The Cat C12 engine is an excellent example of a high-quality product. It is known for being reliable, which may be partly due to its lack of problematic emissions equipment. This engine can go hundreds of thousands of miles without faltering if cared for properly and overhauled as needed. 

Nevertheless, no machine is perfect. While the C12 engine is famous for its durability, it can develop problems. Owners must be aware of common issues and take steps to address them immediately to prevent further damage to the cat c12 engine. What should they be looking for when inspecting this equipment? 

Lifter/Roller Problems

Caterpillar C12 engines often experience lifter and roller issues. The problem usually starts in the lifter’s small bushing. When it develops, it destroys the lifter and harms the camshaft. Repairing or replacing the camshaft can be costly, as all lifters should be replaced simultaneously. Fortunately, most owners don’t experience this issue until the machine has run 500,000 miles or more. It’s rarely seen on low-mileage trucks.

Oil Leaks

Oil leaks are often easy to spot. Worn gaskets or seals are typically the culprits when a machine starts losing oil. Any pooling of this liquid under a truck or machine is cause for concern. Promptly inspect the engine and repair the leak to prevent the damage from spreading to other components and increasing the repair cost. 

Water Pump Issues

The water pump may be to blame when coolant is found in the oil. Coolant and water aren’t a good combination, as mixing the two substances can lead to excessive wear and tear on the engine. The cylinder head will also be full of sludge. If the water pump is in good working condition, look to the cylinder liner O-ring or the thin cylinder head as the source of the coolant in the oil. 

Overheating

C12 engines often overheat. This problem often occurs when the cooling system malfunctions or the radiator is clogged. Pay attention to the engine temperature gauge. Immediately pull off the road and let the engine cool when it starts climbing. Then, check the radiator and cooling system to see where the problem lies and make the necessary repairs. 

Head Gasket Failure

Another common problem with C12 engines is head gasket failure. The engine’s high running power and heavy loads can lead to premature failure of this engine component. Nevertheless, the head gasket may fail at higher mileage and hours even when the vehicle is only used for light duty. 

Malfunctioning Electronics

A sensor or control module in the engine may malfunction, causing problems. To get the engine running again, replace the part involved. An experienced heavy equipment mechanic can help locate the defective sensor or control module and obtain the replacement part for the driver or owner. 

Locating the Issue

Finding the problem with a C12 engine shouldn’t be challenging. Use diagnostic equipment to read computer error codes and examine the engine for visible damage or wear. Once the problem is located, replace the parts or repair them to get the vehicle back on the road. 

Other parts may fail in the C12 engine. Nevertheless, this engine is very reliable, as problems often don’t occur until the machine has high mileage or hours. Many of these engines reach 750,000 miles before requiring major work. A few have even gone a million miles before the owner had to spend money on major repairs. Owners wanting to see similar results need to make maintenance and prompt repairs a priority.