Removing Aftercooler and Turbo

[Pointe of View]

Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to remove the aftercooler and turbo on CAT 3126? I need to remove my waste tank and understand that it will only have enough clearance to get it out by removing the aftercooler and turbo. My mechancial skills are not very advanced. Wondering if i should try it myself or have a certified mechanic do it for me? Any advice is appreciated. Walt

 

[fwebster]

If this were my boat, I would call Caterpillar and have t hem remove and clean the aftercoolers, you do the waste tank change out while the aftercoolers are away at Cat, then let Caterpillar reinstall the aftercoolers.

Cat aftercoolers are heavy and their seal to the head is critical. Your aftercoolers are seawater cooled so any leak at all gets you an engine full of seawater. It isn't worth the risk unless you have done this type work before, besides, given the age of your boat and the tendency for 3116/3126 aftercoolers to foul with oil additive residue, it is probably time to have them cleaned anyway.

 

[Pointe of View]

Makes sense Frank. Thanks for the advice.

 

[1956olds]

And the same with the turbo,i have been fighting with one for a couple of weeks to get the bolts loose.I would prefer someone else to break one and have to drill the hardened bolt out,but i am not to the point of surrender yet.

 

[Gimme Time]

Agree with Frank as I just had Cat remove Transmission coolers, Heat Exchangers, After-coolers, re-install, replaced hoses, seals, gaskets, clamps, install new breather filters, engine zincs & plugs, remove water pump covers inspect impellers which were replaced last year, replace Starboard engine Bonnet for heat exchanger, replaced engine coolant, start & run engines and check out for leaks.
I had them go over the entire engine while there were there as I want someone whom knows them inside and out to be responsible for my Kitty Cats. Yes I might have saved money on the front end with some local guy but it isn’t worth the risk I. Something goes wrong I got someone to back them up IMHO.

This took them 3 days as they had a 2 hour one way trip to the boat and back. Could I have done it, sure but how long do you think it would have taken me and access to these kitty cats isn't a walk in the park either. If all goes as we have planed, we are headed out in early June for the Great Loop and any & every failure I can prevent is more than well worth it.

 

[Boatingnut]

Are you willing to share how many boat dollars this cost?

Agree with Frank as I just had Cat remove Transmission coolers, Heat Exchangers, After-coolers, re-install, replaced hoses, seals, gaskets, clamps, install new breather filters, engine zincs & plugs, remove water pump covers inspect impellers which were replaced last year, replace Starboard engine Bonnet for heat exchanger, replaced engine coolant, start & run engines and check out for leaks.
I had them go over the entire engine while there were there as I want someone whom knows them inside and out to be responsible for my Kitty Cats. Yes I might have saved money on the front end with some local guy but it isn’t worth the risk I. Something goes wrong I got someone to back them up IMHO.

This took them 3 days as they had a 2 hour one way trip to the boat and back. Could I have done it, sure but how long do you think it would have taken me and access to these kitty cats isn't a walk in the park either. If all goes as we have planed, we are headed out in early June for the Great Loop and any & every failure I can prevent is more than well worth it.

 

[Timeflys]

When you think of what a turbo charger does...exhaust gases ,heat, compressed air..I would leave it to the professionals, and as suggested, combine it with another service visit.

 

[Gimme Time]

Just under 7K which included 4 hours+ per day for travel. If everything goes well it was worth every penny, if not well then Sh-t happens and ya take the next step.