Oil change and impeller replacement on 40MY FW diesels

[RIVERDAZE]

I am comparing a local service organization bid to change oil and filters as well as impellers on my Cummins QSB 5.9's and Onan 15.5KW or do it my it myself. Being somewhat mechanically inclined I feel i can figure my way through it but the PIA factor may be worth paying. Bid involves total of 18 hrs labor to do the above plus fuel filer changes. The engines have 275 hours, always in freshwater and in great shape. This is on a Sea Ray 40 MY and I have a reverso oil change system.
Any advice on the +/-'s of doing it myself as well as 2 day bid to do above work is greatly appreciated.

 

[alnav]

Seems like way too many hours to me. I do all of these chores myself and they take me just about a half day more or less. As to the PIA factor, oil and filters not too bad. Impellers: Starboard engine is easy to get at, port you have to lie on top of the engine as it is outboard. Seaboard Marine (SBMAR.com) sells impellers of their own design that are markedly more flexible than the OEM version and easier to put in and take out, recommend you take a look at those if you DIY. Generator impeller is a hateful little bast*rd in my experience but the trick I've learned is to just take off the water pump and deal with it off-engine.

 

[fwebster]

2.25 man days to change the oli, filters and impellers is at least 2x what it should take.

 

[RIVERDAZE]

Thanks, Frank and Al. I have a second estimate coming in from a Cummins service group. I'll report back.

 

[Gofirstclass]

I have done mine since I bought the boat. It takes a few hours plus time to dispose of the oil and filters. I think the service company you talked to recognized that you've never done it before and decided to set the hook real hard. Spit out their hook and DIY.

 

[RIVERDAZE]

Job is finished by a very capable Cummins tech. My first seasonal maintenance with this boat. Gen and engines: fuel, oil filers, impellers, and valuable comments along the way. Learned my fuel was a little dark so I should add a biocide or if left to be, its a big problem to get rid of a bloom. Learned to inspect belts (want to see no dusting), trans oil change interval etc. In replacing the onan impeller the tech found one bolt was cross threaded, something that would have made me learn new phrases. So well worth money spent for documented service. And while the other bid was for 20 hrs to do the same, this was done in 3/4 day. In the future I will change oil but will get a certified cummins guy out to do other work. Ready for the locks.