oil consumption

[CA Rider]

My 460 Sundancer is consuming oil too fast, I think. The twin 446 Cummins have 390 hours each. The starboard side just burned 4 quarts in the past 110 hours, the port side nothing. I'm using Chevron Delo LE 15W-40. No smoke from the exhaust while running. A little soot around the aft 2 valve cover bolts. Oil and filters were changed 110 hours ago. The boat is 7 years old and was not used much before I bought it this past July. Thanks for any ideas.

 

[katricol]

Are you supposed to use 10-40 ? My cat's take straight 30 wt. You should not be using that much more in one eng. Are you able to attain the proper rpm's for your engines at WOT?

 

[BonBini]

I am by no means a Cummins Tech, but maybe some basic diesel oil consumption troubleshooting techniques may help.

..Oil level needs to be correct. I'm sure it is, due to the fact you own two of these! ..If you were leaking that much oil, it would be a huge mess in the bilge. Sounds like your burning it via piston rings, valve guides or turbo. *Via piston rings; will usually have some blow by. If you can visually look at the blow by and compare to good engine. Via turbo; Compressor side will be wet with oil. Turbin side would be coked with deposits. *Valve guides, gets a little complicated.

Having said all that. Are you seeing a blue smoke cloud following you?

 

[SR400DB]

I don't have any advice on how to check, but I use the same oil in the same engines (2.5 times the hours, owned since new) I do not go through much, if any oil between service. Hope you can find an easy solution.

 

[sbmar.com]

No such Cummins engine model as a "446".......How about sending me some good pics of the engines so I can ID the model.. Plus, be sure to include some of the aftercooler and turbo... Bilges are 100% clean? Have you calibrated your dip sticks? Have you read this?

http://sbmar.com/Articles/Oil-Pan_Capacities.php (Cummins Engines)


Tony