Looking to buy a 400 Sedan Bridge

D

dbriceno

New Member
Dec 21, 2009
12
Long Island Sound
Boat Info
40 Sedan Bridge
Engines
Diesels
I'm looking to buy a 40' Sedan Bridge between 1997 - 2000 but I have some serious concerns regarding the CAT engines. I've heard many horror tales about the 3116 & 3126 motors. Are they all bad? I'm waiting to view a 1997 with 340hp Cat 3116 w/850hrs. What should I be staying away from? There are very few 40 Sedans with Cummins motors out there (and they are more money). Any input will be welcome and appreciated. Thanks to all in advance.
 
400 Sedan Bridge

You have reason to feel confident about CAT engines. We have the 3116TA twin 300hp engines and I can assure you that they are fantastic. Amazing torque, smooth operation and very surprising economy at cruise. I'm one of those guys that does all of my own routine maintenance and over the 3 years of ownership I have only increasing respect for those engines. They are 1998 and I have never had to top up the oil during 100-150 hr. seasons.

Of course, you are looking at the larger engines and I can't really comment on specific maintenance or reliability issues. But there are some very knowledgeable owners on this site that can jump in and give you opinions. Do a site search on the questions that you have and you will get answers.. You will find information in "Sport Yachts" and "Diesel Engines.." section of the forums. You might want to post a similar question in "Sport Yachts" after an extensive search.

This forum was an amazing resource for me prior to buying. There are many skilled, experienced owners who can assist you with this decision. But as for the CAT engines - rest assured they are a highly sought-after asset. In my opinion the decision of Sea Ray to discontinue using CAT engines was a business decision based upon the corporate realities (Brunswick owning another engine mfg.) and had nothing to do with quality.

Good luck,
Warren
(boat owner for 20 years)
 
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I just purchased my boat and bought it in large part BECAUSE it had cat 420 hp 3126 (same as 3116 just newer and more hp). Frank Webster is the expert on these engs. and may chime in. Cat had 2 problems with these engs. and dealt with both. Soft blocks from France (replaced engines) and bad valves from (trw??) . These are old problems that were dealt with by cat. You MUST have a survey by a cat mechanic to make sure the engs. are ok on the boat you want, and if they are ok you will have clean burn, great tourque, and world famous fuel economy. Love mine. Quiet and eff.
 
Also...in my search of boats I found quite a few had engines that were replaced with corrected engs. by cat under warrenty. (including mine replaced in 2002) To me, that was a bonus....Ric
 
If you do a search in the diesel forum on "3126 replacement" you will see a thread documenting my experience with the 3126. I had to replace one of my engines. I did all my own work and had the valves adjusted, etc. just like I was supposed to.

I was very dissappointed that I had an engine failure at such an early stage in the life of the engine (600 hours).

Having said that, when they run, they are very reliable and efficient.
 
I have a 99 400 with 430 cummins no problems
no replacements from Cummins love them
 
Join boatdiesel.com for $25 and do some research for your peace of mind. It is the best $25 a diesel boat owner will ever spend.
 
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