Cat c7 question

I have the 3126-E and have had real good luck so far with this engine. Plenty of power for my coach.

I believe the block is the same from the 300 to the 350.

As far as changes between the 3126-E and the C-7 mostly are emission standards were heavier on the C-7 then the 3126-E.

Many MH's used a 300 HP of the C7. I don't think the Acert system came into play until around 07. The HEUI fuel pump is problematic.

Moisheh

n4hwl wrote:
I know there are a lot of motorhomes out there with the cat 7.2 liter. I have had a few problems with mine. I have lost 2 injectors and had a wiring harness for the injectors inside the valve cover dropped down and shorted out on the rocker arms. That was expensive. I also recently had an oil leak around the plate that holds the oil filter where it attaches to the block. This has happened over about a 4 year period and about 30k miles. What kind of luck are others having with their cat c7 engines?

Ken

n4hwl,
Knocking on my head here (wood), we've had pretty darn good service out our '07 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the C-7. It's ran down the road with great dependability. The only time it's had any issues is, when I'm on a long grade and, it's warm outside. The temp will climb to anywhere from 205-212, plus or minus. And yes, I've done all the radiator/CAC cleaning etc. way more thoroughly than most. But, that engine sure seems to work great.

I've changed the oil each time myself and the fuel filters too. While I had the radiator and CAC out for maintenance and replacement, I replaced as many of the front bearings (serpentine tensioner and idler) (could not get the fan bearing off to replace it, grrrrr). Anyway, I think it's a good engine. Of all of the C-7s made, and, especially the ones in Motor homes, (no other service) I don't know how many have had any issues. You read of some issues that some on this forum have had but, not everyone who drives a motor home, especially one with a C-7, resides on this or other forums. So I don't know the ratio of the ones with say, serious issues, like the HEUI pump failure, is to the ones with no issues what so ever, in the time frame of ownership and long distance mileage.
Scott

3126E 330 hp 860lb torque in my 03. Torque is the key.

I know there are a lot of motorhomes out there with the cat 7.2 liter. I have had a few problems with mine. I have lost 2 injectors and had a wiring harness for the injectors inside the valve cover dropped down and shorted out on the rocker arms. That was expensive. I also recently had an oil leak around the plate that holds the oil filter where it attaches to the block. This has happened over about a 4 year period and about 30k miles. What kind of luck are others having with their cat c7 engines?

Ken

Gang,
This is just a little article that I had tucked away for reference. Some of it is a repeat of what's already been stated. But, there's some alternate info in it too. The OP can take a look at it and see if any of it enlightens him on the attributes, uses and qualities of the C-7.
Scott
Understanding the CAT C-7

Actually you could buy a C7 in 2003 so it was in production from 2003 to 09.

Actually there are a number of 350 HP C7's out there in RV's.

But, when you mention 330 HP, you may have a very late model 3126E.

Suggest you call the Caterpillar RV Hotline in the morning with your engine serial number and ask them exactly what you have and any service history they have on it (if you are not the original owner). 877 777-3126.

Let us know if you need info on where to find the engine serial number.

The C7 was only built in a 330 or 360HP version for RVs. After 07 they were all 360s due to the added equipment for emissions and ran hot so CAT, not wanting to spend millions trying to cool ddown engines quit the Over-the Road business. CATs in line 6s were the best engines ever built as they were bulldozer engines and the 3406 was built ot run 1 million miles b/n Overhaul.
The Cat C7 replaced the model 3126E in the Catepillar on-road engine lineup to comply with the stricter diesel emission requirements which went into effect on January 1, 2004. Some truck manufacturers switched to the C7 as early as the 2003 model year. The engine was upgraded to meet the stricter emission requirements of January 1, 2007. Caterpillar stopped selling the C7 and the company's other on-highway truck engines at the end of 2009. The company elected not to try to meet the January 1, 2010 emission requirements.
At one time they actually had horsepower ratings: 210, 230, 250, 275, 300, 330, 350 and 360 hp.
The Cat C7 is an inline 6-cylinder diesel fueled engine. The displacement of the C7 is 7.2 liters, or 441 cubic inches. Engine features include turbo-charged air intake, common rail fuel injection system, full electronic control system and Caterpillar's ACERT fuel/air management system. After 2007, Advanced emission solutions include a closed crankcase breather and a diesel particulate filter using Cat's proprietary regeneration system. The B50 life rating -- period to which 50 percent of engines had a major failure -- is 450,000 to 500,000 miles.

at one time there were C7 engines rated at 300; 330 and 350 HP all in the same year