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Catapiller Service

February 08, 2017, 05:30:15 pm

After a couple of lengthy bouts of discovery, the good folks in Nac have told me I need to take my genrator problem to a Catapiller or PowerTech service facility. We have an oil leak that needs some 'extra attention'.

So far all I've found is Mustang repair on the north side of Houston. I live in Conroe but don't really mind driving (within reason) to wherever I need to if I can find someone who knows their business.

Any suggestions or ideas? I'm not getting warm and fuzzies over the calls I've made to Mustang...

Thanks!!

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Re: Catapiller Service

Reply #1 – February 08, 2017, 06:25:55 pm

I don't see them listed on powertech for Texas. data:text/mce-internal,%3Cimg%20src%3D%22//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0062/407...
I used an authorized powertech dealer in VA and had good service but I understand they no longer want to do powertech service.  I ould look for a powertech diesel shop.

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Reply #2 – February 08, 2017, 06:28:59 pm

Try one of these....
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John

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Reply #3 – February 08, 2017, 07:03:00 pm

Before going through too much of a "fire drill", where is the oil leaking from?

Might be as simple as oil drain plug gasket, oil pressure sending unit, etc.

Hate to see you drive 2 hours for a 10 minute repair that takes no skill level.

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Reply #4 – February 08, 2017, 07:51:35 pm

You might want to call Beau Reece. 936 326 4360 send a txtmsg. He will call back. He is in Cushing TX and is also mobile as needed. 

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Reply #5 – February 08, 2017, 08:01:06 pm

Agree with Brett,find even a shade tree mechanic to just help find the leak.Nobody over the phone can tell you where it is leaking from.Could it have too much oil?

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Reply #6 – February 08, 2017, 08:52:19 pm

We have found good techs by calling PowerTech in Florida...

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Reply #7 – February 09, 2017, 10:33:52 am

Thought more about your leak, the only leak you will need a "generator tech" for is a front or rear seal leak the rest you should be
able to fix yourself or find a decent mechanic.

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Reply #8 – February 09, 2017, 03:06:50 pm

I had a small leak on my power tech. Like Brett said, I found the leak was due to a pressure sending unit on the back side. I used a light and mirror, replaced it and goodby leak!

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Reply #9 – February 18, 2017, 04:27:48 pm

Thanks Roger & Susan for the referral to Beau Reese! He came to save the day. It's gonna be a pretty big deal but I feel like we're in good hands with him.

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Reply #10 – February 18, 2017, 04:33:17 pm

So--- inquiring minds want to know.

What is the problem?

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Reply #11 – February 18, 2017, 05:06:29 pm

Well, won't know for sure until he gets it apart but the crankshaft has a problem. Either it's bent from an improper installation of a seal, or something else went wrong. A lot of shavings around the cover seal.

Hope to have it reinstalled middle of next week. I'll try to remember to post the outcome! Any donations would be accepted 😜

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Reply #12 – February 18, 2017, 06:30:31 pm

Wow, haven't heard of that one before!

Keep us posted.  Thanks.

And, please let us know exactly what generator you have.

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Reply #13 – February 18, 2017, 08:21:34 pm

I'll vote for the something else, it's possible but would be hard to bend the crankshaft putting a seal in, maybe the shavings are
from the seal being pushed in too far.

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Reply #14 – February 19, 2017, 07:46:07 pm

Well, the news isn't good. Remember, I purchased the coach from FOT in October, used, as is. Cat 10kw with the PowerTech label on the outside. Model 3013-C (?).

Someone ran the generator without oil at some point in its short 1700hr lifetime. Many small and large metal fragments in the oil pan, cylinders scored, pistons scored, and a few of the bearings seized. Gonna have the crank magnaflowed and we're rebuilding the dang thing. The block is headed to the machine shop tomorrow and we will see what happens with the crank.

I am curious why the 'comprehensive' PDI from FOT wouldn't have given some indication, as this issue occurred probably quite some time ago- or so it appears. But if they didn't look more closely for a leak that existed at the crank seal, then they could have missed it. Another thing I'm curious about is how we didn't get a hint of this; a complete oil change was done AND we've done two crank seal replacements during the effort of trying to figure out the leak.

I bought it as is, so that's on me and I'm totally confident that the good folks at FOT did not know the problem existed. Fortunately it's a problem that a little money can solve - so it's not a big problem. Welcome to the world of RV-ing...

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Reply #15 – February 19, 2017, 08:16:33 pm

Have Beau give everything else a once over look.  If there is something to be taken care of this is a good time while fixing the generator.  There will always be something that comes up.  Your attitude is good, figure it out, get it fixed, resume having fun.  I am glad Beau was able to help. He comes highly recommended.

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Reply #16 – February 19, 2017, 08:54:34 pm

Yes Roger, gonna have Beau adjust valves on the ISX when he installs the gen and go over everything. Glad he's part of the solution. Thanks!

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