Cummins 6BTA 370 hp

[Aeghylon]

Hi All,
I have just joined the Forum that I found searching in the net for information about the subject engine. As you will understand from my english I am not mothertongue, I am Italian. Yesterday I have looked a typical Italian open cruiser, a Sarnico 43 equipped with a pair of 2005 6BTA 5.9 M3 with 500 hours. It kept 4 or 5 seconds to start and they were a bit smoky. The broker told me that it was cause were not started since October (due to covid restrictions the owner could not reach the boat) and due to the fact that outside it was cold. I would appreciate if anyone could share any information in these engines, are good ones? Any recurring defect?
Thanks a lot to anyone will share his knowledge.
Regards,

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

Very good engine. precedes the QSD5.9 which is considered the most reliable engine in its size.
A bit of smoke at start is normal with a mechanical pump. If the smoke continues (5-10 mins the most) then I would revert to an independent technician to check the cause.

Really nice boat and well build. Good luck in the purchase.

 

[markspark7]

Got the same engines in my boat , very reliable , tried and tested in many applications. Good fuel efficiency for a big lump , I have a engine manual if you need any specific information.

 

[benjenbav]

I had Cummins 6BTA engines in a boat that I owned for 7 years during which time the only issue I had was a turbo hose coupling that failed. Mine were rated 210hp whereas 370 must be close to the upper end of where they took that block.

One of the big advantages back in the day was that these were basically truck engines for which parts were readily available and reasonably priced. They’re pretty long in the tooth now and I don’t know if that is still the case.

 

[Bouba]

I didn’t want to be first to reply because I’m not a diesel expert but the 5.9 Cummins is the best engine in the world!

 

[PCUK]

I didn’t want to be first to reply because I’m not a diesel expert but the 5.9 Cummins is the best engine in the world!

I'll second that!

 

[Aeghylon]

Thanks a lot all, is it in your experience a smoky engine?

 

[superheat6k]

The Cummins 5.9 litre is the highest production volume diesel engine in the World. Originally as the 6BT at 210 HP the aftercooler took it to close to 300, so taking it to 370 is putting it on its mechanical limits. You do have to be careful that he cooling system is tip top at this rating.

They do not like overheating and my recent experience istestament to that, but I still love them, although I am happy to thrash my 210 HP all day long at WOT as the engine has so much spare strength.

If you want to know more then www.sbmar.com is full of information.

 

[Bouba]

If you want to know more then www.sbmar.com is full of information.

I love their article on Continuous Duty
Continuous Duty - A Different Perspective - Seaboard Marine

 

[Piers]

The UK Cummins expert is Roland McIldowie who's currently at Halyard Marine. +44 (0) 1722 710 922.

He been looking after my Cummins 6CTA engines for years. He's the Fleming Europe go-to Cummins expert.

 

[superheat6k]

Thanks a lot all, is it in your experience a smoky engine?

Mine don't smoke at all