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Topic: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil (Read 1355 times) previous topic - next topic

Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

My apologies to those that responded.  I had a computer glitch that froze the keyboard.  In trying to unlock it I passed the cursor  over the "delete topic" button with a little pressure on the track pad and everything disappeared.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Brett, is likely right about how the leak has occurred.  However, I posted a synopsis without adding that between the main run and the pre-departure check I changed parks.  Since it was only a few miles down the road I didn't bother with a fluids check so it's likely that I did drive about >10 miles and idle a fair bit with the oil/coolant mix while changing parks.  I think that may account for the really creamy oil I encountered.

For those that suggested quotes and second opinions that's not in the cards.  As a full-timer with both dog and cat I cannot afford to pitch into a hotel (even if it will take us all)  while shopping around and hauling the coach from place to place.

Fortunately, Brett's link got me going in the right direction.  After a day of chasing around I found the service manager for truck and motorhome at Holt Cat, Waco.  He sounded like an old timer and spoke like he had a good deal of experience with the 3126.  His initial response is that it's likely the water pump.  He doesn't think that the little bit of driving and idling will likely affect the engine and I specifically asked about bearings, as well as injector system.

On an even more positive note, he thinks that he can get me in and out in 3-4 days (assuming that it is not a more catastrophic fault).

Now I just have to find a place that will house the "family" for the duration and see if Coach Net will pick up a tow that's not just to nearest "diesel mechanic".
Regards

1997 U295 40 with CAT 3126

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #1 –
Water pump would be great! Keep us informed.

P
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #2 –
Any update? Following
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #3 –
Less than stellar progress.  The original service manager in Waco called back after discussing with boss in Ft. Worth to retract his initial comments.  Given the amount of fluid in oil pan (dipstick showed almost double full) and behavior (when I tried to top off coolant expansion tank it just gurgled down and disappeared) they suspect a more serious issue and Ft worth is more capable of handling such.

Since I ran the engine and likely filled it with coolant in places it didn't like I opted to have them get in a long block rebuild from CAT and be done with it (I hope).  A CAT long block will cost me $10.5K plus whatever else in the way of components that can't be saved and then labor to pull, disassemble, reassemble and replace. 

That sounds extreme, but I decided on it for my peace of mind, as well as the hassle of extended stay hotel with pets.  Holt Ft. Worth says they can do the replacement in a week.
Regards

1997 U295 40 with CAT 3126

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #4 –
Bill that price sounds fair to me . I am dong a out of frame rebuild on my Series 60 in my Peterbilt right now.So far with machine shop and all parts just over 10k expecting to be about 16k total. hope to get mine back next week.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #5 –
Ask Holt for some Spurs tickets Peter owns the Spurs.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #6 –
Bill, that price don't sound bad to me,  I priced overhauling a 3116 which was the predecessor  to the 3126 10 years ago and the parts alone were 8.5K. so to me 10K for long block does sound reasonable!
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #7 –
Is it a Cat reman or new,may be a warrantee difference,how new is your turbo?
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #8 –
Quote from: John44 –
Is it a Cat reman or new,may be a warrantee difference,how new is your turbo?

Great questions. Not sure Cat offers a "new" 3126. As it is not produced any longer.
I am sure they will check the turbo. Mine had cracks in the waste gate, non rebuildable.
I went with a Borgwarner reman

Price sound sounds good. I found a complete rebuilt long block in Portland Oregon for around $7500.00 exchange. But any broken block or head required more for core charge's

Click here:
Remanufactured Diesel Engine Components | Northwest Diesel Parts

These guys shot me a quote back ASAP. They were in driving distance for me. NO sales tax in Oregon.

Keep us posted, you'll be happy with a fresh engine. From our past PM's, sounds like you had an issue all along.
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #9 –
Quote from: John44 –
Is it a Cat reman or new,may be a warrantee difference,how new is your turbo?
No new 3126 for a long time now -- not even new C7 descendants.  This will be a CAT factory reman, supposedly coming in next week.

Since there aren't that many CAT engines in motorhomes anymore it's not that easy to find an authorized Cat service center to work on them.  Of the 3 Holt centers within a 40 mile radius of me, only one would take in the work.  The other significant competitor here (Rush Truck) won't even look at a motorhome.
Regards

1997 U295 40 with CAT 3126

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #10 –
Bill,

Would appreciate an update if they identify the source of the leak.

Thanks.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #11 –
Quote from: BillO –
No new 3126 for a long time now -- not even new C7 descendants.  This will be a CAT factory reman, supposedly coming in next week.

Since there aren't that many CAT engines in motorhomes anymore it's not that easy to find an authorized Cat service center to work on them.  Of the 3 Holt centers within a 40 mile radius of me, only one would take in the work.  The other significant competitor here (Rush Truck) won't even look at a motorhome.

Probably because when they think "Motor Home" they see and tiny hole under the bed 12" x 12" they can barely get to engine through.With a big radiator on the back.

Foretravel made it simple. Whoever does your engine will be shocked at how easy it is. Easier then any truck for sure.

The engine you get, will probably be all new parts inside (standard crank pistons etc.) in a used block that have been sleeved. A used block is a good thing, because it is seasoned.

I'll bet lunch the engine is fine, water got in some where like the oil cooler. Many places to sneak in.

Fix the issue, flush the engine, check the bearings and send it.

Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #12 –
Good luck - We'll be following you.  ^.^d
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #13 –
Just guessing here but if motor oil did look like a milkshake, and it takes quite some time for the milkshake to separate. The bearings would still be hydraulically supported by an oil water mix, camshaft lobes, rings might be slightly compromised, along with the oil pump. By a short trip. KEEP in mind that EVERY engine starts up EVERY time without any hydraulic pressure, and only a minute film of oil film on wear surfaces!  JMO.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake
 

Re: Oh Oh! Coolant in the Oil

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Old phart phred –
Just guessing here but if motor oil did look like a milkshake, and it takes quite some time for the milkshake to separate. The bearings would still be hydraulically supported by an oil water mix, camshaft lobes, rings might be slightly compromised, along with the oil pump. By a short trip. KEEP in mind that EVERY engine starts up EVERY time without any hydraulic pressure, and only a minute film of oil film on wear surfaces!  JMO.
Heck, my race car runs on Alky, it's got water in the oil all the time!
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348