C15 Bridge Question

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Turn3, Oct 15, 2009.

  1. Turn3

    Turn3 Light Load Member

    120
    36
    Oct 15, 2009
    Pacific, Missouri
    0
    I am looking into a used tractor... 2004 Pete 379 with a C-15 single turbo "Bridge" 475 that has 750,000 miles on it. It has an 18 spd with 3.55 rear.

    My last truck had the Cummins ISX530 with a 13 spd and I liked the pulling power and MPG it yielded. But the EGR valve gave me some issues and now that I am looking at this C-15 I am worried it'll be a little more of the same.

    Now my questions...

    I read somewhere that the Bridge CATs had twin turbos? If it has a single turbo does it still make it the "Bridge" motor?

    If it is a "Bridge" what are some of the issues that come with this engine?

    How long will these engines last and likelihood of an "in frame" (I know it depends on how well it is maintained)

    I am planning on getting an oil analysis done on any truck I am interested in first and foremost. But this truck looks like it has somewhat fresh oil... How should I run the truck to get the best sample?

    Are there really any motors out thee post 2004 EPA compliant that are getting good MPG?

    Thank you for reading and taking the time to try and answer my questions.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. e500gvr

    e500gvr Light Load Member

    125
    32
    Aug 21, 2006
    Bloomington,MN
    0
    I suggest you contact Fabick Caterpillar and ask them to run you the service history by giving them the engine serial number. It's amazing how much information is available that may give you some background on mpg, previous repairs and outstanding service updates or software updates.Their number is: 800 290-9990 TOLL FREE.
     
    BIGGBLUE T800 and Turn3 Thank this.
  4. Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

    2,921
    2,868
    Sep 18, 2007
    Weatherford, TX
    0
  5. Mr. Haney

    Mr. Haney Road Train Member

    2,693
    2,041
    Dec 17, 2008
    0
    The bridge motor isn't a bad motor once you reflash the ECM with an earlier flash file. If your interested I can do this for anybody. The compression ratio is slightly higher and the camshaft design isn't the best, but they can be made to run good and get good fuel mileage with a little work. Don't let this be the reason you don't buy it. As far as longevity, they'll last 1,000,000 miles if taken care of.
     
  6. Turn3

    Turn3 Light Load Member

    120
    36
    Oct 15, 2009
    Pacific, Missouri
    0
    Thanks for the link.. I found that as well. I did not have a chance to get through the entire thread just yet.

    GREAT idea! Actually Fabick is just down the road me. I will get the engine serial number tomorrow and get that ball rolling.



    If anyone as anything to add to my questions it would be appreciated.
     
  7. Turn3

    Turn3 Light Load Member

    120
    36
    Oct 15, 2009
    Pacific, Missouri
    0
    Thanks for the reply and information. I have read swapping the ECM and removing the mufflers will help. Is it a re-flash or swap? And about how much does it cost for this swap/re-flash?
     
  8. Turn3

    Turn3 Light Load Member

    120
    36
    Oct 15, 2009
    Pacific, Missouri
    0
    Does anyone know the answer to the single vs. twin turbo in respect to the type of engine (bridge or not)? Milage? and Specific issues?

    I did a search of the thread above for turbo info and couldn't come up with an answer.
     
  9. 379CAT

    379CAT Light Load Member

    114
    20
    Feb 10, 2009
    springdale wa
    0
    if it were me id buy the bridge and debridge it or buy a 6nz/E model . no twin turbos for me:biggrin_25513:
     
  10. pullingtrucker

    pullingtrucker Road Train Member

    1,185
    598
    Dec 21, 2008
    Fostoria, Ohio
    0
    A person shouldn't be scared of buying a truck with a compound turbo setup like the ACERT motor. The ACERT has a bad rep from the factory because of emissions tuning, but when you start thinking like a gear head and really look at the motor and its components you see the true potential. With some aftermarket mods and time the ACERT is a dang good motor and it will become a even stronger motor in the future with the aftermarket companies catching onto the class 8 truck market finally. Many members of this board have done the mods and are having great success with not only mileage, but also HP/TQ and engine longevity. Trust me it will cost roughly the same to debridge or de-ACERT a motor than what it will to add the aftermarket parts to make it perform.
     
  11. ROBSREDFORD

    ROBSREDFORD Light Load Member

    266
    139
    Sep 2, 2008
    MIDLAND, NC
    0
    bridge is single turbo serial prefix mbn, twins started with acert and serial prefix bxs
     
    Turn3 Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.