Cummins V8-300-M

[SeaEric]

Does anyone here have experience with the old 1970's vintage Cummins, I think the model is V8-300-M? This is a 300 HP, non turbo that I believe to be the same 785 cubic inch V-8 block as the turbo VT-370-M which is 370 HP. I realize that these are heavy, old, for the most part old technology with not much horsepower for their weight. I also understand that internal (rebuild) parts, although expensive, are still available. Some of the externals like heat exchangers are no longer available new, but some good used stock exists. What I want to know is: are there any inherant problems, known defects, scary stuff to be concerned about in owning a boat powered by these old motors? Are they any better or worse than an old pair of GM 8V53's of the same vintage? The boat in question is a 1970 model in beautiful cosmetic condition, well maintained as far as is apparent (pre survey) and the subject engines have 3200 original hours since new, never rebuilt. Any thoughts, comments, observations?

[SKYCHENEY]

I may be wrong, but I believe that the Coast Guard runs a bunch of these old Cummins still. I'm not sure which models, but it has been said that they also have many of the spare parts tied up for their own use. I believe that these are good engines because if they were not, you wouldn't see the Coasties still using them.

[Banshee36]

Would that be the famous 9 0 nothings?

[SeaEric]

I assume that you are referring to the 903, which is a 903 cubic inch engine. If I understand correctly, the 903 was introduced later, after the V8-300 and VT-370, but I may be wrong about that. Still lots of those old 903's out there crashing around the seascape, for sure.

[mstailey]

SeaEric;
Shoot DLCameron2 a message. He's a great source for Cummins.

Sky Cheney;
That would be the Cummins VT903M used in the Coast Guard 41UTB. Very much in use today. Great engines for those who know what they're talking about.

[mstailey]

You may also want to try Cummins - Bridgeway LLC.
3 Alpha Drive
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15238
(412) 820-8300

[SKYCHENEY]

There was another VT that shared many of the same parts with the 903. I just can't remember the model. If you call your local Cummins dealer, they are usually pretty good about sharing info with you, especially if you have serial numbers off the the engines

[Avenger]

Would that be the famous 9 0 nothings?

That's funny, I thought that was just a local expression here on LI. Knew a guy who had one in a truck, put bearings in it every 30K miles.

[hatterasboatguy]

I had one of those vt903 engines in a semi..and the only thing I would ever use one for now would be to {a} tie a rope to it.
{b} throw it in the water
{c} tie the other end to my cleat
{d} go fishing!
Jim

[Avenger]

I had one of those vt903 engines in a semi..and the only thing I would ever use one for now would be to {a} tie a rope to it.
{b} throw it in the water
{c} tie the other end to my cleat
{d} go fishing!
Jim

That was about all I heard of them in trucks as well. Main bearings every 30K miles. They didn't call them the 9-0- nuthin' for nothing. Marine and military applications seemed to fare better.

Quick trivia. If anybody remembers the TV show Movin' On with Claude Akins playing Sonny Pruitt they had a Kenworth with a Cummins. The show only ran two seasons. In the first season you could see the big proud numbers on the valve covers whenever the hood of the truck was open, 903. The second season, the V-8 was gone and there was some variant of the venerable 855 in it's place. Apparently it didn't even hold up well enough for a TV show where the truck didn't actually have to do any real work.