Cat 3408 Twin Turbo: Problems, Durability, Applications

You are frustrated with your heavy-duty engine, and you have decided to step up the search for a reliable engine. You are looking for an engine that is reliable and efficient. While perusing the market for the new ideal heavy-duty engine that will power your machinery, someone whispers to you that you should also consider the Cat 3408 twin-turbo engine from Caterpillar.

When you browse the internet to learn more about the Cat 3408 twin turbo, you discover to your dissatisfaction that this engine was discontinued from production in 1985. If you are new to searching heavy-duty engines, you might end up shutting down the cat 3408 ad.

Today, we look deeper at the Cat 3408 twin turbo engine. We investigate why this engine is still an icon almost four decades after it was discontinued. To get a clear understanding of this engine, we look at the common problems it has. We also take a look at its durability and the various applications it can be put to.

Understanding Cat 3408

If you live in North America, you must have come across the giant Kenworth W900 or W900L. If you have been to Australia and come across the Kenworth W900 road train powered by the Cat 3408, then you will need no convincing to just how powerful this caterpillar engine is. The V8 baritone roar of the engine is menacing yet soothing to the ears. But let's not get carried away just yet.

The Cat 3408 engine was launched in the 1970s and continued being produced until 1985, when Caterpillar discontinued it. In those days, the engine was highly-priced, but it was one of the best, if not the best, in the market.

The Cat 3408 is an engine designed to power almost any machine or equipment that requires immense power. Among the places you will find the Cat 3408 include yachts, ships, generators, loaders, and trucks. So you can picture an engine designed to power a ship that can still power a truck. Today, you can still find a 3408 twin turbo engine in the aftermarket. In many instances, a well-maintained 3408 engine is worth every cent today, even if it is four decades old. 

The Cat 3408 engine is an exceptional engine when it comes to superior performance and reliability, just like the rest of Caterpillar engines. The engine gained popularity then because it proved to be the perfect marine engine. What makes this engine so popular and good at what it does is its versatility. You can literally make adjustments to allow it to work with almost any heavy-duty machinery.

What uses the Cat 3408 twin turbo engine?

The Cat 3408 engine is used to power a wide range of machines. It is a highly versatile engine whose turbo allows it to power oceangoing vessels, trucks, and backup generators. Depending on the engine rating, you are guaranteed to reap big when you install this engine. Here are some of its applications;

• Cat 3408A - This is for little loading vessels such as freighters, towboats, and tugboats. It boasts 339kW or 462mhp engine power and will consume a maximum of 22.9 gallons of fuel per hour with load. This version is considered lightweight even though it is a powerful engine for a truck with a single trailer.
• Cat 3408B - There are two variants, one with 358kW or 487mhp at 1800 RPM and the other with 384kW or 522mhp engine power at 2100 RPM. It is the ideal engine for midwater trawlers, purse seiners, ferry boats whose trips are longer than an hour, and supply boats. Its engine power allows it to serve perfectly as a backup generator.
• Cat 3408C - This is ideal for yachts with displacement hulls, short-trip coastal freighters, fish boats, and ferries with less than an hour's trip. It can also be used as a backup generator and in construction. It is also found in trucks.
• Cat 3408D - This is the most powerful of the V8 engines. It has 578 bhp of engine power and boasts 1,713 lb-ft torque. It has 425kW and powers fire boats, patrol, and custom boats. It is one of the popular options for owners of Freightliners and Kenworth trucks looking for a used engine to power their haulers, especially road trains found in NW Australia. Its immense power makes it the perfect engine for a generator for a large installation.

What are the unique specs of the engine?

• It is equipped with a water-cooled turbocharger
• A displacement of 18 liters
• Configuration is V8 cylinder, 4-stroke engine
• The cylinder head and block are made of cast iron
• Flywheel is SAE No.1
• Total weight of 1814 kg
• The engine power ranges from 448kW to 597kW or from 600hp to 800 hp; All at 2,300 RPM
• Torque is 2,000lb-ft

It is worth noting that while the rating is the same for all the Cat 3408 twin-turbo engines, the output varies considerably depending on the application.

What are the main Cat 3408 twin turbo problems?

The Cat 3408 twin turbo is one of the best, if not the best heavy-duty engines out there. When you consider the performance, the oomph, and reliability of this engine, you will be left with little doubt. Like any engine, the 3408 engine is dogged by problems, many of which make it unable to perform as you wish.

There are general issues that every Cat engine carries, but some are specific to this model. By exploring these problems, you will have an easier time establishing whether it is worth investing in this engine. If you already own one, you will have an easier time identifying and solving these problems.

1) Camshaft failure

The camshaft is a crucial part of a combustion engine. The camshaft should be in perfect timing with the pistons to ensure combustion in the chambers happens as designed. Camshaft failure will cause the internal diagnostic unit to send a check engine light. Its failure will also cause the engine to perform poorly; in some cases, the engine won't even start.

The camshaft failure is a common problem among the Cat engines. It is usually caused by pitting, poor lubrication, and a malfunctioning lifter. Low oil pressure and engine operating in less-than-ideal conditions, such as excessive speeding, can cause this problem.

2) Cracked cylinder head

There are many reasons why a cylinder head can crack. One of the reasons some owners of the Cat 3408 have cracked engine heads is because of the age of the engine. Remember, the youngest, 3408, was made in 1985. Other reasons why this problem arises are overheating and excessive vibrations.

3) Excessive black smoke

To some, black smoke doesn't seem like a big deal, but you should know such smoke spells doom to your engine, and it's pretty dangerous for the environment. While Cat 3408 twin turbo is a mean big engine, it should not emit excessive black smoke even though it is an 18L machine.

Many Cat mechanics and heavy engine experts say the Cat 3408 is damaged by low-sulfur fuel. Low-sulfur fuel is said to cause some mechanical damage to the fuel components of the engine because of low lubricity.

The excessive black smoke is caused by injector orifices eroding over time, increasing fuel delivery to the engine. The issue can also be caused by air inlet restriction. The solution is to have a Cat mechanic run fuel and air systems.

4) Low or no oil pressure

Low oil pressure is another problem Cat 3408 owners complain about. The best solution to the problem is to engage a Cat mechanic who uses special tools and equipment to rectify the problem.

5) Excessive blow-by

Every engine has some blow-by. However, excessive blow-by means you have reason to worry because combustion gases and pressure are leaking in the crankcase. Normally, this is associated with engine failure. However, one thing to note is that an industrial engine such as Cat 3408 under constant heavy load tends to yield significantly more excessive blow-by than an ordinary 4-cylinder engine.

When you witness excessive blow-by in your engine, it is time to put it to tests to ensure it still has some life in it. The tests to conduct include a manometer test, oil analysis, compression, leak test, and vacuum leak inspection.

What about Cat 3408 durability?

Cat engines are known for their durability and reliability. On paper, the life expectancy of Cat 3408 is 16,000 hours. However, there are Cat 3408 twin turbo engine owners who have been using the engine since 1980. A big advantage that comes with this engine is that Caterpillar still faithfully manufactures 3408 engine parts, ensuring you have an easy time repairing or replacing a part of the engine.

The durability of any engine highly depends on maintenance and service. Regular service of the engine makes it last for many years. Given the sturdiness and reliability of the engine, it is safe to say that Cat 3408 can last at least 30 years. After all, the newest 3408 is at least 38 years old.

Conclusion

The Cat 3408 twin-turbo engine has enough power to move small ships and mega generators. Truck owners still enjoy having this engine as their source of power, albeit the weight challenges. You can now rest easy knowing that this engine's durability is solid and the problems are solvable.