure testing exhaust system. It is a big list.

Valve lash inspection and adjustment is performed inspected to prevent vibration backing off lock nuts, burnt seats. I had this done at 540 hours and every valve was out some as much as .20mm, in just 300 hours!

 

[Art]

Blue Eyes, Hadn't fully considered the idle corrosion angle. Being located in Fla. we have a pretty hostile environment for corrosion, but I imagine that is somewhat mitigated by the fact we get to use our boats and get year round lubricating.
Thanks, Art