Here is a bit of information on the Cat 3116TA's that probably not too many might know about and is comparatively inexpensive to correct.
I'm getting ready to make the run to Abacos next week so had the Cat mechanic go over the engines; I have been down about 150 RPM so didn't want to take any chances. We compared the laser rpm meter to the tachs and all are within comparative range of each other all the way to high idle so that validates the boat's instruments and that I'm in fact down RPM’s at full load.
He ran a fuel pressure check at the inlet to the rail and found his test gauge was fluctuating
rapidly between 15 and 30 psi. He should be reading a rock steady 20 to 50 rising with RPM. Then, he connected a clear tube to check for bubbles on the fuel return line - no bubbles thank goodness; that eliminated loose injector seats as a problem. As it ends up there are a series of three small check valves and a spring loaded pressure regulator in the fuel system that if get dirty at all (according to him they all do over time) will not seal and the fuel pump pumping motion will not be dampened which will cause incorrect loading pressure on the injectors and consequently a bad atomization of fuel in the combustion chamber. We pulled oil samples and the soot content was high further indicating a less than ideal fuel burn.
So he finished the work yesterday and tonight I went to the boat and ran the engines up; let me tell you there is a real difference in throttle response and general engine smoothness; for a simple fix no less….
Tom
I'm getting ready to make the run to Abacos next week so had the Cat mechanic go over the engines; I have been down about 150 RPM so didn't want to take any chances. We compared the laser rpm meter to the tachs and all are within comparative range of each other all the way to high idle so that validates the boat's instruments and that I'm in fact down RPM’s at full load.
He ran a fuel pressure check at the inlet to the rail and found his test gauge was fluctuating
rapidly between 15 and 30 psi. He should be reading a rock steady 20 to 50 rising with RPM. Then, he connected a clear tube to check for bubbles on the fuel return line - no bubbles thank goodness; that eliminated loose injector seats as a problem. As it ends up there are a series of three small check valves and a spring loaded pressure regulator in the fuel system that if get dirty at all (according to him they all do over time) will not seal and the fuel pump pumping motion will not be dampened which will cause incorrect loading pressure on the injectors and consequently a bad atomization of fuel in the combustion chamber. We pulled oil samples and the soot content was high further indicating a less than ideal fuel burn.
So he finished the work yesterday and tonight I went to the boat and ran the engines up; let me tell you there is a real difference in throttle response and general engine smoothness; for a simple fix no less….
Tom
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