2004 Cat C-12 wrist pin failure

Ive got a 2004 c-12 in a 379 pete. 2 months ago, i threw a piston through the side of the block. All PM was done on time, oil changes, fluid checks, and repairs all done in house and we are very thourough when it comes to our trucks. The engine is comepletley shot. Ripped the starter off the side of the block, the oil pan was shattered, and countless other issues. A little birdy told me there was an issue with a teflon retainer ring on the wrist pin that wears out. Has anyone else had this issue, and if so, did you have any kind of recourse with caterpillar? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if anyone is interested in a Pete 379, 40,000lb rears, wetlines, with no motor, were looking to sell it if we dont have any sucess with caterpillar. Just as and ill provide all info on whats left of the truck.

-New York

P.S- Caterpillar told us 6 months before this truck blew, dont worry about the extended warranty, these engines are "bullet proof". Bullet proof, maybe... apparently not piston proof.

 

400,000 miles

 

nope, we turned down the extended warranty as per there advice.

 

hey DDS, is there anyway i can get in contact with you so i can pick your a brain a little more about this subject? As far as i can remember, this truck has never over heated, and i have the means to double check that via the ECM. We are the original owners of the truck. Do you know if this teflon, hockey puck like retainer ring for the wrist pin is common failure point amonst c-12s? It seems to me that this should have been made out of a slightly more durable material, and if it is a comon failure, i would like to bring it to CATs attention, possibly have them recall these engines. Id appreciate any input you might have on this. thanks in advance for your time.

Kris

 

im not sure about the waranty, but i can find out. we went with the c-12 because we haul sand in NY. the smaller motor is lighter, more fuel efficent, and did the job better than any of us imagined. that litte short block pulled like nobodies buisness lol. i mean REALLY supprised the hell out of us. The rest of our fleet goes as follows: (2) 3406B's, (1) 3406E (wich is a 2WS motor with 900,000 miles that has never been opened), a C-16, and we just bought a Mack Vision with a 427 (i believe) to take the place of out c-12.

As far as the c-12 goes DDS it is a bridge motor.