which is a better engine

bbrooks · Mar 8, 2008

I am looking at two different trucks to buy one is a sterling with a 03 MBE900 in it with around 350,000 miles and the other is a 00 FL70 with a cat3126 in it with around 650,000 but has been overhauled around 300,000. I just wondered your opinions on each engine.

Thanks,
Brad

Jack_Berry · Mar 8, 2008

do a search on the cat 3126b. go with the mbe.

bluejaybee · Mar 8, 2008

I have never owned or driven a MBE equipped truck, but have owned a Sterling with the 3126B. My feeling is that a 3126 with 650000 miles on it, is about ready for the scrap pile. These are good engines up to a point. I have heard they will go about 700000 and then are completely wore out. They are called throw away engines although they can be rebuilt. But with that many miles, I'd be careful. I liked mine. It had 550000 on it when I sold it.

mrgoodtude · Mar 8, 2008

I imagine life expectancy would be similar for both so I would hedge my bet on the lower mileage MBE..
Hard for me to trust a rebuilt.
Why not go with a class 8 configuration and a million mile motor?

Jack_Berry · Mar 18, 2008

real world scenario:3126e

truck in tucson at peterbilt
after many hrs of inspection of old engine, new engine, $12,8 installed.
with new turbo and high pressure fuel pump $17,5.

your numbers may vary. used truck was to be paid off in july. '01 fl70.