Community Forums

turtle6900 · 12-28-2012, 12:04 PM

can any one give me there thoughts on a cat 7.2l 330 hp it has 113,000 miles is this a reliable moter what maintenance is involved any problems you know of , this may be my first pusher so could use a little help from the group thanks

ernieh · 12-28-2012, 12:48 PM

The 3126 is a good engine, better than the C7 that replaced it around 2004. Many have tended to develop an oil leak where the filter attaches to the block and they have a fan bearing that must be lubed. That bearing can not be reached from the ground so it is often missed.

rshackleford · 01-01-2013, 11:37 AM

I just bought an 01 36LD back in June. It is my first MH and obviously my first DP. It had 55,000 on it when I got it.
A couple things I learned,
As already mentioned, the Fan bearing needs to be greased. If not a failure could be costly. Its not too hard to get done. I removed the bed and was able to reach it.
The crankcase vent tune hangs down the front of the engine so that the oil mist is blow back into the intercooler and radiator. Along with the road dust this tends to clog the radiator. While I was greasing the Fan bearing I thoroughly cleaned the intercooler and radiator with Simple Green and a garden hose. I plan on doing this every spring going forward.
It also needs to have the valve lash adjusted. See if there are any maintenance records, and get the engine serial number and call CAT RV hotline 1-877- 777 - 3126 to see if they have any maintenance records. If the valve lash hasn't been adjusted at a Cat Dealer I would have that done. In Chicago that runs approx $400.
If time permits you might want to do a fluid check. you can draw samples of oil, transmission and coolant and send them in for an analysis.

replogle · 01-01-2013, 10:08 PM

I have the same year and model. I bought it in April and put 7500 mile on it. When I come back from a trip I always wash the coach and clean the rear radiator and the CAC. Haven't had a cooling problem with the outside air over 110 this summer. Just finished my winter PM. New fuel filters, greased the fan bearing while under the bed, oil change, new belts 70,000 miles, greased the chasse, had to paint the oil pan due to rust. I just added the ScanguageD to keep an eye on the engine. Lots of information on the iRV Forums. Enjoy your new to you Journey.