CAT 226 any good?

[DaBomb6988]

I've just inherited a CAT 226. I've done a little research here on the forums. I've read about a few engine failures. Something I should be worried about?? Any other known issues with this model??? It's not a B or C. It's just a 226 so I would assume it's a 1st generation?

 

[kroog]

They were good little machines. The engine is non turbo, so it's pretty tough for the machine to hurt itself. If anyone noted maintenance on it, that would be helpful. The 216 and 226 were some of the most reliable CATs of the time due to their simplicity.

 

[DaBomb6988]

They were good little machines. The engine is non turbo, so it's pretty tough for the machine to hurt itself. If anyone noted maintenance on it, that would be helpful. The 216 and 226 were some of the most reliable CATs of the time due to their simplicity.

Thanks for the reply! I think it was maintained by CAT. Has all CAT filters and they have the date and hours on them. It only has 622 hours. I read a few other posts on here about engine replacement. Wasn't sure if it was a common problem or not.

 

[kroog]

Thanks for the reply! I think it was maintained by CAT. Has all CAT filters and they have the date and hours on them. It only has 622 hours. I read a few other posts on here about engine replacement. Wasn't sure if it was a common problem or not.

If it was maintained by the CAT dealer or it's owner always used CAT filters you should be good. My only word of caution would be to flush the cooling system and change the coolant so it doesn't degrade. That's usually the most neglected maintenance item. Genuine CAT filters are heads and shoulders above all others. If you cut them apart you'll see.

 

[DaBomb6988]

If it was maintained by the CAT dealer or it's owner always used CAT filters you should be good. My only word of caution would be to flush the cooling system and change the coolant so it doesn't degrade. That's usually the most neglected maintenance item. Genuine CAT filters are heads and shoulders above all others. If you cut them apart you'll see.

I've heard from many people CAT filters are very high quality. I will stick with them. I'm going to do the 500HR service (PM2) once I get it home. Which I believe consists of, engine oil and filter change, then hyd, air, and fuel filter change. Should I stick with CAT engine oil or will Rotella, or others, work? Also what's the best way to flush the coolant? Drain and refill or the flush kit like you would on cars and trucks??

 

[DaBomb6988]

I've heard from many people CAT filters are very high quality. I will stick with them. I'm going to do the 500HR service (PM2) once I get it home. Which I believe consists of, engine oil and filter change, then hyd, air, and fuel filter change. Should I stick with CAT engine oil or will Rotella, or others, work? Also what's the best way to flush the coolant? Drain and refill or the flush kit like you would on cars and trucks??

I've heard from many people CAT filters are very high quality. I will stick with them. I'm going to do the 500HR service (PM2) once I get it home. Which I believe consists of, engine oil and filter change, then hyd, air, and fuel filter change. Should I stick with CAT engine oil or will Rotella, or others, work? Also what's the best way to flush the coolant? Drain and refill or the flush kit like you would on cars and trucks??

 

[kroog]

I've heard from many people CAT filters are very high quality. I will stick with them. I'm going to do the 500HR service (PM2) once I get it home. Which I believe consists of, engine oil and filter change, then hyd, air, and fuel filter change. Should I stick with CAT engine oil or will Rotella, or others, work? Also what's the best way to flush the coolant? Drain and refill or the flush kit like you would on cars and trucks??

CAT oil is uses Mobil as a base. I always use Mobil1 in everything even my lawn mowers. Mobil oil has the cleanest base stock of any major brand. I recommend synthetic due to engine protection and much easier starts in cold weather.