Caterpillar power/repower 3116's - The Hull Truth

njtom · 01-11-2004, 06:51 AM

I listed a clients 29' Blackfin '92 and he other that the original blocks, everything on top is brand new including the air filter bracket modifaction which was supposedly a main culprit in many premature turbo failures.

A guy at the Cat booth at the NY International Show this air filter bracket thing was a hard to find problem, but after many $ of research, the fix took care of it.

Anyone else have an opinion on these engines good or bad? This vessel is in incredible condition but the prospect can't get over the "bad press" on the 3116 300 hp.

Thanks in advance, this site is a great resource.

Tom

sokolj · 01-11-2004, 08:09 AM

I might not be able to get over the bad press either. Lots of problems with the 3116 and the 3126 in my area (SE Wisconsin). Cat responded and made lots of repairs with mostly satisfactory results; but I doubt I would buy a used boat with either engines in it. " air filter bracket modification" ? that's a new one! JS

JAGSARE1 · 01-11-2004, 08:11 AM

I wouldn't care how nice it is or how "fixed" the engines are, I wouldn't touch a 3116 powered boat with a 10 foot pole.

IMHO, the engines are trouble and I have no confidence CAT will help in any way after warranty expires. The reputation was well deserved. Sorry.

FOR SAIL
A 27' Tiara Express...for now

Shark1007 · 01-11-2004, 08:14 AM

Tom:

The problem was also "soft" blocks from french foundries, serial number can tell you. The air filter deal was strange, it was a dimension change with a new supplier that caused turbo failures.

I had 3116's 350's and no problems. The solution to these block issues was to sleeve the motors and then they were fine.

You can't fight the rumors, so suggest an engine survey or have the owner/seller escrow the 10K less he would take as an engine warranty for 6 mo.

CB Haws · 01-11-2004, 08:17 AM

3116's were not Cat's finest hour. The early 3126 were not much better. My neighbor keeps a fleet of 3116's running in buses. They seem like good engines for buses; but not marine applications. Look at boatdiesel.com for the dirt on the 3116's. I am with Jags.

njtom · 01-11-2004, 09:34 AM

Thanks all. I suppose it is what it is. Amazing how many responses in such a short time period. This has got to be one of the most active marine sites anywhere.

Tom

njtom · 01-11-2004, 09:41 AM

French, Cat blocks from French foundries? That's a weakness that makes sense.

Tom

CB Haws · 01-11-2004, 05:28 PM

Cat has had their share of labor problems. I think they farmed out some work to the frogs. The soft french blocks when through the system pretty fast. The 3116's have had all kinds of problems. If the fix for the problems was an air filter I don't think they would have dropped the engine so fast. One big problem is you need some real expensive Cat tools just to work on the motors.