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C18/1015 engine hours: CAT LCD display vs CAT hour meter

Discussion in 'Engines' started by xF_PP, Jun 22, 2021.

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  1. xF_PP, Jun 22, 2021
    #1
    xF_PP

    xF_PP New Member

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    The mechanical hour meters installed on the engines show both about 3000 hours, the CAT LCD DISPLAYS in the pilot house and on the flybridge show about 1250 hours. Visually, the engines and engine compartment look more like low hours.
    What could be accurate?
  2. xF_PP, Jun 22, 2021
    #2
    xF_PP

    xF_PP New Member

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    The seller claims 1250 engine hours and explains the difference with starting keys in the switched-on position.
  3. DOCKMASTER, Jun 22, 2021
    #3
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I would talk to CAT. I don't believe anyone can mess with the hours in the CAT LCD display so I would tend to believe that source vs. a manual gauge. However, the explanation given by the owner doesn't make a lot of sense. If I understand correctly, the owner is stating the key was left in the on position without starting the engines for upwards of 1,750 hours? So the keys were left on for 73 days? I guess anything is possible but sure sounds odd.
  4. gr8trn, Jun 22, 2021
    #4
    gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    The seller must be on the moon too?
    Why on earth would someone advance mechanical gauge hours?
    This is odd, glad you are asking questions.
    When was the boat commissioned and is there a ships log that would give more idea as to the hours?
  5. Slimshady, Jun 22, 2021
    #5
    Slimshady

    Slimshady Senior Member

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    Get all maintenance records and warranty work records. They should all have hrs and date of work performed each time. The engine survey will be able to determine running hrs and a detailed report showing all engine parameters and hrs the motors ran at each rpm range. Only way to edit that data is replace motors ecu.
  6. Pascal, Jun 22, 2021
    #6
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I could be wrong but for the Hobbs meters to run I believe you need oil pressure to activate them.

    we replaced a cat ECU on C32s a 3 years ago and engine hours carried forward. Not sure if that was by designed or if it was programmed in by the Cat tech.
  7. Slimshady, Jun 22, 2021
    #7
    Slimshady

    Slimshady Senior Member

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    My understanding is first time you boot up most ecu's you can correct hrs to match old one, after that it's locked for good. Ask me how I know!!
  8. mapism, Jun 22, 2021
    #8
    mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    In one of the "pages" of the Cat LCD display, there is also the total fuel burnt through the whole engine life.
    If the owner kept a log of refillings, you could check the consistency.
  9. Capt J, Jun 22, 2021
    #9
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    CATs had a problem at one point in time that with the keys on, the mechanical hour meters would run.........they updated software and so forth. Believe what's on the lCD displays.
  10. rtrafford, Jun 23, 2021
    #10
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Two responses here. First, the answer is inside the ECU of the engine, and a Cat tech can tell you during survey what's fact or fiction. Meanwhile, take him up on his explanation. Have him power up the electronics on the engines with the key, and allow you to witness his engine mounted hour meters advance in spite of the engine being off. That should be an easy path to the truth. Further, if he was the original owner, these hours should be verified in the Cat service logs on file with the mechanic that provided his service. Have that mechanic attest to the history...in writing...from Cat.
  11. rtrafford, Jun 23, 2021
    #11
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Believe but verify. The truth is inside the ECU and inside the service records. No one is buying a boat with new Cats and not having their warranty maintained by required services.
  12. Capt J, Jun 23, 2021
    #12
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    The LCD displays, display the data directly from the ECM.
  13. rtrafford, Jun 23, 2021
    #13
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Quite obviously. But the ECM has a lot of historical data and logs. Not merely a number.
  14. Capt J, Jun 23, 2021
    #14
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yes but as far as hours and total fuel burned go, it transmits it real time to the LCD cat display