Sea Ray 4200 Aft Cabin - Cats 3126TA / Alternator issue?

[MARGEEZ]

Charger was sent off to factor for a 're-programming' (would arrive at boat and batteries 'dead'...replaced batteries and again, return to boat and batteries 'dead'....since 're-programming', not an 'issue').

Without charger, went on a 3 day cruise (went to Hammock Beach Resort & Marina...WOW! If one hasn't been to this Marina yet...make a point of doing so!) and had shore power. Cruised 3 hrs back to home port with a stop at the fuel dock for fuel/pump out. WELLLLL....the SB engine would not start (batteries DEAD after a 3 hrs cruise!) AND...someone had disconnected the 'Emergency Start' wire....

Talking with some dock neighbors, advised to contact Caterpillar re the alternator. Cat may replace alternator at n/c due to some known 'issues'....

Anyone know anything about this? (will be contacting Cat too!)

UPDATE: Had a new Insurance Survey and found loose belts (all belts now replaced) among other important need maintenance items. Our Tech found the SB alternator was not bolted down and the reason the SB batteries were not charging during a cruise. Fixed! (since this original post, among MANY items addressed, the coolers have been rod & flushed...so many used zincs were found in cooler!!...all fluids changed ...anyone have the fun of changing the port transmission fluid? My Tech advised it was a 'day in Hell'....).

 

[fwebster]

I've never heard of a "known issue" with Caterpillar alternators. There is one with some Cummins engines, but not Cats. Besides, I think you will be shouting down a well thinking a manufacturer will replace a non-recall part on an engine that is 16 years old. If it were mine, I'd take it off and take it to an auto electric shop and have it tested and rebuilt if necessary. Replacing all the critical parts is about a $120 job here, so it isn't worth burning up any good-will warranty "points"…………...

 

[MARGEEZ]

Sounds good to me!

What diesel oil do you purchase for oil change?

 

[fwebster]

I am using Shell Rotella T1, SAE 40.

 

[Gimme Time]

By far Frank has a lot more knowledge than I do but I have a Cat document that was put out and I only use the specified oil in my 3126TA's. What I recall was these engines required a specific oil mixture because of either blow buy or something else ????. You might want to do a little more research on your oil selection or if you send me a PM with your email info I will scan the document next week when I'm back in town (as I'm on the boat now) and send it to you or post it if I can.

 

[ktcanuck]

Rather than start a new debate, you will find this subject discussed on this site at length with plenty of Frank's knowledge embedded.

 

[fwebster]

Here is a previous thread on Cat 3100 series oil recommendations:


http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/66857-Caterpillar-Special-Application-Engine-Oil-SAE-30

That thread contains links to both Cat's SAEO bulletin and the Fluid Recommendations bulletin



The short version is that Caterpillar determined some time ago that the viscosity enhancers in multi-viscosity oils, (i.e. the additive put in the oil that allows 15w40 to change from 15 weight in cold temps to 40 weight in warmer temps,) would foul the intake side of the aftercooler over time. They formulated a synthetic replacement called SAEO (Cat Special Application Engine Oil) to solve that problem. SAEO is very expensive, if you can find it and not all Cat dealers stock it. Cat also says, if you wade thru about 100 pages of their #SEBU6250 Fluid Recommendations Publication, that commercial oils are ok provided they meet the specs of SAEO and API ratings. Part of the confusion on CAT oil is that no oil sold today has the API rating initially approved by Cat for the 3100 series engines. BUT, API ratings are backward compatible so the current CI or CJ rating is compatible and applicable for CF rated engines.

So my story (and I'm sticking to it) is that I have used single viscosity SAE 40 (SAE 30 for you northern guys) since the SAEO issue came up in 1999. I'm at 14 years and 1275 hours and I haven't had any aftercooler fouling. Which, by the way, is the only bad thing that happens here. The symptom of a fouled aftercooler is restricted intake air which is evidenced by excessive transom sooting.

All of this is in response to a question in post #3 asking me what I use. SAEO is a great alternative, just a little more expensive and harder to find in some locations. If it were available at either Cat dealer I use at a cost effective price, I would use it. It isn't available without a special order and a pallet load minimum @$30/gal., so I use Rotella T1