Caterpillar C13 problem

[Excessive Force]

Does anyone know of any websites that would be helpful in diagnosing problems with the Cat C-13 engine? I've got an '04 with constant Actuator problems..... #@$%!

 

[DBoggs]

Are you referring to the intake valve actuators?

 

[Excessive Force]

Yes, When they act up you lose boost,and the check engine light comes on.

 

[Jim W]

This site may help you? I do not know if you tried or not but click on the parts and service header.

http://www.cat.com/

 

[DBoggs]

I suspected as much, I had a C-15 in my 06 Western Star and had the same problems. To answer your question about a web site, no there are none that will give you any specific info on diagnosing and repair of the actuators, Cat keeps very tight tabs on their service info. That being said the best thing you can do is take it to a competent Cat dealer and have them fix it, because there are several different tests that need to be done to detemine which actuator is messed up, whether it is the actual actuator or just the electric solenoid and which specific cylinder or group of cylinders are malfunctioning.



If you run the vehicle throughout the country I used to deal with a shop that can deactivate the things so you won't have any trouble with them again, but they have to be working correctly in the first place. If you are interested pm me and I'll let you have their name and number.



Duane

 

[Excessive Force]

The problem i have is that they've put 3 sets on from VARIOUS suppliers,and i'm still having trouble. I asked the service manager last time it was in if they had a better source for them,and he said no. That was the last time it was in there,because the warranty expired. I was told they were $800. apiece,and there are 3 of them on the engine. The guy also told me that once you buy one,and it's installed there's NO WARRANTY !! I would gladly replace the bad actuators if i knew they had the problem solved... ... ...

 

[DBoggs]

I sympathize, I was told the same thing. I thinks it is crap, those things are good for nothing, that was Cats solution to egr. What a joke it ended up being. I'll pm you the name and number of the shop and the name of the guy you want to talk to. Even if you can't get out there to see him, he is full of good info, maybe he can point you in a different direction.



One thing that I was told by just about everybody was to run Cat filters and that should help. Cat filters are made by Donaldson. I can't say for sure it helps, but as much as the actuators cost I figure it's cheap insurance.



Good luck



Duane