Cat 3116 Diesel Engines

I've been getting a lot of questions on 3116 Cat Diesel Engine problems. The one stumbling block is the tooling you need to repair these model engines. After the basics like fuel supply and electrical issues are taken care of the next step is replacing injectors and other related tasks.

The tools required for tuning up these engines come in a kit and costs over $2000.00 in my part of the world. These tools must be used to get this engine synchronized, timed and set up properly.

If you have access to the tools that's great, a manual accompanies the kit. There is a learning curve with setting up the 3116 but do it once and you'll understand the concepts behind the injection system.

There are glitches with the 3116 are usually the same and I have posted them as they happened on this blog. The exhaust valves are weak and it seems like #5 exhaust valve is a weak spot. Keeping the valves set is a good practice and prevents a tight valve and overheating.

If you use the search box above you can get more details on tune ups and repairs. There are specific rebuild procedures covered as well.

Or you can check all the posts out here:

http://schoolbusmechanic.blogspot.com/search?q=cat+3116

You might have to be more specific with your search i.e "cat 3116 oil pump"

You can always make a comment or ask a question and I will get back to you...

Air Brake Theory Revealed

Here is an excellent video on air brakes. This is the best presentation I've ever seen that will give you a detailed overview on exactly how air brakes work. The air brake mechanical and air systems work together. This video is referring to a school bus but is the same brake system found on most transport vehicles.



If The Video Doesn't Show Up in Internet Explorer Get To It HERE

The cutaways and detailed views of the air brake system explained here will help you understand the principles and terminology that you need to know. There are many things that happen in air brake systems like moisture that builds up from the heat that is generated from the compressor.

This is why draining air tanks daily is very important especially in cold weather conditions. This is a lot of information to absorb but the power of video allows you to watch it more than one time.

Making Biofuel From Trees In Costa Rica

A Reusable Method For Producing BioFuel From Trees?

BioFuel trees produce seeds that are rich in oil. Crushing these seeds in a simple mechanical press releases the oil, which can be filtered to a tight specification and stored. This oil is referred to as Pure Plant Oil (PPO) or Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) and is the base material for Diesel substitution.

As a BioFuel, tree-based Pure Plant Oil has significant advantages over crop-based Pure Plant Oil like Soya or Rapeseed: BioFuel trees grow on land that is unfit for food production or where Rain Forests can not and should not be removed. The oil from BioFuel trees is inedible. This means that the use of tree-based Pure Plant Oil for BioFuel does not compete with food production or edible oil supply.

Pure Plant Oils tend to be more viscous than Diesel, but can be used directly in modern Diesel engines with technology like that supplied by UK-based Regenatec, which designs and sells some of the world’s most advanced Diesel engine conversion technology.

The other option is to chemically process PPO in a refinery into what is commonly called “BioDiesel” and blend it with Diesel for regular use in vehicles.

Read Full Article http://wizetrize.wordpress.com/2009/07/15/biofuel-trees-wizetize-is-invested-in-in-costa-rica/

Diesel & Gasoline Working Together?

The Wartsila-Sulzer RTA96-C turbocharged two-stroke diesel engine pictured has a thermal efficiency of 50% (the best in the world). There is new research going on in the University of Wisconsin, Madison that got 53% thermal efficiency out of a Cat Diesel Engine.

I just read the article about this new technology mixing gasoline and diesel into a diesel engine. This system increases the thermal efficiency by 20% but reduces the temperature in the combustion chamber by 40% creating less unburned fuel out the tail pipe.

The mix would be computer controlled and since there would be less energy loss through heat transfer, improved combustion would cause an increase in power with less emissions.

The computer age has allowed scientists and researchers to stretch the resources we have right now to the limit in a very efficient way. Without computer programming, monitoring, and adjusting operating parameters this new technical solution for decreasing vehicle emissions would not be possible.
I hope you found this Mechanic Information interesting...

Motor Coach Industries Free Webinar Training

For all you Motor Coach Mechanics Motor Coach Industries as you probably know as MCI is offering free motor coach training as Webinars. All you need is your computer and the proper application to get into the training.

In September they are offering hands on technical training:

SEPTEMBER 22-25 Technical Tune-Up
MCI NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER, Louisville, Kentucky

MCI Driver training Simulator

You can select from a variety of pre-designed training scenarios or customize a program to meet the needs of your business. The MCI Coach Driving Simulator is available for purchase or lease.

