Diesel Boat Winterization Checklist

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The consensus among the other Cummins C series owners was that filling the dipstick to the top of the safe range actually overfills the engine, given that Cummins does not calibrate the dipstick for the slightly angled engine mounting of a C series in a marine application.
I intend to fill halfway at winterization and see how much oil I use next season. I pull dipsticks once a week, so I am not concerned about running the engines low on oil if I start at the midway point on the dipsticks next spring.
I also like the idea of adding a quart or two of fresh oil to the engine after the reverso pump starts sucking air--this, in effect, flushes all the old oil out of the reverso system, so you do not pump back in any old oil when you place the reverso hose into the new oil source and refill the engine.

regards
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[osd9]

WalMart, in these parts anyway, does not sell T-30. They only carry the Shell T-multi grades. I just bought T-30 from a local Shell distributor at approximately $9.50/gal.

What do you guys use, or suggest, for a Westerbeke generator in the NE region? Westerbeke says that straight or multi grades are OK so long as they meet the API requirements.

I was thinking of just stocking up on T-30 and use for mains and genie unless there is a good reason to go multi in the genie. BTW...I don't put many hours at all on my genie. I have to remind myself to let it run, under load, every 2-3 weeks for an hour or so...other than that, it just don't get used much.

Thanks,

 

[Asureyez]

Oil Fill

Hey Pete

The Cummins reps slapped my hands for filling oil to the top line. They swear that engine oil consumption in the marine version is due to the inclined install and the shallow crank case pan. I've been filling to mid point and never lose a ounce on the stick.

On Oil, I use Valvoline Prem Blue as well. I've been getting it here in SoFla at NAPA for 64 bucks a 5/gal pail, But I think I have a line on a lower price, I'll let you know.

Rotella T for turbo engines is widely well regarded, no question about it. But for the small dollar different every year I've stuck with Cummins specs., I just shop for better prices and buy 20 to 30 gals at a whack.

I use Rotella in my ZF tranny's and the Westerbeke Genny. Thirty Weight or any straight weight is hard to find lately. I've had to special order from Advance Auto the last two times and now when things go on sale I just order three four cases of gallons at the sale price. The dealer gets them in on the next truck, sometimes the next day.

 

[jjssas]

Is shrink wrapping really worth it ? Other than taking the canvass and plastic home to keep clean/warm, what's the benefit really justify the cost? Thanks.

Court Ship