Engine dilemmas...

Im going to place a call into the Cat rep first thing tomorrow. I want to find out if we can get the O/H certification worksheet for it. As long as the tech filled it out correctly, It should show everything that was inspected or replaced. I know that a Gold kit was put in, so certain parts weren't replaced, but they should have been inspected, right? And also, if the rings were mixed and matched in a way thats not authorized, that and any resultant issues should fall onto the shoulders of the shop that did it, correct? If thats true, than why is that shop not picking up the bill for incorrect workmanship.

I personally feel that the ball was dropped by at least the shop that performed the O/H. And possibly one other that had seen the truck for a water in oil complaint after the O/H was done. Although the second shop has a good reputation for good work. But, how both of those shops missed the issues with the cam is beyond me. The damage that I saw was extremely hard to miss. Multiple lobes were scored with chips and flakes. I think that Cat and the O/H shop should belly up and pay to make the engine right, or put that dollar amount into putting a reman motor in.

 

Nope, no idea what happened to cause the damage to the cam. I got called into the main office with the shop owner and the cat rep before I got a chance to look at the rollers. Maybe they seized up or broke? But those are just guesses. The oil sample came back clean with no abnormalities at all. So, we were all scratching our heads.

Yup, all the symptoms were listed in the invoices from the previous owner. But, this whole ordeal started when I noticed oil dripping off the exhaust band clamps under the cab. So I started working my way forward towards the engine, until when I pulled off the top turbo and saw the oil puddled in the manifold. At that point I took it to Cat.

I think I made up my mind to get the reman motor. But, Im going to be a thorn in Cats side and see if they wont pay the warranty towards the reman. And also Im going to see if the O/H shop will put some money into it as well. I think that after everything that we found on the current motor, that that is only fair.

 

Without a doubt the pervious owner cut corners. But, even with a gold kit, the cam and valve train should have been inspected. The head is not replaced under that kit. The damage to the cam should've been visible without removing it