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Bertram31.com General Bulletin Board
Re: Cummins 1989 315s 6BTA Belts
Posted By: Jeff Pagano In Response To: Re: Cummins 1989 315s 6BTA Belts *LINK* (Vic Roy)
Date: Friday, 16 December 2005, at 10:55 a.m.
In many ways, everyone who posted was/is correct. The engines do have the Cummins tensioner upgrades for the 1989 6BTAs. Now that the engine has been removed, it appears the problem was misalignment of the positioning of the tensioner in the block and the inner rib of one of the pulleys looked as if I just purchased it from Cummins. The belt remains indicate the belt was heating up and actually exploded (I was on my final run of the season at 32 KN at 24RPM at the time), the remsins of which ened up around the harmonic balancer. Andy is confident, that if he properly lazer aligns the pully system there is no need to change belts for 2000 hours and cut hatches in the bulkhead. Given my experience with both engines (both pulled for the same belt/shaft and engine positioning problems), a belt change each year is the least I can do to stop spending money.
We discovered that the engine hasn't been moved in the bed since the engine was installed in 1989 (the same with the port engine earlier this season) and the rear inside of the engine was vibrating against the aluminum box bolted to the stringers, which caused the shaft to be completely misaligned to the extent of causing a hair thin shaft box, which I will replace along with the dripless.
Some oil seapage was noticed under the SB head, so replacing the head gasket is another item on the list.
As to the 300 vs.315 issue, when I purchased Wits End I stupidly relied upon the survey I commissioned, without further inquiry. According to Andy (Walter K. and my mechanic)315 is correct if you measure the HP in metric, so maybe I'm not that dumb after all. My oldest son is the only victim of my stupidity, as he loves the bragging rights that come with 630 HP 31 Bertram. Otherwise, he still thinks I know what I am doing.
Given the "deal" I got in purchasing Wits End, 2 years ago I am/was to the point where I either "stay in the game" or bail. Looking at the price of Rumrunner at this point, it sure make me wonder if I am a dope for throwing more money in, particularly being located in the horribly expensive Three Mile Harbor. Luckily I am divorced taking care of two children, so if we live on hot dogs and chips, we really won't mind.
I certainly will "stay in the game" with Wits End, if only for the reason it describes my situation accurately and if reworked correctly by Andy (who I trust) will see me through my demise. Also, a reduction in vibration due to the correction of the engine/shaft alignment issues will benefit my dog, as she hates the Cummins Wits End, having been brought up on the sound and vibrations of two 4cyl Yanmars in a prior 31 we owned.
Thats it, I am throwing the money into Wits End beyond my budget/dreams to make our dog happy! It is great to be single!
Thanks to all of you for your imput. This board is spectactular.
Have a wonderful Holiday Season!
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