Caterpillar 3126 engines

ChrisKaye

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I'm looking at a boat with Caterpillar 3126 engines circa 10 years old and done around 600hours. I know nothing at all about these engines, current boat has volvo's. Does anyone on here have any experience (good or bad) of these engines. Is there anything to look out for ?
 
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Deleted User YDKXO

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I once had a Targa 48 with these engines. Fundamentally they're OK but many early ones had expensive valve related problems which were fixed by Cat, often outside the warranty period. It's worthwile getting the engine nos and calling Cat to see what record they have of any warranty work. Apart from that, I had a corroded exhaust manifold on one engine which was a pricey fix
As with any engines of this age, get a full engine survey and oil analysis done before you buy
Worthwile doing a web search on these engines. You'll turn up sites like Boatdiesel with lots of info on engine probs
 

ChrisKaye

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Thanks, I always thought cats were bullet proof engines, but have looked around and boat diesel shows up stuff about soft blocks (made in France), cracked cylinders and other problems.
Just wanted to balance it up with some positives (so thanks for your comments) but good to hear other people's experiences
 

Pete7

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Chris, friend has a 3208 I think in an 8m Avon rib. When water in the fuel took out the injectors he had problems finding someone to recondition them because they work at much higher pressures than Fords. No he didn't want to pay Cats prices either. Worth a check at least.

Pete
 

ArthurWood

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[ QUOTE ]
I'm looking at a boat with Caterpillar 3126 engines circa 10 years old and done around 600hours. I know nothing at all about these engines, current boat has volvo's. Does anyone on here have any experience (good or bad) of these engines. Is there anything to look out for ?

[/ QUOTE ]

Deleted User is right - there were major problems with the 3126s about 5 yr ago, which Cat fixed under wty, even if they were out of wty. Sea Ray who were big users changed to Cummins for their 420hps on their 450 DA models. I think the repairs done by cat were effective, as I've not heard/read about any ongoing probs since. Check with Cat, as Mike suggests and certainly have the engines surveyed/oil analysed.
 
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