Heads up for C7 engines installed around 2003/2004

[mycoolbeans]

Some of you may have read about my engine woes and problems on a recent trip from Pa. to California and back. After my engine failed to start and run in Indio, Ca., I became really mired down in trying to figure out what was wrong. To make a long, long, story short, the problem was a defective Huei pump. I had the Huei pump replaced in Riverside, Ca. at Johnson Power Systems a Cat facility. I was very satisfied with their service and professionalism. However, 350 miles later, in Williams, Arizona. Another breakdown. Eventually, I got to Flagstaff and Rush Peterbilt Truck Center, another authorized CAT service facility, diagnosed the issue. Believe it or not, the "new" Huei pump installed in Riverside, Ca., had failed. So, another Huei pump was installed. From Flagstaff to Pennsylvania everything has worked fine. In fact, my mpg, which had been 7.5 pulling a Honda CR-V improved to 8.6 mpg in a run of over 1000 miles. Through some internet research, I've learned there were Huei pump problems with C7s that were built and installed roughly around 2003 and 2004. Additionally, that an upgraded Huei pump was installed in models built around 2005-2007. If CAT was aware of issues with the earlier Huei pumps, why wasn't there a recall? It annoys the hell out of me that those of us with the 2004 and earlier models of the CAT 330 C7 engines were not notified. Hopefully, my problem has been resolved. And, respectfully, I would like to pass on some advice to those having the earlier version of the C 7. If you don't have Coach Net service, get it. And if you don't have Good Sam Extended Service Protection, I highly, highly, recommend it. Both those outfits came to my rescue when I needed it the most.

[sandcar361]

I hate to sound stupid but what is a Huei pump?

[mycoolbeans]

Take my answer to your question as a very general reply. I am not knowledgeable about the intricacies and workings of a diesel engine. As nearly as I can ascertain, the Huei pump controls fuel injection at low and high pressure ranges, and also involves oil pressure performance. If the pump is defective, given the fuel feeding aspect of the pump, the engine either won't start or will not run properly. It is a very expensive fix. In my case, $2500.00. Good Sam CSP came through for me.

[movin-on]

Originally Posted by mycoolbeans

Take my answer to your question as a very general reply. I am not knowledgeable about the intricacies and workings of a diesel engine. As nearly as I can ascertain, the Huei pump controls fuel injection at low and high pressure ranges, and also involves oil pressure performance. If the pump is defective, given the fuel feeding aspect of the pump, the engine either won't start or will not run properly. It is a very expensive fix. In my case, $2500.00. Good Sam CSP came through for me.

The failure of this pump is due to a weak center shaft and bearing. When the pump fails, metal contaminates the injectors causing premature failure so all the injectors should be replaced when the pump is replaced. The improved pump comes with a more substantial center shaft and bearing. Unfortunately Cat has been unloading all the early model pumps before introducing the new ones . Hopefully you got the improved one on your 2nd try and hopefully you won't have injector problems...

[mycoolbeans]

Thanks for your post, Movin-On. After the failure of the 1st "new Huei pump", I began to wonder if a "refurbished/remanufactured" pump was installed. If I ask the question now, I'm sure what I would get is...."Oh no, we put a new one in." I hope that I didn't get one of the earlier model pumps in the second install. I definitely wouldn't be surprised if I did. So many companies have such little regard for their customers anymore. I intend to have a very frank exchange with Caterpillar. They will hardly be intimidated by a guy like me, but I'll feel better letting them know my thoughts about this issue. For a long time I was very supportive of the Cat engine and products. If I buy another motorhome, I'll avoid purchasing anything to do with a CAT engine. Now that they are out of the RV business, they'll hardly care. Sorry to sound so cynical, but this hasn't been a good experience for either me or my wife.

[wagonmaster2]

Great. Now I have something else to worry about while on the road with my 50,000 mile 2004 Cat C-7 engine. I understand from postings on the RV Forums that 2004 was the first year Cat/Freightliner changed from a greaseable fan hub bearing to a sealed bearing that may be defective and when it goes out the fan has the opportunity to get into the radiator or fan shroud thus leaving you stranded right where it happens. As was stated somewhere else it kind of boils down to "What now" while traveling.

Wagonmaster2

[movin-on]

Not to worry...The pump failure only occures in a small number of the early C-7's...There are thousands on the road in trucks and rv's without any problems...

[JoeT]

HEUI - Hydraulic Electronic Unit Injector. In a nut shell, it's the fuel injection system.

[Vintage]

Originally Posted by wagonmaster2

Great. Now I have something else to worry about while on the road with my 50,000 mile 2004 Cat C-7 engine. I understand from postings on the RV Forums that 2004 was the first year Cat/Freightliner changed from a greaseable fan hub bearing to a sealed bearing that may be defective and when it goes out the fan has the opportunity to get into the radiator or fan shroud thus leaving you stranded right where it happens. As was stated somewhere else it kind of boils down to "What now" while traveling.

Wagonmaster2

Keep in mind that the forums you frequent are filled with people who have had problems and are seeking advice. These people represent a small sampling of all users of the items that are problematic.

Also those who post problems on one forum many times post on similar forums with the same problem. One complaint then becomes multiple occurences.

Thirty grasshoppers in your back yard might be a problem but it is not a plague.

IMHO

[RVhauler]

Vintage- you make it sound as if people which has a problem is just a bunch of whiners when they are trying to pass on info many do not know about. One such problem as suffered by mycoolbeans is one too many and when it is a known problem not corrected by the manufacturer then it is two too many.

[wagonmaster2]

Originally Posted by RVhauler

Vintage- you make it sound as if people which has a problem is just a bunch of whiners when they are trying to pass on info many do not know about. One such problem as suffered by mycoolbeans is one too many and when it is a known problem not corrected by the manufacturer then it is two too many.

I'm with you Hauler. I begin to think that's the attitude of most manufacturers and the government, if it doesn't happen to several thousand individuals then its not really a problem. And from what I'm reading, the fan hub bearing on the 2004-2006,7's may be just as bad a recurring problem for us C-7 owners.

Wagonmaster2

[wagonmaster2]

Originally Posted by movin-on

Not to worry...The pump failure only occures in a small number of the early C-7's...There are thousands on the road in trucks and rv's without any problems...

Thanks for the word of encouragement, but it doesn't help too much if you could be the one in a thousand that it happens to. And there's a good chance we don't hear about any ways near the number that actually fail if its not posted on a Forum. Would really be interesting if Cat/Freightliner would disclose the number of replacements they have sold both for the Heui pumps and the fan hub bearings for the C-7 engines.

Wagonmaster2

[PONCHO]

I have an 04 winne journey with a 330 cat. I am having exhaust residue appearing on the rear of the rv and front of towed veh. Is this a heads up for a pending or current problem?

[ejm4]

HEUI pumps fail all the time. It is common on CAT & Navistar engines. The engine oil pressure is what drives the fuel to the injectors.