Off-Ice
New Member
- Jul 7, 2009
- 2
- Boat Info
- 2000 Sea Ray 480 Sedan Bridge, Cat 3196's, Raymarine E140 and E90
- Engines
- Cat 3196's with C12 Turbos installed
I have a 2000 SB with twin Cat 3196 engines with 625 hours. I have always had a problem with a significant amount of diesel soot on the transom and on the bridge after running. I understand the station wagon effect but I have asked Cat for years to lean the motors out and they always refused to do it. I am tired of cleaning the boat after a trip and I had them look at the motors last week. I have tried everything that comes in a bottle to stop the diesel soot and I change fuel and air filters regularly They are indicating that on the exhaust side of the turbo on both engines, the cast iron housing has rusted and the gap between the fan blades and the housing is outside the gap tolerance of 30 thousands of an inch. They indicated that to get rid of the diesel soot issue, I need to replace the turbo housing but they are recommending that they put the C12 turbo on which is larger than the current turbo and will push more air and resolve my problem. I am waiting for the estimate as to cost but I have concern that if I go with the larger turbo, may create other issues down the road. I do not think it is reason that I have to replace the turbo with such low hours. Moreover, I have the coolers changed in 2003 and they look new on the inside. Has anyone incurred the diesel soot issue and if so, has did you resolve it or have you had the turbo replaced with the C12 turbo. Any insight would be appreciated.