Head on a 3116 Cat

[Arickosmo]

I'm new to diesel power, matter of fact, I don't even have one yet.

So, I found a boat that interested me. 1997 3116 Cat engines around 800 hours. I asked a few questions and came to find out the boat "...just had $8000 worth of work to bring the engines up to par." Red flags shot up all around my head.

Needed a head and injectors. Ok, what in the world did somebody not do to need a head at 800 hours? Do I just walk away or is it even worth investigating further? Is this an engine that can still be deemed healthy by a qualified mechanic? I haven't asked for any documentation yet. Should I bother?

Secondly, where does the water enter into exhaust on this motor? It appears that it might have to travel uphill from the turbo prior to making a descent to the muffler.

 

[ttmott]

Seems to me that a casting defect or crack, overheated, or dropped a valve would be the principal reasons to replace a head. These CAT 3116TA engines are pretty tough and most importantly, simple; not too common to have to pull a head.... and then with that replace the injectors...

The 3116 cooling is significantly different than the 3126 in that, the aftercooler, exhaust manifold, and turbocharger are cooled by the engine's coolant and not raw water.
The raw water is drawn through the fuel cooler by the raw water pump then up to the engine's heat exchanger; from the heat exchanger over to the gear cooler then up into the bottom of the exhaust riser where it fills the exhaust riser and then discharges into the exhaust gas stream over the top of the riser.

 

[endless seas]

Ask Frank W

 

[katricol]

What are the specifics of the boat? Brand, model, usage,

 

[Arickosmo]

'97 400 I think it's all fresh water. Sea Ray.

 

[FootballFan]

Get the engine over temp - way too hot - might be looking at a head issues. I was always taught if a diesel got hot, cut the load, bring back to idle, see if you can get it cooled down before you kill the engine. Granted - my teachings were way old school on tractors - not boats.


Mark