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mechanicman
Active Member
USA
16 Posts |
 Posted - 01/04/2011 : 1:30:03 PM
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Not sure if this is a common problem, however, any feedback would be appreciated.
1998 Thomas Saf T Liner. 3116 CAT. During a recent oil change, upon changing the fuel filters, looks like the fuel has been contaminated with motor oil. Engine is running fine with no performance issues or visible mechanical issues. We sent the bus to our local CAT dealer for an analysis. After taking a fuel sample, their statement was that the only way (although rare) for oil to contaminate the fuel system on a 3116 is a cracked cylinder head. We are not readily agreeable to this suggestion. Any ideas or have you seen similar situations?
thanks for your time. |
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Cal Mc
Advanced Member
303 Posts |
Posted - 01/05/2011 : 6:24:04 PM
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| What makes you think it is contaminated with motor oil? |
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mechanicman
Active Member
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - 01/06/2011 : 07:54:38 AM
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Based upon the fuel sample results from the CAT service center that the bus was sent to.
also, the fuel is dark / black colored.
By the way, thank you for the response. |
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bwest
Administrator
United States
3820 Posts |
Posted - 01/06/2011 : 10:25:49 AM
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| Are you sure it is a 3116? I think 1998 was a change year on that enigne. After that engine they used a 3126 which used a HUEI system. This is a possibility with them. I guess your CAT dealer would know the difference between a 16 and a 26 though. Good luck. |
Bryan |
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mechanicman
Active Member
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - 01/06/2011 : 10:33:49 AM
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Yes, We purchased 19 of these thomas buses. The thing was, we found out later that the engines, 3116's had been sitting in a warehouse waiting for some unlucky school district to get them stuck into 1998 model buses.
You are correct, the 1998 model buses (for the most part) do have the 3126 engine.
Thanks for your comments, and others... please feel free to venture a suggestion. |
Edited by - mechanicman on 01/06/2011 10:42:28 AM |
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flyboy
Senior Member
USA
147 Posts |
Posted - 01/06/2011 : 10:35:20 AM
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| If it is a 3126 theres every possibilty that you have a failed injector sleeve which will allow oil to be pumped into the fuel system. |
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bwest
Administrator
United States
3820 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2011 : 10:09:48 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by flyboy
If it is a 3126 theres every possibilty that you have a failed injector sleeve which will allow oil to be pumped into the fuel system.
He indicated it was a 16 so I would think the Cat dealer would have to be correct when they say it's a head problem. I don't recall there being any o rings or even a removeable sleeve that the injectors go into on a 16. Frankly I haven't had (or didn't have) any problems with that fuel system (or engine for that matter). Pretty interesting, keep us posted. |
Bryan |
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CAT 3116 fuel contamination
