3126 cat maintenance schedule

Almightys

Super Moderator
Staff member
Jun 15, 2015
665
Warren, MI
Boat Info
1995 500 DA with diesel loving Detroit’s
(SOLD)1992 Sundancer 330
Engines
6v92 Detroit Diesel
I am looking at a boat with 3126 Cats. The broker mentioned the hours were higher on this one 2500 approx.
I asked about maintenance records which he says are there but will verify when I go see the boat this weekend. Was posting here to get opinions on what services should have been done with this many hours?

It got me thinking as I always see a lot of maintenance questions posted here but I never noticed anyone post up a maintenance schedule for these engines.
 
CATs are great engines and I think you'll find a lot of fans on this site. For the most part, these engines just require the fluids, filters and impellers to be changed on schedule as outlined in the manual Mark posted. Almost all of it can be easily accomplished DIY. Parts are easy to access and reasonably priced from your local CAT dealer.

There is one procedure that requires a CAT tech or at least someone with the right tools and know how to accomplish, that being the Valve lash and injector timing. This should have been accomplished at around 250 hours and again at 2000 hours. I would ensure this has been accomplished or make some arrangement/accommodation with the current owner as this is an expensive service.
 
The hours doesn't bother me from a longevity stand point but it does mean that the service records and history of the owner having done the recommended maintenance on time is really important.

The other regular maintenance item that will have been done more than once is checking and cleaning the aftercoolers.

The service records should indicate what type of oil was used. If the previous owner has been using multiviscositty oil, then the after coolers should be cleaned as a condition of the sale.

It is critical th at the engine coolant has been replaced or the SCA's replenished in it at least every 5 years.

Tides shaft seals are usually well past their useful life at 1000 hours.

The seawater hoses from the seacocks to the strainer should have been replaced by now as should the sea water pumps.

If the broker hands you a file boat full of receipt and calls that a service record, then prepare for several days of home work to reconstruct the service record to determine when what was done.

Good luck.........
 
Thanks for all the info. Looks like I’m in a different direction of an animal
As the boat I put an offer on has Detroit’s 6v92’s
As always a wealth of info here and appreciate everyone sharing their first hand knowledge
 
Thanks for all the info. Looks like I’m in a different direction of an animal
As the boat I put an offer on has Detroit’s 6v92’s
As always a wealth of info here and appreciate everyone sharing their first hand knowledge
So you asked about 3126's, but it has 6V92's?...I's confused...
 
So you asked about 3126's, but it has 6V92's?...I's confused...
1st boat had 3126, but we lost the deal on that one. 2nd boat which offer did get accepted, has 6v92TAs and is pending survey and inspection
 

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