Check out this C15 Industrial JRE Caterpillar engine we completely remanufactured for M.K. Painting out of Metro Detroit. Another happy customer!
This is the second engine M.K. Painting has purchased from us. The first was a 6.7 Cummins. This C15 engine was pressurizing the cooling system because the cylinder head was cracked. This is a common problem with the OEM cylinder heads.
The engine had high hours, so to save the customer thousands over working directly with the manufacturer, they chose to get their remanufactured C15 Caterpillar done by our team of talented technicians at Select Reman Exchange.
During this complete remanufacturing process, we installed a new casted cylinder head on this engine due to the customer’s head being cracked. If you have a cracked head, these can be purchased from us along with all the necessary gaskets to make an easy repair. Purchasing parts and labor through Select Reman Exchange commonly results in big savings over the competition.
This engine had so many hours that the front pulleys were worn from the rubber belts. The customer had us replace the V-belt pulleys as well.
This engine is going in an industrial sandblaster that travels around the country prepping water tanks and towers for paint. M.K. Painting brings new life to old water tanks. According to their ownership, they have 25 years of experience and have rehabilitated over 500 elevated and ground storage tanks across the United States. We love to see local businesses thriving and are honored to have a small part in keeping them running smoothly.
This engine is ready to go back to work!
Follow along on our Facebook page for more completed engines as they roll through our shop.
At Select Reman Exchange we often have many remanufactured engines in stock! Contact our sales team today to check our inventory.
When it comes to replacing a diesel engine, the two main options are often buying a used engine or investing in a remanufactured one. While used engines may seem like a cost-effective solution at first, they often come with uncertainties regarding their condition and reliability. On the other hand, remanufactured diesel engines offer several advantages that make them a superior choice. In this blog, we will explore the top three reasons to select a remanufactured diesel engine over a used one.
1. Reliability and Performance:
One of the key advantages of remanufactured diesel engines is the assurance of reliability and enhanced performance. Unlike used engines, remanufactured ones undergo a comprehensive process that involves dismantling, cleaning, inspecting, replacing worn-out components, and reassembling to meet or exceed original specifications. This meticulous refurbishment ensures that any faulty or worn-out parts are replaced, resulting in an engine that performs like new.
Remanufactured diesel engines are often backed by warranties, giving you peace of mind and protection against unexpected failures. Manufacturers stand behind their remanufactured engines, providing reliable support in case of any issues. This level of reliability and performance is seldom found with used engines, as their history, maintenance, and overall condition can be uncertain.
2. Cost-effectiveness and Longevity:
While used diesel engines may initially seem cheaper, they can potentially end up costing more in the long run. Used engines typically require additional expenses for inspections, repairs, and part replacements. On the contrary, remanufactured diesel engines offer a cost-effective solution by delivering better longevity and reduced maintenance needs.
Remanufactured engines undergo thorough testing and quality control processes to ensure they meet strict standards. This results in an engine that has been reconditioned with quality parts and components, often making it more durable than a used engine. By investing in a remanufactured engine, you minimize the risk of unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, ultimately saving money over time.
3. Environmental Sustainability:
Selecting a remanufactured diesel engine also has significant environmental benefits. By choosing a remanufactured engine, you contribute to the reduction of waste generated from used engines. Instead of discarding an old engine, remanufacturing extends its life cycle, reduces energy consumption, and lowers carbon emissions associated with manufacturing a new engine.
At SRX, we never re-use a part that doesn’t pass strict inspections and isn’t machined back to OEM specifications, but often components can see new life, keeping them out of a landfill. This sustainable practice reduces the demand for new raw materials, conserves natural resources, and minimizes the overall ecological footprint. By opting for a remanufactured diesel engine, you actively participate in the circular economy and support environmentally conscious practices.
When it comes to replacing a diesel engine, the advantages of selecting a remanufactured engine over a used one are evident. Comparatively, remanufactured diesel engines offer superior reliability, performance, and longevity. They undergo our rigorous refurbishment process, ensuring they meet or exceed original specifications. While used engines may seem cheaper initially, the long-term costs and uncertainties associated with their condition and maintenance often make them a less favorable choice.
