For Immediate Release

NEW QUANTUM SERIES ENGINE...QSC8.3

Contact: Ted Varner
Manager, Communications
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel
Phone:  (843) 745-1586
E-mail:  ted.varner@cummins.com

Cummins MerCruiser Diesel Announces Next Quantum Engine, QSC8.3...


Cummins MerCruiser Diesel is pleased to announce the QSC8.3 as its newest member to the Quantum family of engines. The QSC8.3 will begin production in April, 2004 with two power levels.

Customers can choose from the QSC8.3-540 (540 Mhp @ 2600 RPM) or the QSC8.3-490 (490 Mhp @ 2500 RPM) rating. Like the QSB5.9 and the QSL9 announced in late 2003, the QSC8.3 is a full authority electronically controlled diesel engine.

Delivering improved fuel economy and less noise, the QSC8.3 series is fully compliant with the new stringent EPA Tier 2 emissions regulations for commercial diesel engines that take effect January 2004 and proposed EPA Tier 2 levels for recreational diesel engines that take effect January 2006. In addition to being EPA Tier 2 compliant the engines will be IMO certified.

Paramount to the QSC engine is a new high-pressure common rail fuel system, which improves fuel economy, reduces idle noise, and virtually eliminates smoke and odor. The use of the common rail fuel system has allowed the QSC to significantly reduce white smoke levels at start up without the aid of air heaters.

The QSC8.3-540 rating offers 15% increase in rated power and a 17% increase in cruise power over the 480C-E. A combination of a wastegated turbocharger, a 24 valve cylinder head, and a highly efficient aftercooler will allow a boat to accelerate quickly up on plane. During acceleration, the common rail fuel system allows more torque to be delivered to the propeller without an increase in smoke.

Whether it’s for a new installation or repower, genuine consideration for installers and maintenance technicians is visibly apparent. Raising the turbocharger location reduces the complexity of exhaust connections. Handed fuel and lube filter locations are easily accessible. Front engine mounts have been redesigned allowing multiple choices for front engine mount locations. The QSC package size (Length: 1426mm, Width: 964mm, Height: 981mm) is very close to that of CMD’s existing 480C-E and with a bobtail weight of 895kg (1975 lbs) an increase of less than 57kg. Using specially formulated Fleetguard CompleatTM engine coolant with QSC engines has improved serviceability by eliminating the need of a coolant treatment filter to prevent liner cavitation. The aftercooler has been relocated higher on the engine allowing easier access to the zincs and aftercooler service.

Expectations of a long engine life were a major objective during the development of the QSC engine which is evident from the use of a gallery cooled alloy piston, a high temperature alloy cylinder head, a strengthened block to handle higher cylinder pressures, high temperature intake and exhaust valves and valve seats, a fuel cooled engine control module (ECM) protects the ECM from overheating, a water in fuel sensor that ties directly into the engine protection system, a low coolant alarm that will notify the operator of an engine coolant leak, and a more efficient aftercooler reduces intake manifold temperatures which increases power cylinder life. Stainless steel tubes have been utilized in most of the sea water plumbing instead of hoses which reduce maintenance. Sea water leaks have been minimized by using O’ring seal connections in many of the sea water plumbing connections instead of hose clamps.

All new Quantum Series engines, including the QSC, will use SmartCraft multiplexing control and communications system. Transfer of information between the engine and vessel sensors to the helm is accomplished over a datalink. This significantly reduces the amount of wiring in the engine room and at the helm. The decrease in wiring promotes ease of installation and increases the reliability of the electrical system by reducing the number of terminals and wires that can corrode. The SmartCraft system allows the capability for inputs from the engine along with many other boat systems, such as fuel tank levels, GPS, steering (rudder position), water depth and temperature. SmartCraft constantly monitors engine performance, providing instant diagnostics and operations data at the helm.

Customers can view information at the helm with CMD’s new Diesel View digital display or from a full set of system link gauges – analog gauges that are digitally driven. Both instrumentation options will be available.

The QSC is compatible with fully electronic controls systems as well as cable/mechanical control systems. This allows operators to customize the control system to their specific requirements. CMD also offers a back-up throttle system that provides a separate throttle signal to the engine in the event of a main throttle control failure.

Based in Charleston, South Carolina (USA), Cummins MerCruiser Diesel is responsible for designing, manufacturing and providing reliable after-sales support worldwide for marine products. It offers a broad range of power, with available ratings from 120-670HP for recreational applications and 77-588HP for commercial use. Cummins MerCruiser Diesel is a joint venture between Cummins Marine and Mercury Marine and can be found on the Internet at www.cmdmarine.com.

For further information, contact Ted Varner (CMD Communications Manager) at 843-745-1586 or ted.varner@cummins.com. High resolution photography can be downloaded from our FTP site:

http://www.cmdmarine.com/ftp10.