C15 pros and cons please.

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by spindrift, Sep 4, 2018.

  1. spindrift

    spindrift Road Train Member

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    Let me first say that I'm more of a Cummins guy. With that said, I have an opportunity to pick up a Pete 389 with 825K and 250K on a full rebuild (top and bottom ends). The truck has a C15. Engine work was performed by a reputable shop. Complete maintenance records by the same shop.
    I'd like to hear pros and cons related to this engine. Would appreciate feedback.
     
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2018
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  3. pushbroom

    pushbroom Road Train Member

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    What year of truck. What model engine. C15 doesnt mean anything.
    Sdp, mxs, nxs.... ect
     
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  4. spindrift

    spindrift Road Train Member

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    2009...I'll get the model info in the morning.
     
  5. pushbroom

    pushbroom Road Train Member

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    2009 would be sdp. Worst model engine they made. CGI was an excellent idea. The rest of the emission system not so.
    Lots of issues with that model. Air compressors passing oil, ard heads failing, cgi flex pipes breaking and sucking in dust, and other emission issues. Plan on modiying engine or buying super cheap.
     
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  6. spindrift

    spindrift Road Train Member

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    Hmmm...checked records and compressor was just changed after it failed and polluted the lines with oil.

    With that many miles on the clock, wouldn't you think problems have been resolved? $35K should bring it home.

    Good info...thanks.
     
  7. magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

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    Didn’t cat get sued over that model due to so many problems
     
  8. gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

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    I had a truck with that engine and it was a nightmare. If I went a whole day without a check engine light or parked regen while getting 5 mpg it was a good day. That engine will crush you in perpetual repair and fuel cost.
    Like others said. Modify or dirt cheap. I'm talking whatever it's scrap value would be, cheap.

    I went from a 6nz into that, not believing what people were saying about what cat put out. I didn't believe cat could go from such an awesome engine to how bad the sdp was.
     
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  9. Ruthless

    Ruthless Road Train Member

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    @Cat sdp can give some insight on these units.
     
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  10. bigdad7

    bigdad7 Road Train Member

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    I.ve got 1.16 on my sdp but before the mods which are harder to find now and run between 6 to 8 k this truck was a nightmare .....of course now it runs great tons of power and a 7.7 mpg avg last week but I am empty or light 80% of the time.....35 too high unless a reputable place modified it allready
     
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  11. spindrift

    spindrift Road Train Member

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    Where can I go to research appropriate/recommended mods?
     
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