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cummins 6CTA8.3

Discussion in 'Engines' started by sizematters, Apr 3, 2017.

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  1. sizematters, Apr 3, 2017
    #1
    sizematters

    sizematters New Member

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    Im looking at purchasing a boat with a Cummins 6CTA8.3 engine. It has 5000 hrs. Is it rebuild time for this motor?
  2. trmnewt, Apr 3, 2017
    #2
    trmnewt

    trmnewt Member

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    It depends completely on how it was maintained. Get the maintenance records and make sure all required items have been completed on schedule. Then get an engine survey by a Cummins technician. This is a great engine, and with proper maintenance can go 20,000 hours
  3. sizematters, Apr 3, 2017
    #3
    sizematters

    sizematters New Member

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    Thank you for responding. I read that the higher HP engines last less. This one is a 420 hp. Judging from the rest of the vessel, and knowing that doesn't mean squat, it appears to have been well maintained.
  4. trmnewt, Apr 3, 2017
    #4
    trmnewt

    trmnewt Member

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    Also make sure it is propped to easily reach 2700+ RPMs fully loaded--otherwise it is overpropped, which results in engine overload and a risk of dropping a valve. The "high horsepower" version of this engine is the electronic one--480 ce. Those tended to have more issues
  5. Capt Ralph, Apr 3, 2017
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I manage boats with the 8.3s at 500, 600 & 650 HP.
    They are CR and run great. Many hours and run fine.
    All are all treated well.
    If your looking at an a mechanical 8.3, it may last forever with good maintenance.
    It's a good engine either way if not abused.
  6. sizematters, Apr 3, 2017
    #6
    sizematters

    sizematters New Member

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    Thanks again. Very informative. I am experienced in Cummins engines in my trucks. But marine use is a whole different ball game.
  7. Capt Ralph, Apr 3, 2017
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    It is.
    On a boat its continuous duty. Trucks may never see such action or abuse..
  8. Capt J, Apr 3, 2017
    #8
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Cummins also sells marine remanufactured engines which are actually pretty reasonably priced AND come with a nice warranty.
  9. sizematters, Apr 3, 2017
    #9
    sizematters

    sizematters New Member

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    Capt J, thank you. I came across that in my limited research. I like Cummins engines. Thank you all. You guys have been very helpful! And I am glad I joined this site!
  10. Pascal, Apr 9, 2017
    #10
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I am in the process of repowering my 53 hatt MY with factory reman C series Cummins and new ZF gears. The price was obviously more than rebuilding the 8V71 DD but not that much more especially considering the cost of rebuilding the old Allison gears. .. All pretty much without warranties. No brainer

    Plus the new package is about 3000 lbs lighter !
  11. Fishtigua, Apr 9, 2017
    #11
    Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    Pascal, we've re-powered a few this way, excellent results.

    One fisherman was so impressed, he got a spare/spare extra engine to have as a swap.
  12. Capt Ralph, Apr 9, 2017
    #12
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Been waiting, waiting, waiting.....
  13. Pascal, Apr 10, 2017
    #13
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I know. Been ridiculously busy with the new job since July (on the 84 lazzara). I ve had the engines sitting in a warehouse and paid for since last year. Making some progress and hope to haul out in June for the yard work and repower!

    Just about to install the new air con system, chiller and AH coming in this week.