Ultimately, investing in a remanufactured diesel engine is a wise decision that brings peace of mind, cost-effectiveness, and a greener future.
Follow along on our Facebook page for more completed engines as they roll through our shop.
At Select Reman Exchange we often have many remanufactured engines in stock! Contact our sales team today to check our inventory.
The holy grail of engines is the C15 Acert MXS lower end with a single turbo 6NZ head. When the goal is to assemble the most reliable diesel engine possible — of course you don’t prioritize putting the biggest power numbers to the ground. Ultimately this reliability results in the most profit.
At Select Reman Exchange (SRX), we believe an appropriately powerful yet reliable engine can be in service for a million miles. When it does have issues, it is easy to work on because it doesn’t have EGR, DPF, or twin turbos.
Our build details
Our vast experience as diesel engine remanufacturers at SRX informs our opinions and recommendations for the ultimate heavy haul engine configuration. Using the MXS lower end you have a stronger, better quality casted cylinder block.
The crankshafts are the same between the engines, but You have a stronger connecting rod with 4-rod bolts instead of 2 connecting rod bolts like the 6NZ has. When building the MXS lower you can use the industrial piston pack out of a JRE C15 engine to achieve the same 16:1 compression ratio that the 6NZ has. This lower compression is better for bigger power and reliability.
One-piece MXS steel piston
They hold up to a lot more power and are more reliable than that two-piece 6NZ piston with the steel crown and aluminum piston skirt. The MXS lower end also has a higher-flowing cooling system. The water pump is larger and flows more keeping the engine cooler under higher load scenarios.
Use new casted cylinder heads
Don’t use a remanufactured caterpillar head. They are prone to cracking. We offer an aftermarket casted cylinder head that has a better, thicker casting between the valves that eliminates the cracking issue that many people have run into. Our head will work for both the MXS and 6nz engines.
For injectors, we like to use the 10R8502 injectors. We flow match the injectors giving you optimal performance and a smooth Idle. We typically have these injectors on the shelf. Call us and we can save you a lot over Caterpillar pricing.
Programming
We do not recommend using an aftermarket program. We have seen countless issues on head gaskets that are directly caused by programs created by people that don’t really know what they are doing. We like to use the 6NZ 550 HP program. This has proven to be a great, reliable and powerful program.
The 550 HP program does seem to build higher than desired EGTs. The best way to get rid of that heat is by installing a bigger turbocharger on the truck. We offer a new turbocharger that is perfect. It is reliable and builds awesome power but is not going to break the bank like a lot of the other unnecessarily expensive turbochargers. Another thing you can add to keep the EGTs down is a ceramic-coated aftermarket exhaust. We do not have one specific manifold to recommend for performance-related reasons, But we do thoroughly appreciate PAI’s Ceramic coated manifold as it seems to be a very quality product and does not break the bank.
An added touch
Use the bigger 10R7155 camshaft for more reliability. Again, don’t go to Caterpillar to buy this camshaft. We at SRX can supply it to you at a fraction of the cost.
In summary – a reliable powerhouse
With the bigger turbocharger, flow-matched injectors and the bigger camshaft we have seen many numbers in the 630 HP range.
If you are wanting to build this engine on your own we are here every step of the way to help! We can sell you all of the same parts we use in our own engines and save you thousands of dollars over going to Caterpillar.
Always take into consideration the emissions laws and the states you are wanting to haul in. We always use an existing 6NZ engine to build from and would recommend you do the same. We have quite a few 6NZ engines left and would love to assist you in your core engine needs as well.
Are you looking to buy a Caterpillar C15 like this?
We often have completely remanufactured and used Caterpillar C15 diesel engines in stock. An extensive and competitively-priced inventory of parts is on our shelves! Give our Sales or Parts Teams a call or visit our Contact Us page.
Follow our recommendations at SRX so you don’t make this common mistake when replacing a Caterpillar 3126 HEUI fuel system.
The C7/3126 HEUI (High-Pressure Electronic Unit Injection) system is a diesel engine fuel system used in heavy-duty vehicles and equipment. HEUI rely on high oil pressure to inject fuel into the engine. Cross-contamination in a HEUI system can occur when engine oil and diesel fuel mix, causing damage to the engine components and reducing performance. Causes of cross-contamination can include a failing injector, clogged oil passages, a damaged high-pressure oil pump, or a malfunctioning oil cooler.
