c-15 CAT engine questions

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by 1trk1dr, Dec 1, 2009.

  1. 1trk1dr

    1trk1dr Bobtail Member

    3
    1
    Dec 1, 2009
    Michigan
    0
    We are looking for a newer truck and have been looking at the Kenworth W900. We would prefer a cummins engine but most out there have the c-15 cat in them. Anyone have any experience with these engines? What kind of fuel mileage do you get? Are parts expensive compared to other brands? Is it reliable? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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

  3. Desperado

    Desperado <strong>The Bandit</strong>

    220
    61
    Feb 16, 2008
    Long Way Home .......
    0
    Alot of C15 guys on here , you will get some pretty good input . I run a Cat 475 multi torque fuel pump in my W900L and I average 5.9 mpg running around 1350 to 1450 rpms . Get in a hurry and run over 1500 rpms and the mileage will go down quick .

    Parts are parts , they all cost money . I really can't tell you if Cat cost more .

    I do run with the "CAT" extended warranty and will renew it when it expires . I consider it cheap insurance .

    Cat also has a special till the end of year . Get the overhead set , jakes set and the give you a free PM . Not a bad deal .

    I run heavy loads in my reefer coast to coast so my 5.9 mog average is not too bad . Cat just ran the ECM info last week and told me do not change a thing .

    I do run a APU for the ac and heat so no idle time when sleeping .

    Good Luck to ya . :biggrin_25519:
     
    Last edited: Dec 1, 2009
    The Challenger Thanks this.
  4. forner

    forner Light Load Member

    62
    5
    Nov 3, 2009
    okc ok
    0
    mine is 04 kw900l 475 525hp MBN...best i can get is 5mpg other then that its a good motor bunch of people complain about them...and also i pull oversize loads for living that makes a difference ....most of the times im 17 feet high or more and 14 wide and more...
     
  5. black_dog106

    black_dog106 Road Train Member

    1,786
    1,664
    Mar 29, 2009
    MA
    0


    Some wind resistance there...:biggrin_25525:. Mind if i ask what you haul/move? How much do you weigh?............
     
  6. Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

    2,921
    2,862
    Sep 18, 2007
    Weatherford, TX
    0
    5 is not to bad an average with OD that big. Have you done any mods like exhaust, FASS system, fuel wires? Lot of guys here picking up some mpg with them.
     
  7. forner

    forner Light Load Member

    62
    5
    Nov 3, 2009
    okc ok
    0
    well im gonna try taking mufflers off when i get a chance or i might put high flow in...im pulling collers they go on gas compressors they weigh betven 28000 and 70000 it just depends ...wind is what gets me every time because of my height ...i have turbo wing on my truck but i dont think it makes difference since pull a double drop and my load is set way back so i might take it off and put it for sale...
     
  8. VARITHMS

    VARITHMS Medium Load Member

    476
    106
    Nov 26, 2009
    HOUSTON
    0
    We have an 08' Pete, 3.73 gears 13 speed,accert with about 65k miles. It has had 4 injectors, gaskets between turbos, and electrical problems. All under warrenty. Mostly local runs in Houston getting about 4.8mpg. It is getting its third set of batteries. It is 450hp feels like 400. We have a 2004 c-12 410hp has had no work done at 350k.
     
  9. Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

    2,921
    2,862
    Sep 18, 2007
    Weatherford, TX
    0
    Know your pain. I have been hauling 12' x20' or 25' tanks. Two tanks extendable step . 2 tanks per load. Only weigh from 22k to 28k. But into a wind kills mileage. Tailwind can help though. just not enough tailwinds. I was working on some type of fairing or tarp but they often put the steps and other hardware on upper deck. Was going to put on the back but then length would go over 90' and take escorts in many states. Been driving mainly a 470 Det. Can get 6.5 with wind. About 5 -5.5 into good headwind. Normally just slow down a little and it seems to help when fighting it.
     
  10. forner

    forner Light Load Member

    62
    5
    Nov 3, 2009
    okc ok
    0
    what saves my butt right now is my escort car...ITS MY WIFE...stay in motel every nite when shes with me which is 95&#37; of the time...i had a detroit 470 and it did pretty good on fuel....on my mbn 525hp 18sp she likes to be driven betven 1200 and 1500rpm...dont split bottom side unless im over 80000 top side i split all of them...i dorve the truck diff ways this is the best fit for my truck and also im on back roads about 85% of my time and rest is freeway and thats when im empty...
     
  11. Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

    2,921
    2,862
    Sep 18, 2007
    Weatherford, TX
    0
    Bet nice warm wife is real nice on cold night like this. At least your still moving. They have shut us down until at least Jan. May get some ND loads before then. Deliver to Indian land so they don't get affected as much as others we haul to in UT, WY, CO. I have been looking at T-800 w/550 6NZ. O2 model. 336 gears behind 18 spd. Has 86" studio. Have made ridiculous offer and am surprised at how much they have come off. But I'm leery of this economy and afraid to pull the trigger without more good paying freight. Just got a feeling we haven't seen the worst yet. Hope I am wrong.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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