There is no real consensus. When you ask which engine is better, it is like asking which truck is better. There is no clear answer as many people like one motor and the same number of people like the other.
Continue readingThe CAT 3208 engine is over 20 years old and it is bound to have mechanical problems. One of those parts that you will see fail on you is the fuel pump. But the fuel pump should still be an easy fix as
Continue readingCAT built this engine for roughly 20 years and over that production run, they made a lot of engines. It stands to reason that the 3208 will run into some problems that will affect every engine. But those
Continue readingThe engine was a collaborative deal. During its production run, the 3208 CAT engine was very popular. But it was not made by Caterpillar alone. It turns out that this engine was the result of a collaboration
Continue readingIt is all about the oil pan. One of the aspects of oil capacities is that the oil pan may be a different size on variations of this engine. People often forget about this fact and are surprised when their
Continue readingWhen you have a big, heavy rig to move from one place to another, a powerless engine is not going to do the job. These are the times when you are happy to have a powerful motor like the 3208 under the
Continue readingPictures often explain mechanical and electrical systems a lot better than words can. When you get the right diagrams you should be able to figure out where every component is and make the right repairs.One
Continue readingWatch those price quotes. When you own an RV, repair shops often think you can afford higher prices. Then they boost their regular fee as high as they feel is possible and then quote you that fee. To get
Continue readingIt is hard to tell with some used engines how long they will remain functioning. However, diesel engines seem to get better with age, and a used diesel engine, like the Duramax can continue working for
Continue readingWhen fuel pumps go bad, it can be a challenge to replace them. These parts are not always found in the most convenient places on your fuel line. Once you find them, the repair can be costly which is never
Continue readingDespite what manufacturers may say, there are after-market companies that have the ability to boost your engine’s power. That is what a tuner is all about - more power. Depending on your towing situation,
Continue readingNo engine is perfect no matter how long they last. However, with proper maintenance, you can get most diesel engines to last long past their predicted lifespan. It just takes due diligence on your part
Continue readingThe CAT 3126 Engine has been around for quite some time. But you want to know the specs to make sure you are getting an engine that will not fail on you at the most critical moment. You need to make sure
Continue readingMost drivers rarely think about their drive shaft. That is until something goes wrong with it. Rust is a silent enemy of any vehicle and it will affect your driveshaft if the latter has not been properly
Continue readingYou will get many explanations. The problem with acronyms and abbreviations is that so many meanings are attached to the same few letters. That can leave some owners confused and trying to come up with
Continue readingWatch out for the hype. There is a guy on YouTube that is making a lot of money hyping this problem and his solutions to it. He may be overstating the situation to make money. It is best to get your information
Continue readingIt is all about value. Unfortunately, scrap prices change every day so getting a long-term price quote is not possible. The value of your RV catalytic converter is not going to be higher than a car’s
Continue readingTheft of catalytic converters is rampant these days. That may be due to the fact they are so easily located and accessible. This is not a part that can be hidden as it will be in the best spot on the exhaust
Continue readingThere are basically two types of these codes. The first type is often described as generic. That means they apply to any vehicle and system no matter the brand. The other type of code is brand or manufacturer
Continue readingThere are very few diesel engine makers left in the nation today. What that means is that these companies are going to be on both the best and worst diesel engine lists.Diesels, even on their worst days,
Continue readingThere are more abbreviations. Than you can shake a stick at. When the new modern engines were developed so was a long list of abbreviations for the new components. HEST stands for High Exhaust System Temperature
Continue readingModern engines have too many gadgets and components on them to be truly powerful. But when you want lots of power, you need to go back to the muscle car era and pick up one of those engines. Those motors
Continue readingThe official SPN FMI code list covers the big three diesel engine makers. Freightliner, Cummins, and Detroit Diesel. If you get the same code on all three engines, you have the same problem. The only question
Continue readingCatalytic converter theft is rising. One of the problems you may experience these days is the theft of your catalytic converter. Even if you weld it into place, thieves can cut the pipe to make sure they
Continue readingIt seems that the glow plugs and the wait to start light may not be on all engine models. Technology seems to have done away with these features for some engine builders. It all depends on who built your
