Technologies

[smclaughlin]

I've got a pair of Cat 3512B engines, S/N 4TN- xxx.  These engines are operated on a boat in California.  We're fast approaching an important decision.  Cat has been announcing options to bring their Tier 0 enignes (4TN) into tier 2 compliance which would allow us to operate the engines through 2020 so long as we do the upgrade before 2015.  We like this idea because we already operate two tier 2 3512HD engines at 2525 hp and they are simple and reliable without any external systems to comply.

Here is the deal.  We can use California's Carl Moyer program to pay for half of two new engines at a cost of 1/2 a mil to us or do major overhauls with upgraded components to our current engines for a cost of 1/4 mil to us.  The way it works out, the 1/2 a mil is not that bad of a deal escpecially because we need to make another 4tons of bollard pull with the boat to get an A+ rating.  But...  the drives on the boat are not rated for any more horsepower than we've aleady got, we're already pushing them at 1650 hp.

So, here are my questions.  Can we build our 3512B engines (1650 hp at 1600 rpm)  to a C rating (1800-2000 hp at 1800 rpm) with one of these emissions upgrade packages?

What would the consiquence of builiding a C series 1800 rpm engine and derating it to 1600 rpm?  The reason for this question is that our drives are only rated for 900 continuous and 1650 intermittent (which is fine for a harbor tug) but there may be an aftermarket company releasing an upgraded leg section which would allow us to run 1800-2000 hp intermitently.  We are interested in upgrading our B series package to a C series engine and derating it potentially until the upgraded drive comes our or potentially for the engines entire operating life if the upgraded leg proves unsucessful.  The cost difference between building a B and C engine should be small (mostly in the upgraded aftercooler and turbos) so we would be willing to take the risks if this is a possibility.  Are there differences in the blocks and cranks?

[SRCooksey]

What Cat dealer are you working with?

[smclaughlin]

I haven't talked with any yet.  I'm not usually the one who makes these decisions but I have some ideas.  I'm just looking for some more insight so that I can bring it to my supervisors.  I would like to be more involved but have to weasel my way into the project if you know what I mean.  Anyways, we work with Peterson and NC Power Systems.  We will most likely use NC Power Systems for a larger scale project such as this.

[SRCooksey]

Caterpillar may have a solution.  Please seek out Warren Hull at NC and reference this exchange and my name.  I am certain he will be of assistance. He can calll me as well if maore info is needed on your specific project.

[smclaughlin]

Cat certainly has a solution I just wanted to know more about it than their random salesman could tell. I know they have emissions upgrades for the 3512 and more recently the 3508 but not everybody at Cat knows about these kits exist.  I will contact NC, though.  They are the best.  We use them almost exclusively even though we are 2 states away and we have to fly their crew out but they are worth every penny.  They have two mechanics in charge of their overhauls and I am so impressed every time I watch them do their work.  We've used Peterson for valve and injector adjustments in the past.  They have no problem billing 8 hours to do injectors and valves on two 3512 engines even though the work only takes 3-4 hours and they somehow come up with the wrong settings even though every 3500 engine has been .020 and .040 intake/exhaust for over 20 years..  NC will do two major overhauls in 5 days at 12 a hour day which is 120 hours between two men.  They really do top notch work, too,.  Their post overhaul engines have had significantly fewer problems than all of our new installs.

[SRCooksey]

NC is quite familiar with the kits and can work directly with the A & I engineers if required.  Thanks.

[SRCooksey]

Please provide your contact info, email and phone to me through the community message system for further discussion.