Blog

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Cummins ISB & QSB Engines

February 12, 2025

1. Importance of Regular Maintenance Schedules


A. Why Preventive Maintenance Matters


B. Maintenance Schedule Intervals


2. Key Maintenance Tasks to Extend Engine Life


A. Engine Oil and Filter Maintenance


B. Fuel System Maintenance


C. Cooling System Maintenance


D. Air Intake System Maintenance


E. Electrical System Maintenance


F. Exhaust and Emissions System Maintenance


G. Valve Adjustment


H. Lubrication System Inspection


3. Monitoring Engine Performance Metrics


A. Key Engine Performance Metrics to Monitor


B. Using Engine Diagnostic Tools


4. Best Practices for Preventive Maintenance


A. Keep Detailed Maintenance Records


B. Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines


C. Train Operators and Technicians


D. Use Quality Parts and Fluids


E. Conduct Regular Visual Inspections


5. Troubleshooting Common Preventive Maintenance Issues


6. Developing a Preventive Maintenance Program


Steps to Build a PM Program:


Conclusion


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Marine Diesel Cylinder Heads 101: Understanding Their Role in Engine Performance

February 12, 2025

Marine Diesel Cylinder Heads 101: Understanding Their Role in Engine Performance


What Is a Cylinder Head?


Key Components of a Cylinder Head


Cylinder Head Design Variations


The Role of Cylinder Heads in Engine Performance


1. Facilitating Combustion


2. Managing Airflow


3. Heat Dissipation


4. Supporting Valve Operation


5. Housing Additional Engine Components


Cylinder Head Material Considerations


The Importance of Cylinder Head Gaskets


Signs of Cylinder Head Issues


Maintenance Tips for Cylinder Heads


Common Cylinder Head Problems in Marine Diesel Engines


1. Cracks and Warping

2. Blown Head Gasket

3. Valve Seat Damage

4. Corrosion and Erosion

5. Head Bolt Failure

Maintenance Tips for Cylinder Heads


1. Regular Inspections

2. Proper Cooling System Maintenance

3. Torque the Head Bolts Correctly

4. Use Quality Parts

How Cylinder Heads Affect Marine Applications


1. Fishing Vessels


2. Tugboats


3. Supply Vessels


Upgrading and Replacing Cylinder Heads


1. Signs You Need a Replacement


2. Choosing the Right Cylinder Head


DIY or Professional Repair?


1. DIY Maintenance Tasks


2. When to Call a Professional


Final Thoughts


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Electrical System Diagnostics for Cummins ISB & QSB Engines

February 12, 2025

1. Understanding the Role of the Starter Motor


Key Components of the Starter System:


2. Common Symptoms of Starter Motor Issues


A. No Crank, No Start Condition


B. Clicking Noise When Turning the Key


C. Engine Cranks Slowly


D. Intermittent Starting Issues


E. Grinding Noise


F. Starter Motor Runs Without Engaging the Engine


3. Causes of Starter Motor Failure


A. Electrical Issues


B. Mechanical Failures


C. External Factors


4. Step-by-Step Starter Motor Diagnostic Process


A. Safety Precautions


B. Step 1: Check the Battery


C. Step 2: Check the Starter Relay and Fuses


D. Step 3: Test for Voltage at the Starter Motor


E. Step 4: Perform a Voltage Drop Test


F. Step 5: Bench Test the Starter Motor


Starter Motor Removal:

Bench Testing Procedure:

5. Starter Motor Repair and Replacement


A. When to Repair:


B. When to Replace:


C. Starter Motor Reinstallation


6. Preventive Maintenance for the Starter System


7. Troubleshooting Common Starter System Issues


8. Conclusion


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Turbocharger Inspection and Repair for Cummins ISB & QSB Engines

February 12, 2025

1. Symptoms of Turbocharger Failure


A. Common Symptoms of Turbocharger Issues


B. Causes of Turbocharger Failure


2. How to Remove and Inspect the Turbocharger


A. Tools and Equipment Needed


B. Safety Precautions


C. Step-by-Step Turbocharger Removal Process


D. Turbocharger Inspection Process


E. Common Turbocharger Issues Identified During Inspection


F. Turbocharger Repair or Replacement


G. Turbocharger Reinstallation Process


H. Post-Installation Checks


3. Preventive Maintenance for Turbocharger Longevity


Conclusion


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Cylinder Head and Valve Adjustments for Cummins ISB & QSB Engines

February 12, 2025

1. Signs That Your Cylinder Head Needs Attention


A. Common Symptoms of Cylinder Head Problems


B. Causes of Cylinder Head Damage


2. Adjusting Valve Clearances Correctly


A. Why Valve Clearance Adjustment Is Important


B. Symptoms of Incorrect Valve Clearance


C. Tools Needed for Valve Adjustment


D. Step-by-Step Valve Clearance Adjustment


E. Valve Clearance Specifications


F. Common Mistakes to Avoid


G. When to Adjust Valve Clearances


H. Benefits of Regular Valve Adjustments


Conclusion


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Step-by-Step Repair Instructions for Cummins ISB & QSB Engines

February 12, 2025

1. Cylinder Head and Valve Adjustments


A. Signs That Your Cylinder Head Needs Attention


B. Adjusting Valve Clearances Correctly


2. Turbocharger Inspection and Repair


A. Symptoms of Turbocharger Failure


B. How to Remove and Inspect the Turbocharger


3. Electrical System Diagnostics


A. Troubleshooting Starter Motor Issues


B. Diagnosing Alternator Problems


Repair and Replacement


Conclusion


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