Continue readingThere you are driving down the highway minding your own business when all of a sudden a fault code appears. It may be a good code or it may be one that will ruin your day. You just never know but you need
Continue readingUpgrading your older engine is always fun to do as you get to give your older engine new life. However, depending on the age of the engine, you may not always find compatible modern parts. Some original
Continue readingFault codes are supposed to be your friend. But you can be overwhelmed by the sheer number of ‘friends’ you have inside your engine. There are a lot of codes to keep up with and sadly, they may not
Continue readingOne of the things you have to get used to when you own different vehicles is the fact that fault codes exist. Sometimes they are a great help and other times, they still leave you confused as to what the
Continue readingBesides ourselves, we have found only one other person who has asked this question. Cummins and Ford had FAQ web pages and this question was not on either. But do not worry, we did find an answer.The operating
Continue readingProper communication helps build strong relationships. The same can be said for the components of your vehicle. If there is a strong communication system then everything will work well. But if there is
Continue readingThe price tag for this top Cummins engine rivals the price tag of fully constructed small cars. But when you want a top engine under the hood, you should expect to pay more. This engine can survive up
Continue readingOne thing about spotting the location of different components is: Those locations will change depending on the era the motor was made. In the Cummins case, it changed to a 24-valve system and computer,
Continue readingThis is one of the many frustrating things about owning an RV. The RV makers have at least 1001 places to locate the components. Due to different floor plans, even the same model series may not have all
Continue readingPaccar is the odd man out. It seems that the fault codes for this company do not line up with the other fault code lists. The company guards its information very carefully and you may have to talk directly
Continue readingTo tell you the truth, we do not like how they numbered the official SPN fault code list. It takes more time to find the code in question than it does to diagnose the actual problem. You will find it…
Continue readingThere may be those people who do not know what the term ‘crankcase’ means. This is the metal casing of the engine block that not only holds the crankshaft but also the majority of oil in your engine.
Continue readingOnce those amber and red lights get illuminated on your dash, you need to get more information. That is what the SPN FMI code system is all about. Unfortunately, some of these codes just do not bring the
Continue readingWhen you look up codes do not ignore the GHG 14, GHG 17, or the EPA 10. The numbers refer to the regulation years your repairs have to meet once the repairs are completed.The SPN 5435 FMI 7 code means-
Continue readingFinding fault code definitions is not always an easy task as different modules or components are made by different companies. For example, the ABS braking system can be built by Bendix or by Wabco OnGuard.
Continue readingWhen you look at the official SPN code list, you will see they have categories for Freightliner, Detroit Diesel, and Cummins motors and there is an official SPN FMI list. However, all those lists are almost
Continue readingOften people will give you the answer to the oil capacity of an engine. However, they often forget to mention that you have to pre-fill the oil filter. If you forget to do that, you may see you are full
Continue readingOne thing about fault codes. Unless engine builders go back to the 1960s way of building engines, you will always see a fault code at some point in time. There are too many devices on your engine for none
Continue readingThe lists do not always cover every code or every issue you need at the time. The official SPN fault code list starts at 100001 and FMI 0. That means it does not go below 100 when you get to the 3-digit
Continue readingThe numbers for the FMI fault code system stop around 20 or 21. But there are numbers that are listed above those two. Those extra numbers are usually labeled as reserved for SAE use. Someone can always
Continue readingWhen you do your own research on fault codes, you will find some extra letters after the FMI portion of the code. These letters, EPA and GHG do have meaning when you see them on the data sheets when you
Continue readingWhen you get an error code on your dash, you expect to be able to find the right instructions to perform the repair. That is not always going to happen and it is disappointing when you get a code that
Continue readingThere are so many error codes in the modern engine that no one may see all of them in their lifetime. Modern engines have so many parts to them and are so complex, you may also trade your truck or car
Continue readingWith the fault code system, you have two different data links being used in different vehicles. Some can come with the J1707 system while others will be using the J1939 and some may have both. This multi-level
Continue readingSensors devices are what the ECM and other modules depend on to get the information to operate your engine and other components. When the sensors send bad information, then you get these different codes.
