Twin Caterpillar 3116 marine diesel engines during premium marine engine survey inspection by 805 Marine Diesel Mechanic

Premium Marine Engine Survey Report
CATERPILLAR 3116

1995 • 49.4 FT • Official #1056174 • Twin Caterpillar 3116 Marine Diesel Engines

Marine Engine Survey

Conducted by: Jeff Lendall & Sons — 805 Marine Diesel Mechanic

This Caterpillar 3116 marine engine survey documents propulsion-system condition, ZF marine transmission findings, oil-analysis diagnostics, drivetrain vibration concerns, cooling-system inspection, and maintenance recommendations for this 1995 diesel-powered vessel.

805 Marine Diesel Mechanic professional marine propulsion inspection and survey company logo

Caterpillar 3116
ZF IRM301A.Z
Oil Analysis
Sea Trial

Vessel Identification

HIN / IMO CDRE3011J596
Official Number 1056174
LOA 49.4 FT
Year 1995

ENGINE 1

Engine Make: Caterpillar
Engine Model: 3116
Engine Type: Inboard
Power HP: 350
Fuel Type: Diesel
Hours: 974
Serial Number: 4KG04328
Engine Location: Port

Transmission Port: ZF Marine Transmission IRM301A.Z

ENGINE 2

Engine Make: Caterpillar
Engine Model: 3116
Engine Type: Inboard
Power HP: 350
Fuel Type: Diesel
Hours: 974
Serial Number: 4KGO4327
Engine Location: Starboard

Transmission Starboard: ZF Marine Transmission IRM301A.Z

GENERATOR 1

  • Generator Make: Kohler/Yanmar
  • Generator Model: 9MDKDA
  • Generator KW: 9

Engine Room Systems Inspection

Fuel Filtration System: Racor Turbine Series fuel filter/water separator 10-micron port-side assembly leaks and requires rebuild or replacement.
Throttle Controls: Hynautic hydraulic lines. Service condition.
Engine Mounts and Bed: Main engine beds are heavy longitudinal stringers inboard and outboard. Engine mounts need to be replaced.
Lubrication: Level indication is normal both port and starboard.
Ventilation: Controlled supply and discharge fans operated satisfactory.
Cooling System Type: Freshwater reservoir type cooling with seawater cooled wet exhaust. Operated satisfactory.
Seawater Strainers: 2 2.5-inch Groco bronze alloy with sight glass. Appeared serviceable.
Coolant Level: Normal levels observed. Pressurized expansion tanks on both engines to 23 PSI with no noticeable drop in pressure. Used heat sensing gun on all cooling-system surfaces. Operated normal.
Hoses and Clamps: All hoses, cooling system, saltwater system, exhaust system, and drains show excessive wear and should be replaced.
Belts and Pulleys: Belts and pulleys condition appeared serviceable.
Seacocks and Strainers: Seawater seacocks were ball valve type. Operated satisfactory.
Exhaust System: Seawater cooled with risers and flexible coupling sections double clamped where sighted. Hoses and hose clamps need to be replaced. Operated satisfactory.
Engine Alarms: Test of port and starboard low oil pressure alarm and coolant overheat warning audible at helm station. Operated satisfactory.
Engine Shut Down: Port and starboard shut down push buttons at helm station clearly marked. Operated satisfactory.
Stuffing Boxes: Dripless shaft seals leaked excessively port and starboard. Need adjusted or replaced.
Emergency Shut-Downs: Not available.

Master Marine Diesel Troubleshooting Guide – 805 Marine Diesel Mechanic

Sea Trial Report

Sea Trial Item Observation
Engine Start The engines started without excessive cranking.
Exhaust Appearance The engine exhaust appeared normal.
Cooling Water Exhaust The cooling water exhaust appeared adequate and normal.
Engine Instruments The engine instruments operate within normal operating limits at idle, cruising speed, and at wide open throttle.
Steering System The steering system operated normally.
Throttle Operation The throttles operated normally.
Transmission Operation Starboard side slipped in and out of gear, needs serviced or rebuilt.
Backdown Test The backdown test was satisfactory.
Vibration There was vibration noted. Motor mounts need replaced.
Leaks There were no oil or coolant leaks observed on main engines or in exhaust water.
WOT Test: Wide open throttle sea trial test for 3 minutes. Port worked satisfactory. Starboard briefly slipped in and out of gear.

