I had posted this elsewhere, but have decided to make it a subject of its own.
As an owner of a FL70 with a Cat 3126 engine, I have paid close attention to the comments and discussion about this engine. There are probably other owners out there that very anxious about the the engine and its anticipated short life. I have heard of one person that was able to go over 600,000 miles with their engine. With 415,000 miles on my truck, I have begun to investigate the options.
I read an ad from Midwest Diesel Service (Minn. MN) in American Trucker Magazine, for brand new, factory warrantied 3126 engines/250 HP. Apparently these engines are complete (less fly wheel and electrical). ECM is included, along with turbo, etc. The engine sells for @ $8500 plus trade. Buyer pays for shipping new engine, and Midwest Diesel will pick up cost of shipping trade-in. My mechanic tells me that he can swap the engine out for @ $2,000 + a few parts. That may keep the cost of the change out to around $11,000.
Most of the drivers I have spoken to said that the problems with the engine were developed over a short time, rather than suddenly loosing the use of the truck. The engine sounded or acted differently; or oil leaks were observed (cracks in block began to develop). If antifreeze gets into the system it may shut you down quickly, or you may be able to limp home. Those of you that have experienced problems with the engine may want to comment.
Midwest Diesel representative says that they have limited availability of very low milage used engines.
I suggested to Midwest Diesel that they check out this web site and let us know more about what they can do for truck drivers.
As an owner of a FL70 with a Cat 3126 engine, I have paid close attention to the comments and discussion about this engine. There are probably other owners out there that very anxious about the the engine and its anticipated short life. I have heard of one person that was able to go over 600,000 miles with their engine. With 415,000 miles on my truck, I have begun to investigate the options.
I read an ad from Midwest Diesel Service (Minn. MN) in American Trucker Magazine, for brand new, factory warrantied 3126 engines/250 HP. Apparently these engines are complete (less fly wheel and electrical). ECM is included, along with turbo, etc. The engine sells for @ $8500 plus trade. Buyer pays for shipping new engine, and Midwest Diesel will pick up cost of shipping trade-in. My mechanic tells me that he can swap the engine out for @ $2,000 + a few parts. That may keep the cost of the change out to around $11,000.
Most of the drivers I have spoken to said that the problems with the engine were developed over a short time, rather than suddenly loosing the use of the truck. The engine sounded or acted differently; or oil leaks were observed (cracks in block began to develop). If antifreeze gets into the system it may shut you down quickly, or you may be able to limp home. Those of you that have experienced problems with the engine may want to comment.
Midwest Diesel representative says that they have limited availability of very low milage used engines.
I suggested to Midwest Diesel that they check out this web site and let us know more about what they can do for truck drivers.
