Questions for the C12 & C13 Cat guys.

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Blackducati750, Mar 23, 2015.

  1. Blackducati750

    Blackducati750 Light Load Member

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    I'm not a "Cat" guy, so I don't know much about 'em.

    There's a certain used truck model I've been looking at.
    Depending on the year, it comes with either an ISM Cummins, a C12, or a C13 Cat.
    I know the ISM Cummins' are garbage. (Turbo and EGR failures)
    Between the C12 and the C13, what would be the better choice? I'm more interested in power and reliability. I know fuel mileage is important, but it's not top priority to me.

    Are all C12 non-Acert?

    Does Acert really just mean it's an EGR motor?

    Are all C13 Acert?

    Is it possible to get a 2007 C13 Acert WITHOUT a DPF exhaust filter?
     
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  3. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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  4. gunner76

    gunner76 Medium Load Member

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    of those three choices I'd get the C12 just for the fact that it's a non emission engine. We have a c12 in a '99 FL and it's a good engine, mileage isn't the greatest(we work it hard pulling bullracks) but it's reliable.
     
  5. Frghter Century 12.7 Detr

    Frghter Century 12.7 Detr Light Load Member

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    I used to have a C-13 Acert Cat. It was EGR and had two turbos. Acert is EGR. Over heated and had cooling issues. There's actually a lawsuit against Acert engines because of the lemon law.
     
  6. rickybobby

    rickybobby Road Train Member

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    i never heard of a lawsuit on the Accerts. I own a C13 auto for 5 yrs now. Never had any major problems. Did replace the high pressure turbo and pre cooler around 700k. Other than that I'm satisfied.
     
  7. Frghter Century 12.7 Detr

    Frghter Century 12.7 Detr Light Load Member

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    rickybobby, go to Google and type lawsuits brought on Cat Acert Engines and you will get more hits than satisfied reviews like yours! If you are getting a start up truck and want to make money, buy a Freightliner Century or Columbia with a Detroit 12.7 engine. If you want to spend money, buy a Peterbuilt, and if you want to go bankrupt, buy it with a Cummins engine!
     
  8. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Lawsuit is dpf 07 emissions engines..... Not all acerts.


    acerts are not a true egr engine, if it's a back door egr engine is debatable ....
     
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2015
  9. Blackducati750

    Blackducati750 Light Load Member

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    Okay, are all C12 cats non-egr? Does anyone know what hp/tq ratings the C12 can be "turned up" to reliably?
     
  10. Frghter Century 12.7 Detr

    Frghter Century 12.7 Detr Light Load Member

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    No there is no Acert non EGR! The Acert was built to comply with the EPA and Environmental clean air laws. That's why CAT no longer makes Highway engines. I was a CAT guy! If you talk to me about CAT 3406E, yes! that's an engine but EGR stuff is more money for the OIL COMPANIES AND THE DEALERS IN PARTS! I had an International 9200I with that CAT C-13 and all the guys that had that engine, experience the same problems, overheating, head cracked, low MPG! You can buy what you want but I feel like you are in the business to make money and just giving you my experience. Good Luck.
     
  11. Star4900

    Star4900 Medium Load Member

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    I used to have a 2005 C13 470/485 ACERT and I loved it. Later had Cat install the 525 h.p. field uprate. Mine was bulletproof and got better fuel mileage and pulled harder than my new DD15 505/1650.

    But if you had the choice, go C12. No emisssions junk and they also pull very good and get good fuel mileage.
     
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