Caterpillar RV Performance Guide

[Fred Brooks]

     Greetings Forum Readers,
  I thought I would put this out there for all the New Guys just getting started. I think it is one of the most comprehensive overviews about all the dynamics going on concerning your coach.
    Regards, Fred

[Jerry Emert]

Thanks Fred, I've seen this before and wondered why they didn't include the C-12 that we both have.  Probably because it was discontinued by the time this was written.  Everything should be close to the C-13 I guess.  Anyway just a thought.
Jerry

[Fred Brooks]

   Jerry, They don't want everyone to know the strange and mystical powers that ONLY a C-12 possess. Fred

[Jerry Emert]

   Jerry, They don't want everyone to know the strange and mystical powers that ONLY a C-12 possess. Fred

Now!!! I understand.  Thank you.

[Dave Atherton]

What would like to know about the C-12 engines. I have all the information on every Cat engine
that all beaver members own including current engine updates. Give me your S/N Number and
what you would like for information. there is a lot of miss information about Cat engines in your
motor homes because the on road engines stopped production. The same engines are used in
heavy equipment off road. The main change is the EPA Reg's that change the fuel and H.P. You
can get any part or complete engine today with all current updates.
Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic.

[Michael Rump]

Hi Dave,

As a new member of the forum and a CAT C12 owner, there is much to learn about my first diesel pusher.
I would be interested in maintenance requirements / issues / frequency, and any operational information you may have.  The engine serial number is MBL044. 

Can you shed some light on why this engine was discontinued for motor home applications?  AND, is it still supported by CAT concerning parts and service? 

This may be common knowledge to others but I have much to learn.

Many thanks in advance!

Michael Rump
2004 Beaver Patriot

[Jerry Carr]

Hi Dave, I have a question about temps on the C13. I just had a new cooling fan installed and the temps are now running higher then before. I did operate in a 187-192 range at 1600m rpm, now I run 194-204 ? I have not had any check engine lights since I also had the Wax(termo valve) changed. I have been told that the Cat like to run warm. What in normal for the C13 

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Jerry,
I had a similar experience at Massey's after having the coolant changed on my Contessa (3126B) a number of years ago. Prior to the work temp ran about 190. After the change it ran 194-196. The only rational I could come up with is that the old mixture had a higher water content and normally kept operating temps below or just at the thermostat setting. New stuff had higher antifreeze content which doesn't dissipate heat as well as water causing engine to run just a bit hotter.
Food for thought..
Steve

[John Sinnar]

Jerry,

Your temps seems a little high but seem to be within Cat Specs.  The new fan thermo valve might have a slightly higher setting then your old one.
I emailed you a link to a Cat sight that shows the temp parameters and other details for Cat engines.

john sinnar
C13 THUNDERMOBILE

[Jerry Carr]

thanks John, I think the issue is the wax valve I have installed 2 so far.

[Lee Welbanks]

Jerry,

I have never found Cat's to run any warmer than any other big diesel, my 3406 would get hot if I stayed in it too long, but of course it was not near stock. My C13 sits where yours used to. 186-191. I had it up to 205 once pulling Raton Pass when it was about a 100 out, shifted it down and it cooled right off.
I would agree that it is probably your wax valve.

[Dave Atherton]

Cat C12 engine info. The C-12 replaced the Cat 3406 E of which has a very good history of being
A long life engine. It is rated same as the 400 hp cummins ISL. Would like to welcome Michael
Rump into the ownership of a Cat engine. As far as service engine oil, filters fuel filters, life time
Coolant, SCA etc. would like to pass you off to Gerald Farris or Roy muller in this area. The group
has a very good system in maintenance that will help you. I can provide this info. also but I can
Help everyone better in problems with Cat equipment of which I have done for 42 years. One thing
They will relate to you and would suggest use only Cat filters and Cat part from a Cat Dealer of your
choice and take oil samples each time you change oils. It's called Cat S.O.S. If you will give me a e-mail address I can provide you with all spec's  on your engine when it was built and tested.again
will need a complete S/N number. I also can provide you with all your filter numbers in case the
Geralf or Roy do not have them. If there is any updates will make you aware of them.
Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic

[Dave Atherton]

Hi Dave, I have a question about temps on the C13. I just had a new cooling fan installed and the temps are now running higher then before. I did operate in a 187-192 range at 1600m rpm, now I run 194-204 ? I have not had any check engine lights since I also had the Wax(termo valve) changed. I have been told that the Cat like to run warm. What in normal for the C13

.    Jerry guessing on the s/n will go with a KCB 00508  445 h.p.  Temp 192,  198 F.  can pin
point this better with your s/n.   Dave Atherton

[Michael Rump]

Good morning Dave,

Thanks for the reply and please pass along my email to Gerald as I would like to get a feel for the maintenance requirements and frequency for the C12 (The engine serial number is MBL044). It would be useful to know how often to change the oil, ELC, filters, etc.

Would like to take you up on sending along the spec's for the C12 and when my engine was tested, etc.

My email is: murump@icloud.com

By the way, what is a wax valve and a SCA that you mentioned in your last post?  Just trying to learn as much as possible and this forum has some great advice and information!

Thanks for your assistance.

Best regards,

[Lee Welbanks]

Michael,

Welcome to the world of Caterpillar, the wax valve that we are talking about is the valve that controls the hydraulic fan speed. It is kink of like a thermostat, supposed to control the fan by temp of the motor. If the valve fails the fan is supposed to go to hi speed and stay there instead slowing down when not needed.