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Cat C32 aftercooler replacement

Discussion in 'Engines' started by Fixinbones, Nov 12, 2019.

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  1. Fixinbones

    Fixinbones Member

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    I just purchased a princess V72 with the C32s. The boat has 850 hours and is almost 6 years old. Do the aftercoolers need to be replaced on these motors at 6-7 years or 1,000 hours? Is this a strict Cat recommendation?
  2. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    There was a problem with the early design but by 2012/2013 you should have the updated version. The car dealer should be able to tell by the serial numbers

    what did the surveyor say?

    i had them replaced on a 2009 84 Lazzara upon purchase a little over 3 years ago as they were the original design. About $30k for both :(. We ve put a little over 1500 hours since... no way we d replace them every 1000 hours :)

    i suspect Cat has put these recommendation out as a CYA on extended warranties
  3. Fixinbones

    Fixinbones Member

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    So they looked up my engine serial numbers and recommend replacing at 6-7 years.
  4. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Then it's due now.
  5. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Cat is recommending replacing aftercoolers every 6 years. I’ve seen several fail in c18’s a little older than 6 years old. I had a new style c32 aftercoolers fail in a 3 year old boat.
  6. Fixinbones

    Fixinbones Member

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    Pascal, was the $30k for anything else besides the aftercooler replacement? Thats a big hit.
  7. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    it was a little over 30k just for the aftercoolers. Then PanTropic (soFL cat dealer) ripped us of charging $4k for an oil change. Flat fee they called it. That was the first and last time I used them.
  8. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    Pascal's 30k aftercoolers sounds high for just the ac's, probably included some other maintenance work. Since Cat announced the recommended 6 year replacement on aftercoolers have yet to hear many comments on the cost it adds to the Cat scheduled maintenance cost. Actually this adds a bit to the maintenance over 6 years which makes Cat cost equal or more to other marine engine mfgr's. They also recommend pulling ac's, cleaning and pressure testing every 1000hrs, fuel burn, or "2 years which ever occurs first." Mostly, you only hear the "1000hr service" mentioned, which could be over many years.
  9. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    In Pascals case, he had the old original style C32 aftercoolers. When changing to the new style after cooler there are a lot more parts that need to be changed, including the housings which drives the price up. I think I was quoted around $28k to do a set, several years ago.
  10. Fixinbones

    Fixinbones Member

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    That’s who viking used to look at my engine problem last week. I’m gonna shop around for prices. Any other cat dealers you recommend in south Florida.
  11. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    That explains the high cost, still an expensive update on a inferior designed part. I had the same on my 3406's, some extra parts when replacing with the new aftercooler's a year ago.
  12. Fixinbones

    Fixinbones Member

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    Capt j, was the $28k quote for the new or old style?
  13. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Yes, there were additional costs because we had the original style. The water pipes had to be replaced and I believe the housing. In the process Pantropics scratched up new pipes (no big deal but shows lack of care) and damaged a thin coolant pipe near a turbo. It leaked after 3 hours spraying coolant everywhere, triggering a low coolant alarm as we pulled in Cat Cay. Had to patched it up with pieces of hoses and clamps...

    I use Southshore Diesel. The owner did the survey on the C32. He knows cats. They re in Miami but work all over south fl
  14. Fixinbones

    Fixinbones Member

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    Thx
  15. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    To change from the old style and install the new style, along with new housings, pipes etc.

    I really like N+G engineering out of Hollywood, FL. Smith and Wick out of Palm Beach I've used also and are very good, but their drive time makes N+G a better choice for me for a boat in Broward county for me. I've heard South Shore is very good also, but I've never used them.
  16. Fixinbones

    Fixinbones Member

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    Thanks for the info guys !
  17. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I was a big fan of PanTropic many years ago. Sadly, they have been living (billing) on their heels lately. Even when they can fix some things.
    Just to many complaints from my customers, what is printed on YF and the rest of the web. I do not see their way of business surviving any long terms any more.
    It's a shame, they used to be a leading shop of innovations and service.

    Now, no KY or even a reach-around. Just BOAT.


    Bend Over And Take-it...
  18. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I haven't had any issues with Pantropics quality of work at all. What I've had issues is their stringing you along on a service date...….maybe Wednesday......maybe Monday...….maybe Wednesday......and on and on. Meanwhile the Man dealer here, Marine Diesel Specialists not only does high quality work, they fit me right in, right away, and show up on the day they say they're going to.
  19. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    PT preformed a buyers survey on a boat I took over. Supposed fixed what they found wrong, approved the engine warranties.
    The boat sale did close late because of PTs poor scheduling. The day after closing, she was delivered to Jax. Issues started that night at the Jax sea buoy.
    Ring Power came rite out. Denied the engines extended warranties.
    Lawyers started crawling out of the wood work (FM)..
    Cat Corp came thru in a deal with the new owner.
    4+ years later, owner still luvs Cat and C32s, just not PT.
  20. BoulderGT3

    BoulderGT3 Senior Member

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    Both neighbors have C32's and have had to replace the after coolers at a cost of $30-35K. On my C12 boat I had the after coolers replaced under warranty, they went to a later version after that and then back to the version I had.
    What the heck? Are there any other motors where the after coolers are on a replacement schedule? Not asking as a dig at CAT, I've got MAN's and there are issues there too but it seems like after coolers shouldn't be a replacement item at 6 years.