Can anyone recommend a good Caterpillar 3208 mechanic, around Austin, TX? Looking at a rig with a 3208 that won't start. Thanks, Mikeado1
Can't answer the question but let us try and diagnose,it's a simple engine,give us some details.Try and look for a boat mechanic,many
3208's in boats.
With the 3208 it could have just lost it's prime.
Mike
With the Cat engine, verify prime first. Use the manual primer pump.
Unscrew (counter clockwise) the knurled handle.
Pump in and out. If easy, there is AIR in the system. If hard, no air (fuel is not compressible).
When hard to pump, push it in all the way and screw it back into the store position.
Next would be: does the engine turn over at the correct/normal speed. If not, try the boost switch to add house battery bank to the chassis bank for more amps.
Again, as stated, let us know exactly what is going on and we may be able to help. These are pretty simple motors.
Not sure about CAT 3208 specific mechanic. I used Fleet Maintenance in Austin for transmission and generator issues and Malone Diesel out past Dripping Springs. My experience was with a gasser, not a Foretravel or a CAT 3208.
Probably 90% of diesel engine problems are fuel related. If any diesel engine has been sitting and then won't start, good chance the diesel has drained back into the tank or leaked into the cylinders. As members above have recommended, prime it and make sure it turns over at the normal speed. Engines don't go bad sitting.
Pierce
If it has lost the prime and you can pump it up, then loosen a couple of injector lines at the injectors and have someone run the starter. This will help get the air out and start firing then tighten them up when it starts. I have done that many times on a 3208
There was some serious flooding in and around Austin last year. Is it possible that coach was affected?