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Cat 3116 Cold Start

I have a 94 Cat 3116 9GK09902 engine in a 95 U-240. I have had the MH for 14 years and always relied on block heater in cold weather to prevent cold starts.  It works great .  I am sure the engine has a air inlet heater that does not work.

What  is the starting procedger for this engine?  I have no lights that I know of.
I never wait for any lights to  light up or go off, turn key on and then to start.
How to trouble shoot the system?  Any body got a wiring diagram?
Can I turn the heater on manually?  How long do you keep it on?

Thanks for you help.

Pat,
Pat/Blue Angel
1995 U240 36ft
MC# 16511
Build# 4653

Re: Cat 3116 Cold Start

Reply #1 –
While I was shopping for RVs and looked at a lot of them, I was surprised that a number of Foretravel's did not have "conventional" cold start assistance. I am used to most any diesel having an intake preheater or glow plugs. I have even seen intake air pre heaters being diesel fired. Yep, don't spray starting fluid in those! My 2008 Nimbus with the ISM 500 is this way. Only cold start option is to use the pre heat feature of the Oasis heat system. Testing Thanksgiving, weekend with temp below freezing it took the system 4 hours to get the engine up to 110.

I have seen a number of aftermarket alternatives in use including ether injection.

You may need to add something. I would think though that even down to ~20 the engine should be able to start without assistance.
If using a block heater would be good to do a test and see how long, it takes to raise the coolant 10 or 20 degrees.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Cat 3116 Cold Start

Reply #2 –
What I could find on Google is there could be a ether system.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Cat 3116 Cold Start

Reply #3 –
Quote from: pthurman48 –
I have had the MH for 14 years and always relied on block heater in cold weather to prevent cold starts.
I think you probably meant to say "...assist cold starts"

What prompts your question?  After 14 years of ownership, are you now having problems getting it started?

If you don't have the '95 Owner's Manual, there is a copy in the library.

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?media/item/1995-owners-manual.4129/

On page 4.5 in the manual it says there is a "Wait to Start" light on your dash:

Wait to Start (U240/U280/U295C)
Wait to start engine until light goes out.

However, on page 12.1 the manual doesn't mention the "Wait to Start" light:

CATERPILLAR 3116 STARTING
1. Check engine oil.
2. Place the transmission in "NEUTRAL" position.
3. Engage parking brake.
4. Depress the accelerator pedal 1/3 of travel.
5. Turn the ignition switch to "START" position. Release the instant the engine starts.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Cat 3116 Cold Start

Reply #4 –
No, at least not on our 1994 U240 with same Caterpillar 3116.

Should be able to lift the bed and find the 2 lugs with wires to them going to the intake manifold.  Check between them with wires removed with ohm meter to verify that the element is not broken.

With voltmeter on, check that there is 12 VDC to the lugs when someone turns the key to on/start with a cold engine.
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 3116 Cold Start

Reply #5 –
Quote from: oldguy –
...there could be a ether system.
If a coach has the factory installed ether injection system, should be pretty obvious.  Link below to a recent relevant post:

What is this switch for under the mirror switch? 1994 Foretravel unihome

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Cat 3116 Cold Start

Reply #6 –
Think you answered your question in your statement,a air inlet heater that does not work,this will help with a cold start,why don't you troubleshoot it ??????
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Cat 3116 Cold Start

Reply #7 –
The intake heater on our U240 had a red light on the dash that came on after turning the key to the first position.  Colder engine equaled longer run time.  IIRC, it was just to the left of the steering column.  When not able to use the block heater in cold weather, I'd run the cycle 2 or 3 times with the key before attempting to start the engine.
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Cat 3116 Cold Start

Reply #8 –
I had an 04 Tropi-Cal with the Cat C7. Been in temps down to 5F and the engine started on its own without block heater or other help. 
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148