Community Forums

bigdog · 12-03-2015, 11:13 PM

just not too long ago, I remember reading a post by someone that had just had a 3126B Cat replaced in their motorhome. It said that they had to go thru several engines before they got a good one and I was wondering who that was, where they got the engines and how much.
I am having to replace mine soon and NC Machine wants $14K for the long block and $10K for the labor. Another place wants $16K for the whole job and my usual guy is trying to see what he can find in a good used one. I am looking at an 8YL probably manufactured in '00-'01.

1ciderdog · 12-04-2015, 10:28 AM

I had to have the C-7 replaced in my RV. The long block was $9263.13 (plus core deposit of $2547.77). New turbo, two new injectors, new water pump and lots of assorted parts, clamps, hoses, sealants, O-rings, etc. Total parts was $13211.21 Out the door was $20811.53. This was at Peterson CAT in Medford, OR. Peterson CAT has shops in WA but I don't know how close to you they may be.

dons2346 · 12-04-2015, 10:32 AM

Why are you having to replace the whole motor?

jimbo2013 · 12-04-2015, 12:17 PM

If the value of the coach is near about 50% of a engine what are you gaining.

If it worth $35,000 and it cost 17-20,000 to replace the engine you will only get back what you just spent if you sell it.

Take that $$ buy another coach

1ciderdog · 12-05-2015, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbo2013

If the value of the coach is near about 50% of a engine what are you gaining.

If it worth $35,000 and it cost 17-20,000 to replace the engine you will only get back what you just spent if you sell it.

Take that $$ buy another coach

Sure but the other side is a coach without an engine or with a blown engine is next to worthless. So if you replace the engine and run it a few more years then sell it it'll hurt less. At least that's my thought.

bigdog · 12-10-2015, 04:42 PM

I'm still right side up in my rig as blue book is about $59K for an '01 LTC. I would love to see if it can be rebuilt for less, but I'm thinking that ain't gonna happen. You gotta have a working engine to be able to sell it. Yes, mine still works on 5 cylinders and so we are still using it carefully as CAT says we can. Just don't get too far away from a tow truck. It's amazing that I have several friends of my kids that are diesel mechanics and do side work, but they won't work on motorhomes.

charldk · 12-26-2015, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdog

just not too long ago, I remember reading a post by someone that had just had a 3126B Cat replaced in their motorhome. It said that they had to go thru several engines before they got a good one and I was wondering who that was, where they got the engines and how much.
I am having to replace mine soon and NC Machine wants $14K for the long block and $10K for the labor. Another place wants $16K for the whole job and my usual guy is trying to see what he can find in a good used one. I am looking at an 8YL probably manufactured in '00-'01.

Inquire about a CAT Reman engine from your dealer. The entire engine is like new and rebuilt at less cost than a new one. Most of the labor is to remove the old and drop in the new.

bigdog · 02-07-2016, 05:25 PM

TRhe reason that I have to replace it is that #5 cylinder is dusted. They say the rest of the engine is in good condition tho. They couldn't find anything wrong with the rest of the engine. They went into the computer and found that the problem may have started with the previous owner at around 65K miles with a hole in the air filter. At least that's where the overheating started. I bought it at 80K and it ran quite well. It still runs well on 5 except when I'm climbing hills and then it overheats from overfueling. I have found two truck engines, but they're rather expensive to switch over.

G Shaw · 02-07-2016, 05:49 PM

Isnt the 3126 a liner engine. If so why not inframe the engine and put liners and pistons in it and be done with it??

G Shaw · 02-07-2016, 05:58 PM

Curiosity tells me this engine doesn't have liners. No inframe for this bad boy.

twinboat · 02-07-2016, 06:06 PM

I do believe the 3126 is a sleaved engine. A quick Google search showed a liner kit for it.

I can't imagine dusting one cylinder.

Yes the compression may be low but not from dirt injestion. That would take out, or at least damage, all of the cylinders.

I also don't understand how an engine overheats from over fueling. It would smoke but a rich mixture shouldn't create exess heat.

Chronic overheating can take its toll on pistons, rings and cylinders but the whole diagnosis seems odd.

Steve Ownby · 02-07-2016, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

I do believe the 3126 is a sleaved engine. A quick Google search showed a liner kit for it.

I can't imagine dusting one cylinder.

Yes the compression may be low but not from dirt injestion. That would take out, or at least damage, all of the cylinders.

I also don't understand how an engine overheats from over fueling. It would smoke but a rich mixture shouldn't create exess heat.

Chronic overheating can take its toll on pistons, rings and cylinders but the whole diagnosis seems odd.

The 3126 and the later C7 are both parent bore designs. There is no sleeve as designed. The block can be bored to accept a sleeve kit as a repair for a heavily scored cylinder. Can't do that in frame however.

twinboat · 02-07-2016, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

The 3126 and the later C7 are both parent bore designs. There is no sleeve as designed. The block can be bored to accept a sleeve kit as a repair for a heavily scored cylinder. Can't do that in frame however.

Got ya.

Thanks

MnTom · 02-07-2016, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

I also don't understand how an engine overheats from over fueling. It would smoke but a rich mixture shouldn't create exess heat.

A diesel engine is like an oil fired furnace. The more fuel you put in the more heat you get out. You heat the water up faster and if the radiator is even just a little bit dirty......