T&T: Cummins service

[Milt Baker]

Hi Steve,

I've put a combined 12,000 hours on four Cummins 5.9 models on three different boats and found that the injectors should be serviced regularly--say every 1,000 hours.  I also replaced the injection pumps on two of the engines (with Cummins recon units) at about 4,000 hours and noticed significantly improved performance, quieter running, and--most important--MUCH less gray smoke.

If you've been seeing a fair amount of smoke, especially gray or black, you probably need to service your injection system.  

Sorry I cannot provide a steer to a good mechanic in Stuart but have a great guy here in Fort Lauderdale.  I've been using him for 20+ years and he's terrific.  If you want to come this far south for service, let me know and I'll put you in touch with him.  Best to get on his list early!

Good luck!

--Milt Baker, Nordhavn 47 Bluewater, Fort Lauderdale, FL



Steve wrote:

We're in Vero, had some problem with the Cummins shutting down just as 
we were picking up the mooring. Suffice it to say it was a great coffee 
substitute. We drifted into a moored sailboat, but were able to deploy 
fenders and get a line on his midship cleat and get secure. No contact 
other than via a fender, but it wasn't pretty!