CAT C-15 Acert .... multiple problems??? HELP

Bobtail MemberMember SinceMay 2014Trucker?7 YearsPosts1Thanks0Thanked: 0 TimesHi I have a 07 cat acert having issues as soon as I start to pull hill, or get on the throttle check engine light comes on lose about 20% power, right berfore it happens having like sort of huming sound like timing is off. Had all vvas celinoids replaced check all wiering , replaced ecm , turned it up to 500 horse 1850 fdpt. Resealed exost manifold , to turbo. Had it all done at cat certified dealer, still problem presists it is throwing a code for bad acctuator num 3 , swapped placeas acctuator housing number one and two. Everything seems to be ok fiers up half a turn of the key fuell economy about 6.3 mpg. When the check engine light comes on , and wehn I shut it off and run it again its ok for 100 miles. Not shure what to do any more about 8500 $ about three weeks of down time. I spoke to several cat certified mechanics they can't or just won't help us I don't get it. So that's my story may not be as bad as some of things I read on here, thanks if anny sugestions be my guest thanks.

 

If you have swapped the complete housings around and it's still throwing the fault for #3 actuator, then you need to look at wiring, have you changed the internal harnesses ? What's your jakes work like ?

 

I can't help with the coolant issues but I also own a 2005 C15 Acert. One of the Variable Valve Actuator (VVA) housings broke and the pieces ran amok amongst the valve train taking out the cam and putting a hole in the cylinder head. $13,000 was the bill including the tow. We found out later that this was a known issue and CAT issued a TSB to correct the problem but I never knew about it until too late.

My advice: Get the VIN and engine S/N and check to see if the upgrade has been done.

 

What is the code? Is it a high or low current code? That would be an electrical problem, wiring or the actuator. If it's a not responding code, then it's a mechanical or adjustment problem.

 

Earlier this year, I had the a similar problem. Being as I have done the common remedies as far as harness, solenoids, rocker shaft bolts and so forth I some what ruled those items out. I removed the valve covers and watched the valve train in operation. Well, the actual VVA valve/piston on the #5 hole (not the electrical solenoid)was functioning intermittently. I removed the housing and flipped it over. The retaining nut was all but completely loose. The piston was getting stuck a bit at an angle. I replaced that one VVA unit w/ one from a salvaged engine. Problem solved. No codes either. It would just act a fool once I began a long pull.