[Rich Wood]

Yes, in their hands really, one person versus large corporation. You have given me more data to fight the fight, “why did you ok the engine when it didn’t meet your guidelines etc”. Even with replacement engine, still have that base design, so still need to pitch down and baby her, which I think I do anyways. Long odds to get replacement, but if they give me 4 more years warranty at least that covers repair costs, but not downtime. I’ll keep documenting, if engine goes south, at least I have data, plus triple damages in Mass. if negligence is proven – for example, claim CAT knew what was going on but did not address it properly. If it gets worse, and CAT is faced with that, maybe I can get something.

 

Best case right now is they look at oil leak, oil analysis, fix whatever it is, give me four more years warranty. <br /><br />

Thanks for the help, guidance, education – will keep you posted.

[Rich Wood]

Thanks for your patience, and time.

Ok, I follow the prop demand numbers. At 1800 I should be 15.9gph, 48% load, but,  fully loaded with fuel etc., at 1800 I am at 18gph, maybe 19 at times, and showing 58-60% load – pretty big difference. And I also understand it’s better to be above the rated 2300, by 50-100, than under the 2300. When we did the sea trial we only got 2225, so re-pitched it an inch, expecting 100 rpm, but only got to 2293, but cat dealer said ok and started clock on warranty. Should they have said no, take more pitch out until we reach the chart numbers?

I have no issue re-pitching some more, if your experience/knowledge says this will increase rpm to get speed, and pump more oil, air, and coolant – which you say is better for the engine.

‘’Rating? D or E?  I run 700-800 hrs a year. Most trips I run 58-60% 30-45 minutes, then for 2-3 hours 600-800 rpm, fishing, then the same 58-60% 30-45 minutes to get back to the dock. Then an hour later I do it again. About 125x a season, then a lot of 2 hour harbor cruise trips at 600 +/- rpm. Seldom anything else, maybe 10 times a season wide open for 30 seconds or so. 

So the big question – with this bad oil sample, and aft starboard oil dripping leak, and running it at how the wheel has been set, rpm’s/load, etc, should I be ultra concerned that something has damaged the internals to this engine? 

I can re-pitch etc etc going forward, but has the damage been done? I would rather get things done now, versus mid season and lose revenue.

thanks 

 

 

[Rich Wood]

I think at both our ages we don’t give a hoot about getting our feelings hurt. You can’t change now,mgive it to me straight please. But also, your thought on the current/future state of the engine based on the oil. Thanks

[Rich Wood]

I bought the boat 6 yrs ago with 2001 3196, 1200 hours, had proper aftercooler etc. Boat ran good, 60% load most of time. Can’t remember exactly the issue which led me to get cat look at it, but oil “exploded” out of dipstick oil tube, all over bilge. They said they would have to rip it apart just to see what caused it and IF it could be fixed. Potential cost just to look $7-$10k. I knew 3196 were iffy at best (that was reflected in price I paid for the boat), didn’t want to waste $10k, then have to buy new engine. Decided to just repower instead of waiting to see how long 3196 lasted. Looked at new Scania, Volvo, needed a lower profile(40”), but went with c12 re-man as it was less expensive and installation costs cheaper (c12 and 3196 basically same footprint)

My c12 acert is 710hp at 2300 rpm. There was a basic c12 450-500hp, c12 acert, and c12.9, 800+rpm.

2001 38ft Wesmac downeast with bridge, 12’8” beam, 19,000 lbs basic

Loaded correct, 5 blade nibral, had to tweak blade, less pitch, warranty approved at 2293 rpm

Always cruise at around 58-60% load, 1800 rpm +/-, 17/18 knots, 18gph. Most I would cruise at 65% load, 19/20 knots, but gph starts to go to 22 easy. WOT 2293 rpm, 26/27 knots

 

 

 

 

 

[Rich Wood]

The previous engine was a cat 3196, 3000 hours.  I traded that in for a $10,000 credit toward the engine I now have, a “new” Cat c-12 acert, re-manufactured. Cat builds up a new engine utilizing all excess “to oem specification” parts they have or re-manufactured parts to “oem specifications” and sells at a discount to a totally brand new engine. Interesting that just in the last year or so Cat stopped selling new c12 acert, and c12.9 engines, don’t know why. Engine after the previous engine credit was $45k. Warranty is one year, as I am commercial, same as a new engine warranty.  The engine was installed in winter of 2021, splashed and warranty started in June, 2021. My main question is, for an engine with only 800 hours, religious oil/filter changes, and I get this oil sample, should I fear for the worst? 

[Rich Wood]

Interesting, your first sample was high in iron, probably break-in stuff, then lower. Other two nothing. I am pushing for replacement, but that’s a hope and a dream but you never know.

[Rich Wood]

Not to derail, but I run my engine every day, change oil, filters etc etc. This is my sample.

What say you?

[Rich Wood]

Thanks, Since I bought a new gage, guess I’ll try that first, if not, I’ll  have to get someone to look for a short.

[Rich Wood]

Sorry, Corey, I should have ordered it from you guys, bainfart.

[Rich Wood]

Follow up. I decided to order the board, called up and did it, from Cummings, $300. The guy in the morning at Cummings gave me the price for the actual alarm buzzer! 

[Rich Wood]

Thanks, not a pro at tracking electrical! Have to get some help. Gage coming today, and new alarm board only $80, that was a surprise. We will see!

[Author]

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