Diesel engines are known for their longevity. A well-constructed engine can run for many years and even more miles. However, even the most stable and sturdy engine requires new parts. Caterpillar engines are reliable pieces of equipment, but it’s a good idea to pay attention to these signs and learn how to know when you need to rebuild your CAT C15 diesel engine.
Common Tests
Before you start worrying about what parts need replacing or how much work to do with your engine, there are a few things we recommend checking. Performing these tests can give you an idea of what type of work will be necessary as you rebuild or replace parts of your engine.
Last Rebuild
Whenever you perform any major work on your engine, keeping written records of that data is a good idea. How long has it been since you made any significant modifications to your C15? Sometimes, a large enough passage of time is a good enough reason to start investigating adjustments, solutions, or alterations. We recommend creating a written log of future work that includes dates and what performance upgrades you put into it.
Checking the Oil
Performing an oil analysis is always smart to do before performing any major work on your diesel engine. Carefully examine your oil to find excess metal, unfiltered air, or other common contaminants that may cause problems. You may only need to perform a routine oil change, but if you check your oil again and still find problems, there is likely a larger problem with your engine.
Examining Blowby
Blowby is when air and fuel combine and release combustion gasses outside the usual places. Frequently, these gases travel through your engine’s crankcase and out through the piston rings. Worn-down or improperly installed pistons may lead to further problems with blowby. It is normal for engines to have lower levels of blowby in the combustion chamber. Still, higher levels may result in lower fuel efficiency and a higher rate of oil consumption in your engine.
Frequent Symptoms
It’s not always easy to know when to rebuild your CAT C15 diesel engine, but there are some common symptoms you can look and listen for. Many of these side effects stem from common problems and play off of one another, so it’s not out of the ordinary to experience many of these issues at once.
Knocking Sounds
One of the frequent problems with diesel engines is a peculiar knocking or rumbling sound coming from the engine. There are many potential causes for this, but one of the most notable and commonplace is related to the air compression in the cylinders. Other possible causes are exhaust leaks or an injector not having proper lubrication. If your C15 makes unusual sounds, it is always wise to investigate it sooner rather than later.
Oil Problems
Earlier, we talked about checking your oil for any potential contaminants, but there are other problems related to your engine’s oil that may result from issues and require a rebuild. If your oil is particularly sludgy or bubbly, you should perform some maintenance and check on your engine’s crankshaft. A defective ventilation system may be to blame for this unusually textured oil.
Excessive Smoke
Smoke is one of those universally bad signs in the mechanical world. It’s hard to imagine a good situation where dark smoke pours out from your diesel engine. Unfortunately, if you see smoke coming from your engine, there are several possible reasons why this may be happening. Excess smoke is a common effect of faulty injectors, bad or clogged valves, and possibly even a defective turbocharger. If you’re unsure of the cause of your engine’s smoke, we recommend performing a rebuild.
Performing Your Rebuild
If you’re noticing problems with your Caterpillar C15 engine or you want to perform some general maintenance on it, we recommend investing in a rebuild kit. One advantage of using rebuild kits over remanufacturing your diesel engine is that you’re not limited to using brand-new OEM-certified parts. Plus, you can look for kits that fit your engine’s personal needs.
Here are some of the common types of rebuild kits to give you a better idea of which one is better for you. Each type of kit comes with advantages and disadvantages that you will experience when performing necessary modifications.
In-Frame Kits
An in-frame kit is a common type of rebuild option. As the name suggests, these modifications involve leaving your engine in the vehicle frame to perform adjustments on accessible parts of the engine. In-frame kits generally contain replacement pistons, gaskets, rings, pins, and necessary hardware. In-frame kits are a more cost-effective option and a good selection for those who know what needs replacing and what the current problems are.
Overhaul Kits
Sometimes your engine requires a much more labor-intensive job, and that’s where an out-of-frame, or overhaul, kit comes into play. These kits involve removing the engine from the frame and carefully replacing nearly every component. Overhaul kits serve many valuable purposes, such as ensuring that all replacement parts on your diesel engine stay around the same age. They can also prove beneficial when you’re unsure of the exact problem and want to perform a complete rebuild.
Knowing when it’s time to rebuild your CAT C15 engine requires you to consider many different factors, such as the individual part, age, or the symptoms you notice. We recommend keeping track of any work you perform on your engine to give yourself a stronger idea of when you may need to replace certain pieces.
If you’re looking for pieces specially chosen for a Caterpillar engine, ATL Diesel has the parts you need and the details to help you through every step of the process. Check out our catalog, including everything you need for a Cat C15 turbo rebuild kit, to help you start the process. If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, ATL Diesel’s blog contains several helpful articles. You can contact us any time to get help from one of our specialists.
