Cat 3116

Discussion in 'Diesel Engines' started by Studman, Jul 12, 2013.

  1. Studman
    Joined: Jul 2013
    Posts: 1
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    Location: Milford CT.

    Studman New Member

    Just wondering
    I don’t know a lot about marine diesels and was looking for some input
    I am looking to buy a 1984 Egg Harbor with 2 - Cat 3116 TA 300 hp engines
    He has all documented maintenance and has said they have been well cared for
    My concern is they have 5000 hrs on them, he says the boat was a charter and most of the hours was trolling hrs
    What do you think? They should have plenty of life left OR should I ran away
    Thoughts
    Thanks
     
  2. FAST FRED
    Joined: Oct 2002
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    Location: Conn in summers , Ortona FL in winter , with big d

    FAST FRED Senior Member

    A talk with the locals or the a past captain would be in order.

    While ideling is never good for any diesel its long term harm is slow to happen.

    Running full throttle , wide open sadly is common on many charter boats that go out to sea.

    What the norm is in your area , perhaps more protected , will make a good deal of difference in the life left.

    5000 hours is no big deal , esp if the maint was good and the engine didn't spend half her life at wide open throttle.

    Simplest check is to have the owner start the engine while COLD!!!

    Touch it to be sure, if it smokes white for a min or two, no problem , but if the boat needs 140F or above underway for the white smoke to go away , an overhaul is not far away. $10K minimum.

    Just so you know 300 hp will cost at least 15GPH per engine if you like speed.
     
  3. JSL
    Joined: Nov 2012
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    Location: Delta BC

    JSL Senior Member

    My experience with this series (3116,3126,3176,3196) has not been the best, particularly if operated in cooler water (Wash.,BC, Alaska etc).
     
  4. Aliboy
    Joined: May 2011
    Posts: 39
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    Location: New Zealand

    Aliboy Junior Member

    At 5000hrs and many years old you are buying them on the basis that you may need to spend money on them. There is no doubt that well maintained engines used predominantly for trolling can put on some very big hours if treated right, but 5000hrs in normal recreational use is getting quite high. I do a lot of trolling (80%+ of hours) in my 43fter and with 4000hrs on the engines (twin 330hp) since a 10 year ago repower, I still think of them as my 'new engines'. Most important requirement other than good maintenance is that the engines are run at full cruise rpm for 15 - 30 minutes at the end of each days trolling. This brings everything up to temp properly and 'cleans' out the effects of a day spent at low loads.
    If you are buying this boat to mostly run around at cruise speeds rather than trolling I would either be budgeting for some engine work in the next few years of looking for a boat with newer engines.
     
  5. WestVanHan
    Joined: Aug 2009
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    Location: Vancouver

    WestVanHan Not a Senior Member

    Cat had huge problems with blocks and valves on the series and would honour warranties years after they had expired,and as they likely have blown up long ago these would likely be newer versions.
    Spend the money and have them tested.

    But as JSL stats,I've heard of many boaters not liking them.
     
  6. Carteret
    Joined: Jan 2004
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    Location: Eastern NC

    Carteret Senior Member

    It would be worth your time and effort to pull an oil sample on both engines and have it tested.
     

  7. JSL
    Joined: Nov 2012
    Posts: 811
    Likes: 64, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 41
    Location: Delta BC

    JSL Senior Member

    I should have mentioned that several of the applications I have been involved with are commercial such as tour boats (1998- 2006) that might log about 1000 to 1500 hours/year and despite careful maintenance, had some serious moisture condensation in the cylinders. Many engine manufacturers' 'new products' have 'teething problems' but I have not heard of any in recent years.
     
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