Cat 3116TA Turbo Repair / Replacement

gamaral

New Member
Oct 25, 2015
8
Southern California Coast
Boat Info
1996 450DA Sundancer
Engines
Caterpillar 3116
Hello - first post - hope I do this right!
Our 1996 SeaRay DA450 Sundancer with Caterpillar 3116TA engines appears to need her turbos either rebuilt or replaced due to prior salt water ingestion. The turbos are corroded inside and the housing has apparently swelled. We replaced both mixing elbows (source of ingestion) prior. If the turbos can't be repaired I'll need to replace them. I found a Borg-Warner Turbo that appears to be the same units sold by Caterpillar but I'm not certain of this. The price is attractive but I'm not trying to be cheap about this - just don't want to spend the money if we don't have to. Has anyone used this turbo https://www.tristateturbo.com/rebui...cement-borg-warner-turbo-s300w049-detail.html on 3116TA engines before with success?? Or have suggestions on where to go to get the right turbos? Thanks!
 
I recommend you give a call to Dave at DMS turbo in West Palm, FL. 561-644-6537. He does nothing but rebuild turbos. My Holset turbo came back from him basically brand new for significantly less price. He will give you great consulting based on your situation.
 
I recommend you give a call to Dave at DMS turbo in West Palm, FL. 561-644-6537. He does nothing but rebuild turbos. My Holset turbo came back from him basically brand new for significantly less price. He will give you great consulting based on your situation.
Thanks! Appreciate the info and you taking time to respond
 
The OP sent me a PM about this and sine he posted the same question in the open forum, I thought it might be helpful to post a copy of my answer here:



My recommendation is to go to your Caterpillar dealer and ask about a remanned turbo from them. Cat has very specific rebuild specs and a remanned unit will meet all new turbo specs. Be aware that Cat has issued at least 1 Technical Service Bulletin covering 3116 turbos calling for a replacement that was done under warranty by Cat dealers. What you get from Cat will be the latest version available. Over all, based on 22 years of Cat Marine diesel ownership and about that many more of construction equipment ownership, I find that Cat OEM parts, even belts, hoses and hose clamps are noticeably superior to aftermarket parts.

Be wary of aftermarket turbos and parts in general. Frequently, just the damaged or worn parts are replaced and they do nothing more than clean everything else up so it looks good. Some rebuilders are good; others are not and the price is about the only "road sign" telling us who is good and who isn't.

Turbos run at really high speeds……like 20-25,000 RPM so there isn't a lot of room for error here.

I do understand the desire to save money, but keep in mind that a rebuild on a 350hp marine engine is about a $25K expense………..this isn't a risk I want to take.



Hope that helps……….
 

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