Replace Systems as a Whole
When a component fails, we get asked to replace a single injector. Cutting corners here can cause more headaches down the road. We at SRX recommend replacing the Caterpillar 3126 HEUI system as a whole.
HEUI systems are designed to deliver precise, accurate fuel metering, which results in improved engine performance and efficiency. This advanced fuel injection technology uses high-pressure oil to activate the injectors, instead of mechanical fuel pumps. The high-pressure oil is supplied by an engine-driven pump and is used to pressurize the fuel in the injectors, which atomizes the fuel and sprays it into the engine cylinders.
HEUI systems offer a number of advantages over traditional diesel fuel injection systems. For example, they are less complex and more reliable, and they require less maintenance. Additionally, they are capable of delivering high-pressure fuel injection, which results in better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Benefits of Remanufacturing
It’s important to choose a high-quality remanufactured engine that has been thoroughly inspected and machined to OEM specifications. This will help ensure that the engine operates reliably, performs well, and is safe to use. Additionally, a remanufactured engine will often cost less than a new engine, making it a cost-effective solution.
If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality remanufactured engine, look no further than Select Reman Exchange. Our technicians take pride in their workmanship and product quality, and we use trusted engine part manufacturers to supply us with all new piston and liner assemblies, bearings, gaskets, and seals. We also employ technicians who are equipped with skills gleaned from years of experience in the industry, and we use a one technician per engine process to ensure quality control. Furthermore, we back our products with a competitive nationwide warranty, so you can be confident in the quality and durability of your engine.
We Can Help
In conclusion, choosing the right engine parts is crucial to ensuring the reliability, performance, and longevity of your diesel engine. By choosing high-quality HEUI systems and replacing the system as a whole, instead of cutting corners, you can take advantage of the many benefits that this advanced fuel injection technology has to offer. Contact Select Reman Exchange today to learn more about our remanufactured engines and how we can help you get the most out of your diesel engine.
What features and history of the Caterpillar C15 help it compete for the title of best heavy-duty diesel engine? Many people have and continue to argue about it. However, it is not far from the truth. At Select Reman Exchange (SRX) we recognize the Caterpillar C15 as a legendary diesel engine. It’s known for its power, reliability, fuel efficiency, and versatility. Once and still is a very popular choice for many fleets and owner-operators for its performance and reliability.
The Caterpillar C15 diesel is a fantastic on-highway engine. Its ability to handle a wide variety of applications and environments make it a popular choice in other vocations.
The Formidable Caterpillar C15
By Chuck Pratt
Here at SRX, we have been remanufacturing the C15 engine for many years, as well as its predecessor the 3406E. To be transparent, we may be a little biased, because they are our favorite engines to build.
First produced in 1998 by Caterpillar Inc., the C15 “Single Turbo Engine” had numerous applications. C15s are used in construction equipment, agricultural equipment, marine applications, power generation systems and water pumping stations.
The C15 engine is known for its durability and reliability. It is also available in a variety of power ratings. Ranging from 375 horsepower to 625 horsepower from Caterpillar. Many Truck-Rodders push these engines upward of 1000+ horsepower with modifications. One of the key features of the Caterpillar C15 diesel engine is its rock-solid design for durability.
Laboratory tests and engine disassembly analysis, plus years of “actual proof”, have proven the C15 engines typically have a life span of one million miles with Cat’s recommended maintenance schedule. The engine from Caterpillar was built with high-quality materials and components, which helps to ensure long-lasting performance and durability. High-strength connecting rods and a robust crankshaft help to reduce wear and premature bearing failure.
Another key advantage of the Caterpillar C15 is its fuel efficiency. The engine has a number of features that help to reduce fuel consumption, such as an innovative fuel system and a fuel-efficient combustion process. These features help to reduce operating costs for fleets, companies and owner-operators who rely on it.
When Caterpillar designed the C15, it is no secret that it was entirely based on the 3406E.