Oil Analysis Results

Port Marine Transmission ZF IRM301A.Z: Trace levels of water detected (0.1%) may be condensation. Iron is elevated and may indicate gear/bearing wear. All other analysis readings appear normal. More sample history needed to establish a normal wear trend. Cut open filters and inspect for debris.

6180149_PORT_MA_GE#PORT_MA_GE_MA_GE_PORT_H430-54352-0316_MC

Starboard Marine Transmission ZF IRM301A.Z: Trace levels of water detected (0.1%) may be condensation. All other analysis readings appear normal. More sample history needed to establish a normal wear trend. Resample in 10 hours to monitor.

6180149_STBD_MA_GE#STBD_MA_GE_MA_GE_STAR_H430-54352-0315_MC

Marine Genset: Trace levels of water detected (0.1%) may be condensation. All other analysis readings appear normal. More sample history needed to establish a normal wear trend. Resample in 10 hours to monitor.

6180149_805_MDM_GENSET#GENSET_ENG_GENSET_H430-54352-0738_MC

Port Main Engine Caterpillar 3116: Trace levels of water detected (0.1%) may be condensation. All other analysis readings appear normal. More sample history needed to establish a normal wear trend. Resample in 10 hours to monitor.

6180149_PORT_MA_GE#PORT_MA_GE_MA_GE_PORT_H430-54352-0316_MC

Starboard Main Engine Caterpillar 3116: Trace levels of water detected (0.1%) may be condensation. All other analysis readings appear normal. More sample history needed to establish a normal wear trend. Resample in 10 hours to monitor.

6180149_STBD_MA_GE#STBD_MA_GE_MA_GE_STAR_H430-54352-0315_MC

Findings

Caterpillar 3116 marine engines, port and starboard, ran very smooth and sounded strong. Low hours. Did not observe any black smoke or smoke of any kind that would lead me to believe they had much wear. Need to do a full maintenance schedule on both engines. Dripless shaft seals, hoses, hose clamps, heat exchangers, motor mounts, Racor filters, saltwater system flush, and new oil and filters on everything.

Marine Engine Survey Summary

The results of the laboratory oil analysis will be sent under separate report.

As a result of my investigation, MARINE ENGINE SURVEY, and by virtue of my experience, my opinion is overall engine rating: VERY GOOD.

Caterpillar 3116 marine engine survey overall condition rating showing very good propulsion system condition

Estimate to Repair / Replace Maintenance Issues

Item Estimate
Racor fuel filter port side $450.00 parts / $150 labor
Motor mount replacement and propeller shaft alignment, port and starboard main engines, 8 motor mounts $1,600 parts / $1,400 labor
All hoses and hose clamps: cooling system, saltwater system, exhaust system, fuel system, oil system and drains Best guess: $3,000 parts / $3,000 labor
Dripless shaft seals and cutlass bearings may need to be replaced: dripless shaft seals x2, cutlass bearings x2 $1,200 shaft seals / $1,100 cutlass bearings / $3,000 labor
ZF Marine gear port side shows iron in oil analysis. If removed and rebuilt $6,000–$10,000 rebuild / $14,000 new marine gear
Heat exchanger and saltwater system maintenance, both main engines and generator $500 parts / $750 labor
Best guesstimate: $26,000 to perform all maintenance tasks and bring engine room to a well-maintained space. Other items such as rudder packing gland, bilge pumps, plumbing for heads and galley, and items listed by the marine surveyor have not yet been fully inspected.

Survey Video 1

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Survey Video 2

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Survey Video 3

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Engine room overview showing twin Caterpillar 3116 marine diesel engines and ZF marine transmissions during detailed pre-purchase marine engine survey inspection

Engine room inspection overview during Caterpillar 3116 marine engine survey.

Survey Conducted By

Owner / Surveyor: Jeff Lendall

Jeff Lendall & Sons
805 Marine Diesel Mechanic

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