soft block problem cat 3116 vs 3128

[remo1950]

I have heard different things from different people about which engine had soft blocks. A diesel mechanic that seemed to have a lot of experience said that the 3116 was a cast block and that the 3126 had sleeves. This would mean that the 3116 had the soft block problem. any different answers

 

[JC3]

This has been discussed in GREAT detail. Do a search and you will find some really good information about both engines. Pay paticular attention to Fwebster post about these engines. I really liked the 1997 40Da with 3116. Handled well docking and handled moderate chop real well. Good luck, JC

 

[tobnpr]

The engines you're looking at have too many hours for it to be an issue- if they were "soft blocks", they'd have blown up a long time ago. Or, the blocks were replaced by CAT under warranty.

As I suggested, get the engine S/N's and contact CAT to get the service records, or have the current owner do it...

 

[fwebster]

The engines have a casting number on the block you can check...........but we've been told by Caterpillar that only the 3126 was affected.

THe only sure way to know is to have Cat survey the engines, check the casting number and then do a blow-by test, which is a proprietary test Cat can do to measure the cylinder wear. YOu will not be able to get enough information to be able to qualify or disqualify a boat or engines without the blow-by test because not all 3126 or FAP blocks were soft.

Soft blocks translate to early engine wear and the problem usually shows up in smoke, oil consumption and performance in a few hundred hours.

 

[remo1950]

Thanks, I will make sure that the blow by test is done before purchase.