cat liners

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by tim b, Apr 11, 2012.

  1. tim b

    tim b Bobtail Member

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    Apr 11, 2012
    newburyport ma
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    Been lurking this site for a few years now, thanks for the info and entertainment.

    So I was wondering if anyone else is having issues with Cat liners cracking at the flange?

    We have had one of our c-15's apart 3 times now chasing these. Also lost one in a c-16. Now I am speaking of brand new Cat liners here. The 6nz was remaned with all 6 new piston packs and a rebuilt head. Started making pressure in coolant system within 10,000 miles of rebuild, took head back off the #5 was cracked. Replaced #5 liner and I think liner height was around 4/1000's on all 6. Now a little over 5000 miles later coolant system building presure again.

    A little history that i have come up with locally, my wrench has had at least 5 of these come back cracked like this, 2 of mine, and claims Cat outsourced their liners and dont build them in the states any more. This I hear is true, although my Cat guy at NH Pete tells me no one else is having liner issues besides us.

    So I am also getting the story that how our motors are tuned isnt "helping" any. Now this i just refuse to entertain. I dont care if we were making 1500 horse, I would expect it to last longer than an oil change!!!
    The 6nz only has a stage one tune on it with a manifold and stage one turbo.

    Any one else having Cat liners cracking?

    thanks- Tim
     
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  3. kat man

    kat man Light Load Member

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    orleans in
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    5 may be your hot spot
     
    kwswan Thanks this.
  4. truckmechanic

    truckmechanic Medium Load Member

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    Hi Desert Ca
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    Did they check the liner height? Might be worth looking into a lot of guys don't even bother to take the time to check the liner height
     
  5. tim b

    tim b Bobtail Member

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    Apr 11, 2012
    newburyport ma
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    Yes we checked liner height, thanks. I know that does get overlooked sometimes.

    I was up my mechanics rectum about liner height and about it being correct, I think they ended up being .0004 and thats within Cat spec. Although this time around I am going to make sure they are at least .0006 which is at high end of Cat spec. I have heard some guys go as far as .0007 on height with no problems.

    We even measured intermediate plate too.
     
  6. Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    keep stroking.
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    i was told anything over .006 is to high and could crack the liners. are you reusing the spacer plate or putting a new one on?
     
  7. Mr. Haney

    Mr. Haney Road Train Member

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    The deck surface of the block needs to be checked very carefully. Usually a cracked liner flange comes from one area of the liner being higher in relationship the the rest of the liner in the cylinder. This extra height only needs to be 0.0005" too high to cause issues at a later time. Liner protrusion needs to be checked around the circumference of the liner in at least 4 spots, not at one spot on the liner. Also raising liner height above 0.006" will put more downward stress on the flange trying to shear the flange from the liner.
     
    tim b Thanks this.
  8. crazzy448

    crazzy448 Light Load Member

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    May 3, 2009
    panhandle wva
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    I have heard of some having the same problem and found the lower bore was out and letting the liner to move side to side durring opperation and cracking the flang . it was not true to the deck surface.
     
    tim b Thanks this.
  9. C16KIWI

    C16KIWI Medium Load Member

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    I'm with Mr Haney on this one, mine was cracking liners and they were only checking protrusion.
    To cut a VERY long story short it was an uneven block, replaced with new block and have 150,000 trouble free miles now.
    I was sent a report from another poster on here say there was a batch of faulty liners made,will see if I can find it and put it up.
     
    tim b Thanks this.
  10. tim b

    tim b Bobtail Member

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    Apr 11, 2012
    newburyport ma
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    OK Thanks. I guess thats good news and bad news.

    The good news; from what you are telling me Cat did put out some bad liners, we heard that also. So I cant totally blame my wrench with close to 25 plus years and tell him that he is "doing it wrong" just yet.

    Bad news; Didnt want to hear about replacing a block.

    Well the other good news for now is that it seems my driver tells me it only made pressure at the rad cap that one time so far. Hasnt used a drop of coolant yet, and none in the blow by jug we put on the end of the coolant overflow.

    Keeping my fingers crossed....
     
  11. tim b

    tim b Bobtail Member

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    Apr 11, 2012
    newburyport ma
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    Kurt I think you and I have some friends in common-

    Your wealth of knowledge is pretty amazing sir, all the while driving, maintaining and keeping a truck busy (and profitable).

    When do you sleep??
     
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