1000 Hour Service Cummins 6cta Sedan Bridge 420

[Bob Coleman]

I’m totally confused. I called my local Cummins dealer to inquire about what the 1000 hour service entails and the cost. They said there really isn’t a 1000 hour service and referred to the 600 hour service instead.

A local diesel repair shop seemed to have more knowledge. My Marina refers big jobs to them. They are getting back to me on costs and what is done.

Ive looked at posts that say that the aftercoolers and heat exchangers should be removed and cleaned, but is this step necessary on a freshwater boat?

is there a 1000 hour service and if so, what is done and approximate costs pls?

 

[bbwhitejr]

I also looked into the 1000 hour service on the 6CTAs in 2020 when we purchased a 420DA. There is really no 1000hr service per sey....recommended is to pull the aftercoolers and HEs, have them cleaned, and pressure tested. Even on a FW boat. To me the biggest thing was the pressure test to ensure there are no small leaks and to inspect the tube bundles. I had this done, impellers replaced, some hoses replaced, and a few more small things all for about $4500 if I remember correctly.

Bennett

 

[ZZ13]

There is no 1000 hour service. Here is the general routine (at least what I follow):

Annually change oil/filter, fuel filters, transmission oil, clean air filters, test coolant and change filter based on test results, check impeller wear.

Every two years, fully service seawater cooling system. Includes remove, separate, grease, reassemble aftercoolers. Clean any scale out of gear oil cooler and heat exchanger cooling tubes (either manually or with a flush system).

Every five years change coolant and serpentine belt.

I forgot about adjusting valve lash. Usually once at 600 hours is good enough but good to have them checked every 1000 hours or so thereafter.

 

[Bob Coleman]

I also looked into the 1000 hour service on the 6CTAs in 2020 when we purchased a 420DA. There is really no 1000hr service per sey....recommended is to pull the aftercoolers and HEs, have them cleaned, and pressure tested. Even on a FW boat. To me the biggest thing was the pressure test to ensure there are no small leaks and to inspect the tube bundles. I had this done, impellers replaced, some hoses replaced, and a few more small things all for about $4500 if I remember correctly.

Bennett

$4500 each???

 

[bbwhitejr]

$4500 each???

Total bill.

Bennett

 

[brewster16]

That was a long time ago!......more like 12-15K for all 3 engines these days

 

[bbwhitejr]

That was a long time ago!......more like 12-15K for all 3 engines these days

Fall of 2020…

 

[Irie308]

There isn’t much on these motors you couldn’t do yourself. Much of the work is labor as parts are all mostly reusable. It just involve cleaning. The only thing I’ve farmed out is valve adjustments just because it’s a $500 job for both motors and in my opinion I’d rather not take the responsibility for screwing that up.

Even on a freshwater boat it would be worthwhile to pull the aftercoolers to inspect and lube generously due to the dissimilar metals. They also need to have the airside cleaned as soot and oil can build up from the turbo and degrade performance.

I’d also add that replacing the gear coolers at 1k hours may be good preventative maintenance. Thermostat replacement at each coolant change would be cheap insurance as they seem to fall apart.

 

[brewster16]

That is 100% true....a guy could do this himself without a doubt. I wish I had the knowledge the time and the tools to do it because I love doing mechanical work on my boat. However, having observed the firm that did the work for me I noted that there are many, many parts and pieces to take apart, bag, label etc.(on 3 engines) Pneumatic power tools with some really long ratchet extensions were used to access the nuts and bolts in the dismantling and reassembly process. Presses were used to separate and clean the after cooler and heat exchanger cores. Acid bath, pressure testing as well. Sandblasting was also part of the cleaning process as was a paint booth for primer and re-painting the engine parts. Oh, and the boat yoga.....

Have you ever had to struggle to try and get an aging hose off because it was seemingly "welded" on due to age? Impellers? This job is exactly that multiple times over.......It's not rocket science but it's not for everyone either.

 

[Irie308]

That is 100% true....a guy could do this himself without a doubt. I wish I had the knowledge the time and the tools to do it because I love doing mechanical work on my boat. However, having observed the firm that did the work for me I noted that there are many, many parts and pieces to take apart, bag, label etc.(on 3 engines) Pneumatic power tools with some really long ratchet extensions were used to access the nuts and bolts in the dismantling and reassembly process. Presses were used to separate and clean the after cooler and heat exchanger cores. Acid bath, pressure testing as well. Sandblasting was also part of the cleaning process as was a paint booth for primer and re-painting the engine parts. Oh, and the boat yoga.....

Have you ever had to struggle to try and get an aging hose off because it was seemingly "welded" on due to age? Impellers? This job is exactly that multiple times over.......It's not rocket science but it's not for everyone either.

Yes, there is a bit of boat yoga involved however you do set yourself up for success if you keep up with the maintenance. I had to beat my aftercoolers apart the first time around. Second time they came apart with my thumbs. And to your point, I will say I may have a few more maintenance cycles in me before it becomes a challenge. As a side note the best thing I ever did was having my after coolers powder coated. Looks as good today as they did in 2019. Very impressed.

 

[carterchapman]

My "MAN man" uses Imron, and paints the aftercooler and turbo housings black rather than white - no more chocolate milk colored turbos and aftercoolers. Other removed parts are white Imron.