Both engines mysteriously shutdown yesterday .... need help

Art

Art

Active Member
SILVER Sponsor
Oct 25, 2010
339
Boca Raton, Fl
Boat Info
2003 450 Express Bridge
Engines
Cummins 480CE
Cruising down the ICW yesterday to raft up with a friend everything was going fine until....

I was maneuvering in tight quarters (at idle) and all of a sudden the boat was not reponding. My eyes were everywhere, but after a few seconds I checked my gauges and noticed both engines were dead (no alarms).

Put both engines back in neutral, and both fired right up.

Decided to abort the raft-up and head home to figure out what occurred at the safety of my dock. Boat ran fine all the way home.

I would appreciate any and all ideas.

Art
 
Power (electric) issue...
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Beachcomber, That was my initial thought, but, I have brand new alternators and belts on each engine and voltage was correct when engines re-started. Poor ground, on both engines?


[Is your fire suppress system loosing it's charge?/QUOTE]
Boater4life, Very interesting question. I did notice the green light was on after engines were re-started, but I guess I need to figure out how to check out the system.

As a follow-up question, should I have gotten alarms when an engine shuts off (low oil pressure, voltage. etc.)?

Thanks, Art
Click to expand...
 
Check for loose connections. All 12v stuff. Loose grounds too! Main power distribution before the keys, etc... What work have you done recently?
 
alnav said:
I did a quick look at boatdiesel.com and there are a couple of threads about 480CE stalling problems; here is one: http://boatdiesel.com/Forums/Cummin...allaing-and-or-stumble//T-41403/P-84index.cfm.
Click to expand...


Al, Thanks for the lead, sounds exactly like my situation (although not sure how it effects both engines simultaneously). I'll have to contact Cummins find out what calibration I have, and have a tech come out and read the error codes.

I'm quickly getting a better appreciation why Frank W likes the simplicity of the older mechanical engines.

Art
 
I encountered a similar problem on my last diesel boat. Complete shutdown twice in same day. Problem was a loose wire on the Fireboy Fire Suppression system sensor in the engine bay. The loose wire gave the false reading that the sensor had detected a fire and shut everything down.

Paul
 
Paul, Thanks, possibly explains the dual engine shutdown quandary, and the fix is more in line with my skill level.

Art
 
So I called my closest Cummins dealer (Riviera Beach) to have them come out and read the error codes when my engines stalled and upgrade my ECM calibration. Unbelievably, they lost their technician (and haven't replaced him) and referred me to a local authorized Cummins diesel repair shop. I'm thinking I'd rather have a Cummins tech than a 3rd party tech do the job, but hate to pay and additional $250 for him to travel from Miami.

Can anyone recommend a good Cummins in my area; or should I use their recommendation, or should I bite the bullet?

All comments are appreciated, thanks, Art
 
Art,

Don't worry about an authorized Cummins technician. For years, that was the only way Cummins service was handled and there are a lot of excellent independent shops out there..particularly in South Fla. where every 3rd boat has Cummins engines. The chances are that the mechanic you get will have more experience than a new guy Cummins just hires.

I think the magic question when you call the 3rd party company is "I am sure I have an ECM or electronic issue and these are 480CE engines....will you technician have what he needs to evaluate my problem and reset the ECM when he comes out?"

Good luck with it.............
 
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