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Topic: Transmission cooler on 1997 U295 w/CAT engine (Read 728 times) previous topic - next topic

Transmission cooler on 1997 U295 w/CAT engine

In another topic I recorded the likely destruction of my 3126 CAT engine and that I'll be going in to have it replaced in a week or two,  Since the transmission cooler has been a source of disaster for others I thought it might be prudent to replace that while the cooling system is already needing a flush and refill.

Has anyone with a ~1997 U295 and Cat power (not sure the engine makes much difference) replaced their trans cooler and perhaps has a part number from Rocor?  All I could find in a search were notes on those with U320s which have bigger trannies and engines.
Regards

1997 U295 40 with CAT 3126

Re: Transmission cooler on 1997 U295 w/CAT engine

Reply #1 –
Yup, would SURE like to see you identify the root cause of the coolant in oil issue.

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: Transmission cooler on 1997 U295 w/CAT engine

Reply #2 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Yup, would SURE like to see you identify the root cause of the coolant in oil issue.
Unless someone reminds me, that engine is a upgraded version of our 3116? I'd sure be interested, as well.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Transmission cooler on 1997 U295 w/CAT engine

Reply #3 –
Quote from: mike leary –
Unless someone reminds me, that engine is a upgraded version of our 3116? I'd sure be interested, as well.

Mike, what I was told the 3116 had so many problems that cat did a few modifications then changes the number to 3126.
Just my2c worth
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Transmission cooler on 1997 U295 w/CAT engine

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Chris m lang –
Mike, what I was told the 3116 had so many problems that cat did a few modifications then changes the number to 3126.
Just my2c worth
Chris

The 1997 3126  (Most are date coded 1996) is a one year only motor with a two valve head. Also 1st year for computer.
From what I understand, the 3116 and 3126 are pretty much the same except bore among a few other things.
The next gen 3126 (1998) is a 3 valve head. trying to meet smog requirements
After seeing my 3126 inside, it's a great piece. Basic and simple.
Biggest issue I saw researching, was ring problems, that were addressed under warranty.
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: Transmission cooler on 1997 U295 w/CAT engine

Reply #5 –
The 3116 with "issues" was the very last ones when they introduced their very first generation electronic fuel injection.

Not aware of any Foretravels with this version-- certain that the 1993 was MECHANICAL INJECTION.
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: Transmission cooler on 1997 U295 w/CAT engine

Reply #6 –
Very interesting discussion of small Cat engines.  However, I'm having a hard time relating any of it to a transmission cooler and possible part number.
Regards

1997 U295 40 with CAT 3126

Re: Transmission cooler on 1997 U295 w/CAT engine

Reply #7 –
Bill,

Much of the answer to your transmission cooler question has to do with whether the coolant has remained good/changed as it should have been.  Another issue, particularly if operated up north would be external rust. 

With those two exceptions, they are pretty long-lived.

The sign of failure would be mixing of coolant and ATF in the transmission and or external leak of either fluid.
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: Transmission cooler on 1997 U295 w/CAT engine

Reply #8 –
By now the OP has probably found their answer elsewhere but I've recently been researching the same question.  I have the same year model & Cat engine, so my results are probably the same:

The direct replacement is a Rocore 3-1259B.  This is the original fixed bundle design.

Rocore recommends upgrading to their floating bundle design model #5-7099A, which has the same 3" coolant ports and about the same cooling capacity but is more durable.  I'll be installing the #5-7089A, which has 2.5" coolant ports but 2 more bundled tubes and is longer for more cooling.  The current lines to the cooler are both 2.5" at one end, tapered up to 3" at the cooler.  Rocore has a model #5-7024B with 3" ports that would be a more direct replacement but changing the coolant lines to 2.5" at both ends will be fine.  The 5-7089A & 5-7024B are both longer than the original so confirm that you have the space before considering them.  I found a great deal on a new old stock 5-7089A, which made this a much more affordable preventative maintenance upgrade.