Cat C32 aftercooler replacement

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.