Caterpillar’s engines are renowned for their reliability, performance, and longevity for Marine, construction/agriculture, and on-highway applications. While they no longer produce engines for the latter sector for EPA reasons, CAT’s engines continue to be popular and in high demand among diesel vehicle owners. In this article, we’ll focus on a few which have been, and continue to be their most successful engines. This refers mainly to the C15, including its three variations, namely the original C15, the ‘Bridge’ versions, and the ACERT.
While all of these are good engines, there are some factors that distinguish them and set them apart in terms of their output, quality, and lifespan of their parts. Below, we’ll discuss the various differences between these what engines are, how to get the most out of your engine through routine maintenance, and why you should be especially careful about your injectors.
The C15 and its Variations
The C15 by Caterpillar was a successor to its 3406E line of engines. The 3406E was the first fully electronic motor that Caterpillar produced, and it gained a massive reputation for being one of the best around. It provided owners with the advantages of a mechanical motor along with the benefits of an electrical one. However, for all its virtues, the 3406E did suffer from some major issues. For one, it had a troublesome oil leak caused by the usage of defective gaskets, especially at the rear end near the spacer plate and cylinder block. The use of hardened rubber plugs in this region also exacerbated issues.
Problems like these made Caterpillar discontinue the 3406E in 1999 and release the original C15 in the same year. The C15 tried to combat the oil leak issue by employing better gaskets and seals in addition to other improvements. The engine became popular immediately after its release. The design upgrades, improved fuel economy, versatility, and power output, all contributed towards making the C15 arguably the most popular engine Caterpillar has ever produced. Unfortunately, the gasket issues remained unresolved, with some owners even reporting that the problem had become worse, only this time the gasket itself was not to blame. The engine-block design was causing the gasket damage, which may cause decreased engine performance and low compression.
Over time, Caterpillar would release as many as ten variations of the original C15 engine, although most only have minor differences, sometimes restricted to just the serial number. However, the major variations are the ‘Bridge’ version which comes with an MBN serial number, and the ‘ACERT’ version, which adds an additional turbocharger to the engine along with other upgrades.
The Bridge C15 version is mostly the same, except it was built to comply with emissions regulations that came into force earlier this century. It also came with an electronic wastegate and up to 10% less power output than the original C15. The engine was produced between 2001-2003 before Caterpillar moved on to the ACERT in 2004.
As we’ve mentioned, the ACERT, or Advanced Combustion Emission Reduction Technology was significantly different from the original C15. For one, it has a second turbocharger that helps it meet emissions requirements while also allowing it to produce 590hp. However, the additional turbocharger makes the engine much more complicated to work on and make repairs, and some owners even remove the second turbocharger for this reason and to get more power.
Some of the earlier ACERT models are also known to have issues with its rocker studs. Thankfully, this issue was resolved in later models but if you’re buying second-hand, make sure to check the studs. The ACERT injector is also prone to failure, so ensure you routinely check them.
How to Get the Most Out of Your C15 Engine?
All said and done, the C15, despite some issues, is a terrific engine that is reliable, versatile, and can be used on various vehicles for different applications considering its high power output. However, all engines suffer from problems and it’s natural to want yours to remain in good condition for as long as possible.
The key to avoiding problems here is to routinely maintain your engine components, especially your injectors. The injection system is one of the most important parts of the engine, influencing fuel economy, emissions, performance, etc. On average, a C15 injector will work smoothly until it covers about 100,000 miles. However, after that, you might experience issues such as difficulty starting your car, dirty emissions, vehicle misfiring on ignition, and a lingering fuel smell. These are just a few reasons, you’ll want to keep them in pristine condition, and below is how you can do that.
Maintaining Your Injectors
Starting with some basics, you’ll want to inspect and clean your injectors from time to time. Fuel injectors collect debris over time, and its critical to ultrasonically clean the injector regularly. To do this, take out the injectors, disassemble them, and use mineral spirits and a brass brush to clean the heavy debris off of your injectors. Then soak all parts in an ultrasonic bath for at least 30 minutes at the recommended ultrasonic frequency and proper temperature. Dry all parts with compressed air and reassemble with new seals and gaskets.
Another thing you’ll want to do is check the injectors’ external installation O-rings and seals when you’re servicing the engine. Faulty rings and seals can cause many of the issues diesel injector failure leads to, and it’s important to replace them if the injector is leaking.
A third thing to do is check the injector function and operation. You can do this by keeping the engine running at an idle and holding a long screwdriver such that its metal end is touching the fuel injector body. Use caution not to touch the follower and spring that is being pushed and pulled by the rocker arm and camshaft. Put your ear on the other end of the screwdriver and observe what you hear. You’ll hear a rhythmic clicking thus confirming the injector solenoid assembly is functioning but may not be operating or nozzle spraying properly, but if you don’t hear anything, that may be a sign that it needs to be cleaned or repaired.
Lastly, you’ll want to keep an eye on your fuel filters. Fuel filters are meant to keep debris out of engine parts by trapping particulate matter. However, when these become clogged, they cause the same issues as injector failure, i.e., misfiring, engine dying when you come to a stop, trouble accelerating, etc. If you encounter issues with your fuel filter, replace them. The paper used to trap particulate matter is not generally meant to be reused and doing so can place undue strain on your engine.
Following these basic tips will undoubtedly extend the lifespan of your injectors. However, if you’re looking for some more advanced methods to keep your injectors in good shape, you should try to regulate and test the fuel pressure often. To do this, you’ll need a fuel pressure gauge. Start your vehicle and let it idle. Then, install the gauge, run the pump, and observe the reading. Check with the manufacturer’s specifications to find out whether your fuel pressure is adequate or not.
Besides this, you’ll want to have your injectors serviced at regular intervals to ensure that it remains squeaky clean and any faulty parts are replaced promptly. You should also generally ensure that your engine is clean, and free of debris and that your fuel system is healthy to get the maximum value out of your injectors.
Consider Dieselogic for Your Injector Replacements
Above, we’ve listed some ways to maintain your CAT C15 injectors and get the most out of them. However, they can only last for so long and you’ll eventually have to replace them. When that time comes, consider Dieselogic for your parts requirements. We at Dieselogic have been a part of the diesel engine refurbishing industry for over fifty years now, and we do all of our work right here in the United States. Generally, parts for the 3406E, the C15, and the ACERT are the same, and our remanufactured ‘manufactured again’ injectors are fit for use in all three of them.
While they’re not technically ‘new’, our manufactured again injectors are better. We rigorously test our injectors to ensure that they’re free of defects, continue to meet OEM specifications, and are of optimum quality but do not cost as much as OEM. We guarantee our injectors function just like new ones while offering them at a lower price. We’re confident that our prices are the lowest on the market, but if you do come across a better offer, get in touch with us and we’ll match it!
Conclusion
Caterpillar’s C15 engine has been an enormously successful and popular product among diesel vehicle owners for its durability, versatility, fuel economy, and power output. As with every engine, routine maintenance is the key to getting the most out of it. This also ensures that all of its parts are in good shape, particularly its injectors. Fuel injector failure can cause a host of worrying problems such as issues starting your car, dirty emissions, and misfiring. This article has discussed how you can keep your injectors in good working condition for as long as possible through proper upkeep. However, when the time does come to replace them, consider Dieselogic for all your C15 injector needs. Our manufactured again injectors are compatible with the 3406E, the original C15, and the ACERT models. You won’t be able to tell they aren’t new, and you can get them at a very low price. Call us today for all additional information on how to replace your CAT C15 injectors.