The 3406E was a solid engine but it needed some improvements for reliability and emissions. One of those key changes that they made was the use of a higher-volume oil pump. With the higher volume oil pump, it obviously would supply better lubrication to the entire engine. But it also helps in reducing the engine operating temperature. In addition to the high-volume oil pump, they upped the volume of the water pump as well for better cooling capabilities. Another benefit Caterpillar added was better gaskets and seals. The “E” Models as they are commonly referred to, had issues with oil leaks and coolant leaks. Some of which were addressed by Cat in the later E-model engines, but not all. Thankfully Caterpillar addressed those issues with the release of the C15.
The first Caterpillar C15
The 6NZ engine serial number prefix was the first Caterpillar C15 diesel to be released. It was first built in July 1998 and enjoyed a lengthy production run until June 2005, with 99,900 engines made. To this day, the 6NZ is a very highly sought-after engine. It is very popular amongst owner-operators who are looking for an engine that will go 1 million miles without all the persnickety little failures that plagued other engine manufacturers from the same time period. The 6NZ C15 was reliable, efficient, and powerful.
In June of 2005, Caterpillar began production of the 9NZ prefix and continued production until February of 2009, with 18,500 engines produced.
At the end of 2001 Caterpillar began production of the MBN prefix C15. It was produced until February 2003. The MBN is frequently referred to as the “bridge” engine. It was designed to bridge the gap between the pre-emissions 6NZ and the Twin turbo ACERT (Emissions) engines. A choked-out 6NZ was achieved through ECM programming with abysmal fuel mileage, low power, and high exhaust temperatures. It was so bad, that a lot of customers chose to swap the MBN out for a different engine. Until people began to realize that they could just change the ECM program. Nowadays, the MBN “mechanical” platform ranks a close 2nd to a 6NZ. It’s an option for a powerful and reliable engine for those discerning owners who want to keep their classic trucks going strong.
The ACERT Era
In an effort to meet the EPA 2004 Emissions regulations, Caterpillar released the ACERT. More commonly referred to as the twin-turbo. It stands for Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology.
The first version of the ACERT was released in March of 2003 with a Serial Number Prefix of BXS. The BXS C15 had a relatively short production span as it was last produced in December of 2004, with a total of 39,000 units made.
Later, in March of 2003 Caterpillar also released the MXS serial number prefix. This MXS version of the C15 incorporated the engine brake housing and the variable valve actuators into the same housing. Whereas on the BXS they were 2 separate housings. The MXS was the most popular version of the ACERT C15 with 100,000 units produced between March 2003 and July 2006. Next up was the NXS serial number prefix.
The NXS C15 is exactly the same as the MXS, with no differences at all. The change in the prefix was because Caterpillar ran out of serial numbers under the MXS prefix. Caterpillar produced 33,000 NXS C15 Engines from July 2006 until April 2009.
Finally came the SDP prefix C15.
First released in January 2005, the SDP was Caterpillar’s final attempt to keep up with the ever-changing EPA On-Highway emissions regulations. By incorporating a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF system). They also redesigned the turbochargers to have a ball bearing supporting the turbo shaft instead of brass bearings. This made the cost of a turbocharger replacement much more expensive. They also changed the fuel injectors and redesigned the oil cooler setup. Production of the SDP C15 ended in March 2009, with a total of 22,700 engines made. From technicians’ and owners’ standpoint, the SDP is like COVID-19, most technicians don’t know how to diagnose and treat it, and the owners don’t want it.
When parts and machines fail, choose SRX to be your go-to source for all your engine parts, and remanufacturing needs. Whether it be a boost pressure sensor, a failed oil cooler, or your engine needs to be completely remanufactured. Not only just the Mighty C15, but many others. To all of us here at SRX, there is nothing sweeter and more rewarding than the first time a freshly remanufactured engine takes its first deep breaths. When air mixes with dinosaur juice, and lets out its first throaty roars of a new life, and shakes the ground … dang! That just gave me chills thinking about it.
Charles Pratt is a Diesel Technician for Select Reman Exchange with 25 years of experience.
Are you looking to buy a Caterpillar C15?
We often have completely remanufactured, long block, and used Caterpillar C15 diesel engines in stock. An extensive and competitively-priced inventory of parts is on our shelves! Give our Sales or Parts Teams a call or visit our Contact Us page.
