3126 Cat

[TimTurtle]

I have been reading alot of what some guys are saying about the Cat 3126 motor. I have one now, rated at 250 hp. This motor has been great. It has plenty of power for expediting, doesnt smoke, and averages 9.5 mpg.
I honesty feel that the reason some guys have problems with this motor is due to lack of maintence, and also excessive idling.
I just wanted to voice my opinion on the 3126. My next truck will have the same engine.
Drive safe and God Bless!

 

[lighting]

i have a 3126 also have had no problem at all, truck only has 140000 on it maybe to early to judge. so far i cant complain ive kept it service good runs as good as it did new

 

[Weave]

I'm glad you fellows like it;-) You'll more than likely be posting different stories (The imfamous $13,000 story) after 400k miles.
I hope not, as I have seen one go past 600k miles before pooping out, but that was a rare one.
-Weave-

 

[NEVERHOME247]

Nothing wrong w/ the old 3126 if your not looking to run the engine for the long haul. Get over the 300,000 mile mark and you may have start to have second opinions on it. Especially when you have to replace it. After owning one, you couldn't give me another one but thats my opinion. The one I had couldn't get out of its own way empty. Now the C-12 and C-16 engine thats another story. They a both good engines. The truck I have now has a 500hp series 60 Detroit. 5 year/500,000 mile warranty. Fuel mileage isn't as good 8.5 mpg. But It don't blink a eye at any grade fully loaded. Occasionally I have to hit the jakes when a big truck gets in the hammer lane up the hill. But in any case. If the 3126 serves you well. There is nothing wrong w/ that. It just didn't hold up for me. Maybe you got ahold of a good one. Good Luck!!

 

[Weave]

I know what you mean. I run the 470 HP Series 60. Whaling power all over the place, one has to be careful. What tranny are you running? I am getting better than 10 MPG with the Rockwell straight 10 speed. Cost? My lightly used (54k miles) '01 FLC Columbia $56k. New Sterling/FL70-80 with 3126 $52k. And the winner after 5 years will be?
-Weave-

 

[NEVERHOME247]

I am also running Rockwell 10 speed. I may get a little better than the 8.5 mpg But that figure includes idle time. Thats what the numbers usually read on my pro-driver display. I also got a heavy foot and seldom use the cruise. Your right on w/ those prices. I bought my truck last year. 2000 Freightliner Classic XL for 62k. Was a repo tractor w/ 150k on it. And that price included lengthing the frame and wheelbase and putting a 22' box on it. I paid more than that for the old fl70 I had before that. With the warranties on the engine and drivetrain the horsepower and the ride. I'm sure you will agree Weave. When I say you couldn't get me back into a fl70 or business class truck.