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Thread Title:

3208 or 3116

Created On Saturday March 14, 2009 18:28

Codiesel

Posts: 2
Joined: Mar 2009

Saturday March 14, 2009 18:28
I'm looking at two motorhomes from the same manufacturer. One is a 1991 with a 3208/250hp while the other is a 1993 with a 3116/275hp. With everything else being the same on both motorhomes, which engine would serve me better? The 3208 has 125k miles, while the 3116 has about 90k miles. Just looking for opinions as to which engine would be better for us. Thanks

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catmech

Posts: 326
Joined: Nov 2005

Saturday March 14, 2009 19:43

both if kept up valve adjustment and filter changes are good. the 3208 has been out for a long time and has worked well. 3116 has been out replacing the 3208. you need to make sure to have the valves and injectors, adjusted when it says to, for best performance of the 3116 engine, when they get out of adjustment wear can happen. one question would be how long to you plan on having it, and where do you live? with states like California that are getting tougher and tougher on smog restrictions, especially idling time, the older the engine, the harder it might be if they say you have to meet new smog regulations. the 3208 tends to smoke a little more when first started. the 3116 might have a inlet heater to warm the in going air at start up. Hope this helps a little, and is just one's opinion.
Question are they pusher engines?

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Codiesel

Posts: 2
Joined: Mar 2009

Saturday March 14, 2009 20:24

Thanks for your input, Catmech. They are both pusher coaches. I live in the mountains of Colorado where there is no smog check. I plan on keeping the coach for 5 or 6 years before upgrading to a brand new coach; well that's the plan anyway. The coach with the 3208 is scheduled for a "pre-buy" inspection at the local CAT dealer this Monday. Is there anything specific I should make sure they check for? Oil analysis?

Thanks!

Edited: Saturday March 14, 2009 at 20:25 by Codiesel

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catmech

Posts: 326
Joined: Nov 2005

Saturday March 14, 2009 23:24
boost, fuel, and oil pressure. also a crankcase blow-by. see if they can use an inches of water gauge on the dip stick as well as their other blow by tool. also oil sample and history of oil samples if they have them.

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JoeZ

Posts: 938
Joined: Dec 2008

Sunday March 15, 2009 09:58

If it were me, I would go for the 3208. Reason being that almost any diesel shop can do just about anything on the 3208. The 3116 is not so mechanic friendly, and the proper tools to service the upper end are about $1,500, so you won't find them floating around that many independant shops. To run the overhead on a 3208 would probably take at most 3 1/2 hours. To run the overhead on the 3116 would be at least 8 hours if all went well. To sum it up, you can fix most things on a 3208 with a $69.95 box of Craftsman tools, while it would take $1,569.95 worth of tools to do the 3116. Just one mechanic's opinion. Whenever a 3116 comes in my shop, the mechanics all start to feel ill and they don't know if they can finish working that day...and may even be sick the next day.....you get the picture...

-------------------------
One of the last 2 Stroke mechanics left.
44 years in the business and worked on everything from 53 series to 149 series. Winding it down now...time to move on.

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catmehanic

Posts: 43
Joined: Jul 2007

Sunday March 15, 2009 14:25
If it takes you guys 3 1/2 hrs to run the overhead on a 3208 then I'll have to assume that you are taking about an hour and a half lunch break. ------------------------- " Honest", I shut her down as soon as she started making noise.......

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JoeZ

Posts: 938
Joined: Dec 2008

Sunday March 15, 2009 18:13

Sorry cat....I was giving the fact that not all engines can be accessed without some other things being removed. At best, I was giving the benefit of doubt on time. I know it can be done in less time in MOST cases, but there are a few that just take more time. I have had motorhomes that took an hour just to get to the rocker covers.

-------------------------
One of the last 2 Stroke mechanics left.
44 years in the business and worked on everything from 53 series to 149 series. Winding it down now...time to move on.

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desertstormboy

Posts: 372
Joined: May 2008

Thursday March 19, 2009 23:53

i agree with joe, on the mechanics of the engines....it doesnt take a rocket scientist to adjust valves on the 3208, but takes a real seasoned mechanic for the 3116. In my opinion, i think the 3116 is a better engine, and newer, but think the 3208 would be the more friendly version. if only going to have for 5 years, go with the 3208, and then trade in on the new one powered with a c13. if you can get the money. economy is a bitch right now.

-------------------------
IT WENT BING BANG BOOM!

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Whathill

Posts: 16
Joined: Mar 2009

Friday March 20, 2009 16:52
codiesel, Do your self a favor and LISTEN to them! They know their stuff! If you want to read my post,(3116 nightmare), you will see what I mean. I'm still waiting for Cat to tell me if they will throw in a 3yr/300k warranty on a used 3126 w/32k on it. Their zone rep found it so I'm hoping! Good luck, Dennis

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