Logo
FULL SITE MENU

CAT 3216B

I'm in New England. Using the block heater does help, even in the summer. Recently had 1k hr service performed, but did not eliminate it.
A compression variance was never mentioned.
 
Do you notice any reduction in power once warmed up?
Once warmed up do you ever see black smoke?

As Racerone mentioned, need to do a compression test
 
A diesel is a---" compression ignition "---machine.----If compression is low then there will not be enuff heat for proper combustion.
 
I do not notice power reduction once up to temperature nor have I ever seen black smoke.
I appreciate the suggestions and will look into getting a compression test as next step. Thanks!
 
I think you are talking about a 3126. Inline six, 1.2L per cylinder, so 7.2L total. Compression is not normally tested in CAT diesel engines. If it doesn’t have compression it simply won't fire, or it will run rough, make a lot of smoke and have excessive blowby from the breather. Assuming you are starting well and running well, but with some smoke until hot, your may slobbering due to lack of heat and pressure from power demand. If you run at light load most of the time the rings can loosen up and start pumping some lubricating oil past the rings into the combustion chamber. CAT uses keystone shaped rings and they need hard load periodically to keep them seated properly. On generator sets we hit them with 50 % or more load to clean the engine. On a boat you'll need to run at about 79% of full speed for 1/2 hour or more to blow out the crud and get the engine clean. 79% speed cubed should be 49% of the full load fuel burn. YMMV
 
Last edited:
Thank you for that insight.
Yes, my typo = 3126b - inline 6 - turbo.
And it is true that I do not push the boat much. 45' single engine trawler, and in no real hurry. Run at 1500-1600rpm when traveling. Never been to full throttle, maybe 2,400?
 
Back
Top