Mercruiser Cummins Diesel.....

[mrgrumpy2]

I'm considering purchasing a 2 year old sports cruiser that runs Mercruiser Cummins 4.2L Diesels. As I know nothing about these engines (only familiar with volvos) I would appreciate any input from forumite oracles about their performance, relaibilty, major issues, servicing and whether they are considered less desirable than than the Volvo KAD or D Series. Thanks in advance for your valuable information......

 

[DAKA]

I have got twin cummins-mercruiser D300 year 2004, they are the 4.2L.

My previous engines were volvo penta 41 series diesels.

The cummins-Mercruiser are a far better engine.

Smoke free even on a cold winter start
Very smooth
zero black soot to the stern

supposed to be more economical but I have nothing to compare to.

Service items are all very easy to get to, there are even two oil fillers on mine .

We are in our 5th season and So far touch wood, they have been very reliable *

I have no hesitation in recommending them.
Spares are readily available from
1)Cummins dealers
2)Mercruiser dealers
3)Cummins-mercruiser dealers are springing up everywhere
4)mercury outboard centres carry some spares that are common too

The 4.2 L engine has been in production for at least 15 years with tweaks to increase power, as a result it appears to be reliable, any faults were ironed out years ago.

Cummins-Mercruiser vers Volvo Penta ??

In my opinion, Volvo Penta is still leading in sales volumes so must be regarded as favourite, but they have released a few pups over the last 4 years and Volvo Penta is not as popular as it used to be, I have no regrets at all about moving from Volvo Penta to Cummins-Mercruiser.



* My engines have been trouble/fault free and my boat has not let me down but I did have a petty oil leak from the gear box , the gearbox is not really Cummins-mercruiser , it is a ZF Hurth and the same gearbox that Volvo Penta use.

 

[AndieMac]

The 4.2l Mercruiser has been around down here for nearly 20 years, and earned themselves good feedback from the commercial and recreational sector. Since getting into bed with Cummins, the whole thing is really rolling well.

Volvo had the whole diesel engine/outdrive combo to themselves for a lot of years, I feel they will be getting quite a nudge from Cummins Mercruiser.
I haven't heard from a disatisfied owner yet!

 

[2nd Wind]

Hi I've got a pair of 220 HP D4.2L Turbo engines in my boat [see bio] and at 1400 hrs plus have had no problems. Service intervals are 100 hrs for oil and filters. Have found them to be clean and smoke free as stated by a previous poster. They are rated at 80% continuous running so cruising revs of 2800 are normal. Flat out is 3600 rpm. Fuel usage runs at 1 mpg @ 2800 rpm and 15 knots but 2.5 mpg at 1600 rpm and 7.5 knots. Have also managed to find alternative sources of filters [Fleetguard] at considerable savings on MerCruiser prices.
Give me a call or email if you want a chat.

 

[Arvor25]

I have ran my 220hp 4.2l Cummins Mercruiser for over a year now with good results. As stated you can pick up service items from other sources which saves on running costs, I am using Baldwin oil filters this year same spec as Quicksilver Parts but half the price.

 

[mrgrumpy2]

Thanks everyone for your input......Hopefully negotiations will go well and i will be able to see how they behave personally.