Continue readingNot all codes concern a real problem. That may be a good thing. Sometimes all you need is information so you know what you should do in the near future. The correct thing to do in this case is not to delay
Continue readingWith over 50,000 SPN codes, it stands to reason that there is at least one that watches over your oil supply. But do not be surprised if a code for oil shows up with codes for other components in your
Continue readingYou may be the lucky one and get one of those rare codes that only pop up once in a blue moon. The lack of available information only means that you have to go to a mechanic or a dealer to get the proper
Continue readingWhen it comes to the CAT 15, which started production in 1999, there are 10 variations. However, of those ten only about three are significant. You have the original version, the Bridge, and the ACERT
Continue readingThat is the way it is with SPN FMI codes. Some may have only one meaning but others, like SPN 171 code has over 10 different applications. It is one of the more populous fault codes on the SPN list.The
Continue readingTo keep this powerful engine running on all cylinders means you have to look after it on a regular basis. Changing the oil is not enough. You need to make sure that you use the right type of oil as well
Continue readingWhen you try to fix different fault codes yourself, you will find that some information is missing. That makes doing home repairs almost impossible these days. When you find lists with missing information,
Continue readingWith unheard-of parts, the explanations can be more confusing than the code. Trying to figure out the explanations and what you are to do can take some time. However, it can be done eventually and you
Continue readingNot every fault code will cause a derate. That is one of the good aspects of these fault codes. If you catch them early enough, you may never experience the troubling derate option many other owners have
Continue readingAll it states on the official FMI code lists is ‘condition exists’. You may already know that because your vehicle is not operating as it should. It could be more helpful if it provided a source and
Continue readingWhen you own a diesel, one of the things you may notice is that diesel-powered vehicles may have more fault codes than gas-powered ones. One reason for this is that the diesel engine has to meet stricter
Continue readingThe official SPN FMI fault code list is extensive but not exhaustive so you may not always find the code on that list. But you can always go to Cummin’s list to find it.This code is Cummins fault code
Continue readingThat is the trouble with the modern error or fault code system. There are far too many codes and when you add in the FMI subcode, the number balloons even more. Finding the right answer is not always going
Continue readingWhen it comes to vehicle fluids, DEF is the most recent. That means it may be harder to find top-quality DEF fluid as it is easy to make and easy to sell. Fortunately, vehicle makers have put a warning
Continue readingWith all the new regulations that have been implemented since the late 1990s, more parts have been invented. More parts mean more possible failures and more fault codes to learn.The SPN 3464 FMI 16 fault
Continue readingOne of the things about these SPN codes is that there are far more than most people will count. Most people will give up once they reach one hundred but that is not even the tip of the iceberg when it
Continue readingWhen you get a specific SPN code, you can see up to 21 FMI sub-codes illuminated with that one SPN number. There are a few more than 21 FMI codes but most are reserved for future use by the SAE. This can
Continue readingIt can happen to you. That is one thing about these error codes, they do not discriminate. All error codes will react to the same situation no matter what type of RV coach you own. The key is to make sure
Continue readingIt is not always easy when you are looking up codes on the SPN list. It is not always a simple task. The reason for that is that the official list puts the 5-digit numbers in between many 4-digit numbers.
Continue readingWhen you buy a modern motor, you will find that there seems to be a code for just about every problem imaginable. You probably never thought so many things could go wrong with a motor. Unfortunately, that
Continue readingWhen you start exploring the world of fault codes, you will find that different engine and other manufacturers have their own code lists. This just adds to the confusion especially when they do not line
Continue readingNo matter what type of engine you own, there seems to be a fault code for every problem imaginable under the sun. The problem is finding the right list that contains all those codes so you know what is
Continue readingWhen you see one of the myriads of SPN codes pop up on your screen, you know it is not going to be good news. While some of the news from SPN codes is not that bad, generally, most of them are. Once you
Continue readingMany fault codes refer to the electrical systems a vehicle has. One may get the idea that all fault codes deal with electronic sensors or other parts. But not always. This is a mechanical fault that may
Continue readingWhile fault codes help you with the diagnosis, there are just too many of them. But without them, you wouldn’t know where to begin when fixing your engine.The SPN 639 FMI 9 fault code equals Cummins
Continue readingOnce the electronic and technological age took over, there had to be a method to guide repairs. The simplest solution was to create fault codes. Some are easy to understand and others are not. It is a
Continue readingThat is the way it is with new systems or any system for that matter. Once you understand how they work, they become very easy. The same can be said for finding what fault codes mean. Once you understand
Continue readingWith all the new diesel regulations and standards finding the small parts can get tough. They are usually placed in out-of-the-way spots and are often hard to view as other larger parts block your view.
