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Topic: CAT 3208 Mechanic Needed, Austin, TX (Read 488 times) previous topic - next topic

CAT 3208 Mechanic Needed, Austin, TX

Can anyone recommend a good Caterpillar 3208 mechanic, around Austin, TX? Looking at a rig with a 3208 that won't start. Thanks, Mikeado1

Re: CAT 3208 Mechanic Needed, Austin, TX

Reply #1 –
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.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: CAT 3208 Mechanic Needed, Austin, TX

Reply #2 –
With the 3208 it could have just lost it's prime.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: CAT 3208 Mechanic Needed, Austin, TX

Reply #3 –
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.
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: CAT 3208 Mechanic Needed, Austin, TX

Reply #4 –
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.
Tom and Lisa

2003 U320 38' PBBS
Build No. 6217

Re: CAT 3208 Mechanic Needed, Austin, TX

Reply #5 –
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
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: CAT 3208 Mechanic Needed, Austin, TX

Reply #6 –
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
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins
 

Re: CAT 3208 Mechanic Needed, Austin, TX

Reply #7 –
There was some serious flooding in and around Austin last year. Is it possible that coach was affected?
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird