thoughts on CAT c15 engines?

They are all costly to maintain. If that's a factory engine in that truck it's gonna be a 3406e Not a c15 but it's still a good engine. For what I need it's the only way to go compared to a Detroit.
If you haul light loads you will probably get better mileage with the Detroit but the cat can handle heavy loads and hard pulls better in my experience with the two.

 

If you're going to be 80k and below either would work, obviously cat would pull better.

 

No I wouldn't be alarmed with it. Get the last 6 of the vin and call peterbilt. They can give you the serial number. C15 didn't come out for another 5 years or so after but there's not much difference between the two. A lot of parts are interchangeable.
I'm not sure about how to go about verifying that to be original engine without the plate. The part number on the block could tell you what block it is but someone else will have to tell you where it's stamped. The early 3406e and petes had radiator mounts across the top of the head and over valve covers and the later setup had the radiator brackets bolt to the front of the head

 

I'd be leary of it just based off the fact the owner doesn't even know what kind of motor he has, or is outright lying about it being a C15 for some silly reason. Price is outrageous for a 1994 hood. It'd have to have lots of new parts everywhere and an inframe with paper to command a premium like that. If he doesn't even know what the motor is do you think he took care of that truck? To me it speaks of someone who could care less when they don't even have a clue the serial number of their motor. I know mine same as my social security number. Serial number is on the block so the plate missing is not a big deal. Trucks from the mid ninties are a dime a dozen.

 

The radiator brackets isn't a guarantee either way but if it has the bracket over the valve cover I would bet it's an original 3406e

 

You pu have to understand most people don't know there's a difference between the two and it's been 14 yrs since it was called e model. Most just want a big cat and c15 is easier to remember. He probably paid someone to fix it and never questioned the parts someone said it needed. I wouldn't be nervous about it knowing most people driving don't even know what they have.

 

Sounds to me like the classic guy who just picked the truck up for a song and a dance and is trying to hit a home run on a flip. If it were a well maintaned one or two owner truck than I would say its worth it, but I would be a little leary on this one. People driving may not know anything about what there in but an owner should.