Western Star 4900FA

A little over a year ago I picked up an '04 and an '05 Columbia with DDEC IV's to add to the fleet. One is a 500 and the other is a 515. These trucks are used to haul 8000 and 8700 gallon tankers on short hauls from the farm to the field. They seem to have good power but each truck has an inconsistant issue with skipping and loss of power at times. They are driveable and there are no codes, but to this point, I havent been able to figure out what is wrong with either truck.
These are the first trucks I have had with the EGR technology. Personally.......I don't like them, but a lot of my dislike stems from the fact that I am unfamiliar with them. Over time my thoughts may change.
If I had my choice, I would find a truck that had a C-15, single turbo in it. Great mileage and reliability. I believe cat made these at least until '04. Unfortunately these are getting harder to find.
Good luck and hope this helps.

 

I have a 2004 WS 4900EX but mine has a single turbo C-15. CAT made the 6NZ single turbo motors till 2003. In 2004 they still were a single turbo but were a MBN serial number and are by far the WORST fuel mileage engines ever built. They run like crap and overheat very easily. I am lucky with my MBN as I run empty tanks so I don't have the issues, but even running empty non-stop I barely see 7mpg.

I have 2 guys who run the DDEC motors and love them. They say they have great power and are very reliable.

As for the "Western Star" part of the deal, they are great trucks. Only pet peve is the #### rocker switches break very easily, but they are also replaced very easily and are quite cheap for the switch face. I have a Lowmax and love the look and way it rides. TONS of leg room from the drivers seat and just as easy to work on as a old freightliner