Is the C13 a bad engine?

I've got 12 Petes with the same EPA 07 C-13 430 HP/1650 ft/lb. No major problems to date, except some regen issues. The dealer replaced the ARD heads to an updated version which cured the issue. The motors only have 250K on them so we're getting ready to start replacing DPFs. I would definitely check how much soot load is in the DPF, they're not cheap to put new filters in.

Our drivers love the motor, having a CDL myself, I also am impressed with the way they pull. Mileage isn't quite as good as we were use to when we had the MBE4000. Still averaging around 6.1-6.3 pulling steps and RGNs grossing 78-80K with the C-13. That is gross fuel consumption w/o APU, sensible idle time, and Espar cab heater.

 

One of the problems I remember with that motor was the actuators for the turbos had problems, sometimes severely making severe power loss. Cat may have done a recall on that I'm not sure. Definitely get a pre 2007 emissions one if you can, dont bother dealing with DPF if you dont have to.

 

From my experience, the pre-dpf c-13 is a really good engine. good power and very little issues. early 2000's c12's were also very good in my opinion as well.

 

Sorry, I didn't see that you were looking at a pre-DPF motor. One on my O/Os just spent 8K to replace both turbos and water pump on his EPA 04' C-13 Acert. I have heard that the turbos last 500-600K. He pulled them to check the shaft play just as some PM and found they need to be done. May want to check that too?

 

The c-12 is a hell of a motor. We still have a couple 2000 FLD 120s for city use that have over 870K w/o any sort of rebuild or major motor work.

 

My Columbia 07(maybe 06 engine)/,with cat c-13,500hp(mr.haney-ecmtuning)Mpg from 5,8(heavy)-8,4(very light),i'am very happy with this engine,in 250k enginerepairs,headgaskets($850 labor plus parts),1 turbo-$1100.-(rebuild with warranty)plus $280 labor,extra 1 radiator,1 starter,1 airdryer.I hope this help for you,When I buy my next truck (386)only with c-13.

 

With the few I've worked one the KCB serial number engine seem to be very reliable. They respond very well to a ECM upgrade using a European Emission file 500 Hp 1750 torque

 

turbo issues for sure,