barmcd wrote:
After another couple weeks of digging through information, it turns out that most of the coaches we're looking at with CAT engines, probably don't have the C7, but the 3126. We're looking at very few coaches newer than 2004 and it seems that's right around the time the change over from 3126 to C7 occurred. I've not seen as many threads about 3126 problems.
barmcd
Yes, as I stated earlier, the C-7 was primarily introduced very close to Sept of '03. And, just about all of those produced from that point were labeled as '04 units. As of yet, I have ZERO complaints on our C-7. It's "pushed" us for over 23K miles since we purchased it with 40K on the clock and, we pull a fairly heavy toad too. I surely wouldn't shy away from a nice coach, a great floor plan, great qualities, and fits all your needs and desires, price too, just because it's touting a C-7, based on the limited amount of HEUI complaints.
Scott
As usual, Brett is right on. But basically, just about any Freightliner chassis coach built prior to around mid to late '03, is touting the 3126 version CAT. After around Sept or so of '03, the C-7 was introduced. There are three, over the road versions of the C-7. A 300HP, a 330HP and, a 350HP. All of them put out 860 ft. lbs. of torque.
The C-7 was not only used in motor home chassis's. That engine is in zillions of over the road trucks, delivery trucks, tractor-trailers, FIRE TRUCKS(many), cement trucks and more. No one on here (this site) knows the ratio of just how many C-7s have had HEUI issues, vs the total amount of C-7s produced and, are still putting thousands and thousands of trouble free miles on our roads.
As Brett stated, we only read on here about the infamous HEUI problems. And, how many is that, actually??? And, don't forget, Cummins has had its share of reliability issues too, on some of its series engines. Wrist pins, continuous blown head gaskets, and a few others come to mind on some of them. But, again, who knows just how many of the Cummins engines had those series problems?
So, pic your poison. Our coach, an '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the C-7 330HP CAT, has 63K on the clock and, is running down the road strong and healthy. We tow around 6500 lbs. worth of 2011 GMC Sierra Extended Cab 4x4 with a Rampage lift and, an '08 Honda GL 1800 Goldwing in the back of it. And that engine does great.
Keep the radiator and CAC fins clean, change your oil on time and regularly, and change your ONLY or, dual fuel filters and, that CAT will serve you well.
Scott
The C-7 was not only used in motor home chassis's. That engine is in zillions of over the road trucks, delivery trucks, tractor-trailers, FIRE TRUCKS(many), cement trucks and more. No one on here (this site) knows the ratio of just how many C-7s have had HEUI issues, vs the total amount of C-7s produced and, are still putting thousands and thousands of trouble free miles on our roads.
As Brett stated, we only read on here about the infamous HEUI problems. And, how many is that, actually??? And, don't forget, Cummins has had its share of reliability issues too, on some of its series engines. Wrist pins, continuous blown head gaskets, and a few others come to mind on some of them. But, again, who knows just how many of the Cummins engines had those series problems?
So, pic your poison. Our coach, an '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the C-7 330HP CAT, has 63K on the clock and, is running down the road strong and healthy. We tow around 6500 lbs. worth of 2011 GMC Sierra Extended Cab 4x4 with a Rampage lift and, an '08 Honda GL 1800 Goldwing in the back of it. And that engine does great.
Keep the radiator and CAC fins clean, change your oil on time and regularly, and change your ONLY or, dual fuel filters and, that CAT will serve you well.
Scott