Continue readingOver the years the SAE has developed a fault code system to help mechanics and DIY mechanics figure out what was wrong with their modern engines. This system is supposed to make repair work a little easier
Continue readingThere are a myriad of fault codes. That is one thing about these modern engines. The regulations engine makers have to meet are astronomical. Thus the engines themselves have far too many parts that can
Continue readingNo matter who is to blame, the car or truck owner is stuck with clearing those fault codes that let them know what is wrong with their vehicle.To clear fault codes, you would need a code reader, a scanner,
Continue readingWhen you are looking at buying a Detroit 60 series engine, you will find that there are three types to choose from. The 11.1, the 12.7, and the 14 L are the models that are available but they do not always
Continue readingIt seems that whoever made up this code system, decided to put a code for the codes. What that means is if you are driving under another code too far, this code will appear and tell you that you are in
Continue readingIt seems that all Allison fault codes begin with a P. At least they do with the 1000 and 2000 series transmissions. This change makes it hard to find the real problem. One mechanic needed the MID number
Continue readingDon’t be surprised if Cummins is not forthcoming about the 53 block it used to build. It was a travesty from the start and who n their right mind would acknowledge this issue? It was not a pretty picture
Continue readingOne of the facts of engine life is that belts will stretch and need to be replaced. This is an easy task if all you are doing is replacing the belts on a regular engine. It becomes more difficult when
Continue readingIdentifying the block is not going to be a hard task as there were only about 100,000 of them made at the time. Unfortunately, these problem blocks went beyond the Dodge Ram trucks and just about anyone
Continue readingIt used to be that you could sit in the engine compartment of your pickup truck and work on the engine. Today, after all the technological upgrades, you are lucky if you can see half the engine. Technology
Continue readingThe vehicles that have a diesel engine under the hood have lots of devices to be worried about. These devices all come with their own sensors and warning lights. The key is not to get confused or you may
Continue readingBigger isn’t always better. There are many RV or trailer owners who like the biggest size possible. They feel that having more room and more features is the best way to go. However, when they go big,
Continue readingMany RV owners want to squeeze more power out of their CAT engines. They look for just about any trick they can use to boost their power and tow more weight. This behavior may not be as simple as some
Continue readingWhen it comes time to look for a specific sensor, you need to be aware that there are 9 of them in all and they are all over the engine. Sometimes it takes a treasure map to find their locations.The coolant
Continue readingGetting more power has been the goal of gearheads since muscle cars were first introduced. The owners of these cars looked high and low for those parts that would give them an extra 5 or 10 or more HP.
Continue readingDo not be alarmed if you do not find this code on other lists you have checked. There are too many, along with the different FMI codes to include on every error code list. Kind of makes this a tough system
Continue readingFault codes seem to be the brainchild of the Society of Automotive Engineers or SAE. This is the group that has designed the fault code system and it is not done in simple, easy-to-understand English.In
Continue readingAutomakers strive to make great motors that will satisfy their customers and outdo the competition. This means that they will use the technology available to produce a great engine, most of the time. Which
Continue readingWhen you are finding evidence of leaks, those leaking spots can be difficult to find. All you have is a puddle of fuel and a few drops to go by to start your search. Finding the actual leak will take some
Continue readingIt seems that Dodge had decided to build their transmissions to work with specific motors only. The Aisin transmission works with the high-output 6.7-liter Cummins I6 turbo-diesel. The 68RFE is attached
Continue readingIt may not always be a simple problem. Usually, you start with all the simple possibilities to fix a problem. This spares you the embarrassment of paying a technician for something you could have fixed
Continue readingIt is supposed to be compatible, that is the most recent word on this topic. Transmission fluids have changed over the years and now the Dexron number may be up to VI. But VI is supposed to harm the seals
Continue reading