3116 after cooler replacement

[Pierpressure1]

i have an engine survey scheduled on a 98 400 Sedan Bridge in a couple days. When speaking with the local Cat dealer to set it up the service rep mentioned that the manufacturer is now recommending that the after coolers should be replaced on all motors of this vintage. The maintenance records for the boat show regular service of the units by a different Cat dealer.

Does this sound right and if so has anyone followed their advice? If you have replaced what was the cost?

Thanks in advance.

 

[fwebster]

The 3116 after coolers are cooled by the engine's cooling system so they have antifreeze in the wet side, not seawater. I can't see a good reason to replace them if they care cleaned and pressure tested at regular intervals.

Other than turning an $800 job into a $7000 one, that is…………….

 

[carterchapman]

Some CAT models - the 3196 comes to mind - have aftercooler problems and have had multiple CAT upgrades. The successor to the 3116/3126 is the C7 - it, too has aftercooler problems. I'm with Frank - I've not had any of the 3116 or 3126's around my dock have any problems. CAT calls for cleaning every 1000 hrs or 2 years if I recall from my 410.

 

[fwebster]

But, the 3126 has seawater cooled aftercoolers so it is a completely different situation than the jacket cooled 3116 after coolers.

 

[carterchapman]

Yes. Doing acid wash (barnacle buster, etc.) every couple of years with a 3126 is normal. I thought the 2 yr/1000 hr service/cleaning was more for the air side...

 

[Pierpressure1]

I have my engine survey tomorrow with Cat dealer. Will ask the mechanics for their opinion and report back on what they say.

 

[Pierpressure1]

According to the mechanic that performed my engine survey yesterday there is no reason to replace and his recommendation is to follow recommend schedule for acid washing.