The MCI Coach Driving Simulator offers state-of-the-art features that include:

•A highly realistic and immersive training environment that creates the look and feel of an actual vehicle.
•Precision motion platform for a realistic driving experience.
•Steering with real-time feedback.
•State-of-the-art software that delivers sharp, crisp images.
•Special effects that simulate extreme conditions such as mountain driving, snow, heavy rain, fog, ice, and varying wind conditions.

MCI also offers driving guides, parts and maintenance manuals on CD.

I've never seen a company that offers so much support to technicians and drivers involved in this industry. I think it's great for Mechanics to have this resource online for easy access to better themselves in this field.

You don't have to be a Coach Mechanic to benefit from these sessions. I would definitely be taking full advantage of the free Webinars being offered by Motor Coach Industries.

Delco 38MT Starter Planetary Gear System

Planetary Gear Systems have been around for awhile. A very common use for them are automatic transmissions. The gear ratios can be altered by changing which gear is driving and which gear is being driven. There is always one of these 3 gears that has to be fixed.
This Delco 38 MT starter pictured has been operating in a 2007 C2 School Bus. You can see the rust forming on the terminals. This is common since starters are placed low in the engine and close to the elements. We generally remove the starters on all our units every 2 years and give them a check over.

We lubricate the bearings/gears and check brushes plus wiring.
On this model the solenoid and relay switch(fastened to the side) are non-serviceable so they have to be replaced if there is any doubt on their mechanical condition.





Starters have come a long way and now most are using a gear reduction with more torque delivered for cranking over high compression diesel engines. The Delco 38MT on our Mercedes MBE 900 Diesel engines does the job even with it's light weight. These starters pack a punch and are light weight with mostly aluminum castings.

The planetary gear system in this starter has the typical sun gear (driven by the starter motor) the ring gear is fixed and part of the of the starter body, while the planet gears are part of the actual armature that delivers the starting drive to the engine ring gear.

This set up is extremely durable since there are 3 planetary gears to absorb the load and speed required. I've always been impressed by what a starter can do. It takes a lot just to crank over a diesel engine by hand and when you look at this medium sized starter it's really extraordinary especially when you consider the extra load required for cold starts.

The planetary gear system on this starter has a gear reduction of 3 1/2 : 1 ratio which slows down the output of the drive gear (3 1/2 revolutions of the starter motor to 1 revolution of the output drive gear). What this accomplishes is a high torque output that enables the smaller starter motor to punch out the turning force required to crank over the engine.

Here's a great explanation on planetary gears at "How Stuff Works"

This mechanic information will give you a basic understanding on new starter models that are in use today.

HOMEPAGE

Yamaha Bikes Going TurboDiesel!

Source: hellforleathermagazine

I guess nothing is impossible and Yamaha has filed for a patent for a turbodiesel motorcycle engine. It will be an inline 4 with an intercooler and turbocharger added on which will place the fuel tank under the seat.

I would love to see the prototype once it comes out of the factory. Listening to a diesel engine in a street bike would tempt me to buy one. I love the knock of a diesel, coming from a much smaller vehicle would be surreal. The power and torque would be unbelievable with possibly a slow take off?

Who knows, with the much lighter chassis with a bike it might take off like a rocket. Check out the link above where you can view the patent information and some interesting ideas and concepts. This is very interesting providing mechanics information that you can bite your teeth into!

HOMEPAGE

New Technology - Laser Beams Replacing Spark Plugs.

Laser Beam Ignition is Coming!

Here's some interesting news for Mechanics and Car Owners / Enthusiasts.

It's amazing what the future is going to bring us in the form of more efficient engines. It tells me that totally functional electric cars are coming but not right away since this laser research is costing a lot of money to develop.

Researchers in Liverpool are collaborating with Ford on developing this laser ignition system. The laser can be distributed strategically in a gas engine combustion chamber in key areas to achieve better combustion and fuel economy.

Cold weather starting will be much easier and efficient with this system. The laser will be hot enough to produce ignition with the air / fuel gas mixture. The laser can even send information back to the vehicle reporting on type of fuel, level of ignition and adjusts itself for more effective combustion.

The laser will have to fire 50 times per second to get 3000 rpm and will use much less power compared to a spark plug. I like this technology even though it still deals with fossil fuels, but emissions will be reduced drastically.

This laser system is working right now in the lab and will be implemented into higher end Ford vehicles.

Click HERE If you would like to read the entire article.

Does this technology sound familiar? Diesel engines use heat of compression to ignite the fuel. This laser beam system is using the same principle, although it would take much less heat to ignite a gas mixture compared to diesel fuel. This is another learning curve for dealership Mechanics at Ford more so than the rest of the world.

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