Cat Engine Overhaul

believe it or not that is pretty much normal if it is a new rebuild. I have had cat engines that don't use any oil and then some that use about 1 gal every 5000 miles like yours. the quality of cat parts are not as good as they used to be. I have had good luck with IPD over haul kits lately for a whole lot less in price than cat parts. and I used to swear by cat parts. the last three engines I done I installed the stiffer rings (heavyhaul rings) I don't care what anyone else says but those rings take about 25000 to 30000 miles to seat in. and that is running hard.

 

Plus it looks like you are making some power and pulling some weight. Fuel consumed is a better indicator of work done than miles. I wouldn't be to worried at this point if I were you. It's not great... but neither is it worrisome .

 

Cat makes an additive that helps during break in period. Not sure on part number but it's available at any caterpillar branch. I wouldn't worry about it personally I would just run it. I have seen 60k before.

 

I have a very similar build with 75,000 miles since I did the inframe about a year ago. I haul heavy too. It uses around a gallon every 10,000 miles now. It was a bit more at first. I found that idle time has a big impact of the oil usage. When I ran it over night this winter it used more oil.

Good lookin truck by the way!!

Bill

 

I have an ipd kit in mine and I'm very happy

 

Well, this should make you feel better, I just finished a total rebuild on mine (2000 miles ago) and I get the pleasure of putting in a gallon every 400 miles. Yup. You read right, if I could even make it 2 or 3000 I'd be a lot happier, never mind 5000. Every 18 hrs, usually every 2nd day, in goes another gallon. My mechanic told me it would be a couple hundred hours, so I am waiting and watching, adding and recording meticulously. I haul 140,000 lbs, so have no problem working it, but I have been backing off at 900-950 on the pryo. I don't know, maybe I am babying it too much? Just didn't want to risk wrecking anything after putting over 30$ into it.

 

How hot do you let your pyro go usually ? I ask because thats the same range I start to back out but I don't haul as heavy