Info on Cat C15

You might check into a couple of the Cat ESC programs available. I doubt it's ready for overhaul with only 550,000 miles.
The B50 life for this engine is 1,000,000 miles.
Cat dealers have a Used Engine ESC program where, after a required inspection, they can sell you a 2or 3 year ESC program. They also have a $750 rebate ( valid till 12-31-11) off the price of either coverage program.Ask them to print you out the repair history as well so you can see whats been done to it.

 

I have an 07 W9 with 05 C-15 or had an 05 C-15. Just over 693K on it the turbo oiler line (going into twin turbo) came off where it swivels and had to replace the motor.

Their dealer network /service sucks and over priced (same goes for parts inventories / availabilities).

Almost every if not all motor gets better fuel mileage the caterpiller motor. At this point, I'm not a CAT fan by any means.

 

I would think a small oil line going to the the turbo would take a little bit of time to dump all the oil out. I also think it would show some kinda signs oil pressure, lights, buzzer and it would stink. I dont think that can all be blamed on the motor.
From my postion of owning a Cat and a Cummins I find it easier to Cat parts. As far as price its a toss up. The Cat pulls far better and gets the same mileage pulling heavier loads pushing a brick W900L (Cat) against a Volvo (Cummins). But the Cat is "tuned". I will take a Acert Cat over anything out there well....except maybe a good running C-15/16.

 

I have an 06 MXS with a few mods and a tune with 560k and you could not pry it from my cold dead hands. have replaced 2 accuators and water pump. these are good engines with a few mods. my suggestion for you would be to take engine serial # to Cat and check repair history( may be a few members here who can do it for you ) see what kind of problems it has had and go from there.

 

B...bb......but, I thought that "check engine" light just meant to make sure it was still there ?!??!!!

 

Yeah, you would think that........but no! It's high pressure - empties out in seconds. (Superior, MT came out of Pilot/Town Pump - immediately into 2 lane const. zone - within a mile / mile and a half the motor was seized.)