Caterpillar c-13 Review

I had a 05 C13 and it was good, except for using (not leaking) a lot of oil.

I do know the ones with the DPF system had issues with the IVA's but that's all I know of.

 

The 07 and later Avert Cats have had their share of detracters but the dealbreaker for me would be the transfer...fuel economy is a problem too

 

Don't know about the '08 and ups. I had a '05 that was in an International 9400i. Was a former Boyd Brothers flatbed truck. It was a 435 rated truck I believe. Spun the main bearing around 500K. Bought it because it was cheap, then with the new long block, it was not so cheap.

It was mated to a 10 speed and pulling a van it sucked on fuel mileage. I got anywhere from 4.5 to 5.25 if I was light and no wind.

 

A.R.D heads failing and plugging up causing the unit not to regen, crankcase filters plugging in the winter constantly, ecm updates needing to be performed, turbo charger bearings failing early versions. The engine is actually very stout. Its just the regen system sucks and in the winter the crankcase breather system plugs constantly because the engine heat cant dissipate the condensation in the and plug the filter. Itll look like you got a water leak internally and just milky sludge all over. The oil will be fine.

 

I wouldn't be scared of it as long as you remove all the DPF junk. A local company here (200 trucks) has a fleet of them and almost all problems are emissions related. We've got an older ('04) C13 and have had no issues with it.

Just like all the newer engines, keep it stock and they suck. Mod them and they're WAY better on power, fuel, reliably.

 

my c13 in my columbia 07 runs nice ,i have a automaticshift,never i have problems with this engine i both the truck 11/09 now 180 k later no troubles never,i have a ecmtuning from MR.HANEY 500 hp,runs nice my mpg is from heavy to lightload 5,6 to 7,2 ,i run everytime the legal speed @68 the best speed for my engine iam very very happy with this engine thanks MR. HANEY,and the engine not use oil 1 gallon in 1 year extra

 

2008 pete 384 with c13 370k miles for $25,000 vs 2010 pete 384 c13 580k miles. 0 miles on overhaul done by cat with 3yr warranty for $44000

 

Get a good tune and drive it slow and easy and you can get over 7mpg with a C13. Well, at least on pre-def trucks.