Volvo vs CAT

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Interestingly enough when I spoke to Finning's they were quite cagey as to what they would actually cover in a survey and almost implied that I would be better off getting an independent engineer to do the survey and just send them the oil, coolant and engine oil sample for analysis?

That's odd because on their website they say they carry out engine surveys http://www.finningmarine.co.uk/service-and-support/service-and-repair/
In truth, yes if you could find a good Cat trained independent and just send the fluid samples to Finnings, you'll probably get as good a job done at a cheaper price but you've got to find that independent. Anybody of the forum got any recommendations?

 

[crossy]

That's odd because on their website they say they carry out engine surveys http://www.finningmarine.co.uk/service-and-support/service-and-repair/
In truth, yes if you could find a good Cat trained independent and just send the fluid samples to Finnings, you'll probably get as good a job done at a cheaper price but you've got to find that independent. Anybody of the forum got any recommendations?

I thought it a it odd but I was just rushing off to a meeting at the time so had to finish the call anyway. I'll drop them another line if I get to the point of proceeding on the boat.

 

[rafiki_]

Cc

That's odd because on their website they say they carry out engine surveys http://www.finningmarine.co.uk/service-and-support/service-and-repair/
In truth, yes if you could find a good Cat trained independent and just send the fluid samples to Finnings, you'll probably get as good a job done at a cheaper price but you've got to find that independent. Anybody of the forum got any recommendations?

I used Tom Parker (Tompa) aka Mercuryman to check the Cats on my Snazi. I got oil sample bottles from RK at Swanwick, and sent them off to the oil surveyors in North Wales. All ok. I also spoke to Finnings, and found them very helpful. There were some pretty obvious problems with the first sea trial which the owner corrected. Toms support was invaluable, and while as an Engineer, I am not totally phased by the engines, it was great having someone along who is a professional.

 

[Gentlemanracer]

I spoke to Finnings today and checked the serial numbers of the engines in question, both had the warranty recall work done in 1999 when the engines were 2 years old.

If I have an offer accepted then both engines will be the subject of full mechanical survey and fluid sample analysis.

I'd have Finings on the sea trial, they hook up to ECUs to get real time data ( eg to V max twice) plus ECU hrs & operating conditions history download then take samples and await report for fluids analysis, fuel burn / rpm / speed, % burn / overload, etc: cheapest intelligence you'll ever get!

 

[MapisM]

I'd have Finings on the sea trial, they hook up to ECUs to get real time data ( eg to V max twice) plus ECU hrs & operating conditions history download then take samples and await report for fluids analysis, fuel burn / rpm / speed, % burn / overload, etc: cheapest intelligence you'll ever get!

If they would be able to hook up anything to a 3126 ECU, I'd call that a miracle, rather than just intellingence!

 

[Gentlemanracer]

If they would be able to hook up anything to a 3126 ECU, I'd call that a miracle, rather than just intellingence!

Me too! Just looked at report: 'twas C12, must apply for a memory upgrade!

 

[volvopaul]

I'd have Finings on the sea trial, they hook up to ECUs to get real time data ( eg to V max twice) plus ECU hrs & operating conditions history download then take samples and await report for fluids analysis, fuel burn / rpm / speed, % burn / overload, etc: cheapest intelligence you'll ever get!

Good luck finding the ecu.

 

[adey]

Before I bought my boat I looked at one in Palma with Cat engines, similar to 3126s. The Cats don't look quite so easy to service as Volvos, requiring special tools for valve and injector servicing. The quote I got put me off...
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?352889-Azimut-36-which-engines&p=4092958#post4092958

 

[Gentlemanracer]

Good luck finding the ecu.

We've done that one, Paul!