The Cat 3406B Engine. Know Your Engine. Caterpillar 3406 Information And History.

[@johnwolf7523]

I worked at Caterpillar for 38 years and I can’t tell you how many of these engines I worked on. I tested them and worked on them on the assembly line. I thought it was the best engine made.

[@derichsimmons3798]

Do you still work on the B models?

[@janiersuarez9485]

Can u tell me why when I turn on my cat 3406b make like a noise that he want to turn off and u have to accelerate???

[@juanavina1097]

@@janiersuarez9485 mine does the same when I, too, turn mine on. I place a weight on the accelerator pedal (mallet) to rev it to 700-1000 rpm. After a few minutes if you take ig off it stays at 700. I just thought it was a mechanical(b) thing

[@beno2662]

👌100%

[@grahamelliott4689]

What year was the last B made? And what are the best options to turn up a C? I bought a 3406 and told it was a B but now I think that it’s actually a C

[@hassantalib3426]

My grandpop....my dads father....passed away back in 89 yet still to this day 11-15-2020......sits in the back of the his and my gmom house in Wilmington North Carolina is that extended 79 or 80 i believe Cabover Black Pete with a 3406 B dual dinner plate stacks and motor in it....that truck was faaaaast.....i remember us goin 100+ on 95 heading to florida....and get this!!!!....our family still cuts the grass and left the truck exactly where my gpop last parked it before he died...

[@jaimesolis9802]

To me it is still the greatest kiddy of all time. I still get goosebumps when I hear this engine. Make a very distinctive sound. I love it. Long live my 425hp kiddy kiddy.

[@rambladesmanmoe6291]

This engine dominated the truck engine market in the eighties. Spent most of my career on these amazing machines. Million + miles with simple services

[@georgekuetsten8030]

Back in the day, each engine brand had their own unique sound. Used to love that clattering howl the Cat made just above idle, pulling into a fuel island. Now,they all sound the same.

[@joepellish5380]

I'm 27 years old and I know exactly what you mean. I grew up around tractors of this era. I can still remember the scene in my head of my old man rowing through the 18 speed late at night and counting down the days until I could take my CDL test. Those were the days.

[@jedidiah4004]

@@joepellish5380 trucks are far quieter now but a Volvo D13, DD15, ISX15 and MX13 all sound very different

[@Romuls753]

Arguably the best sounding diesel engine ever made is a two stroke Detroit, probably the 12v92 specifically

[@longliner205a4]

@@Romuls753 And they are heavy leaky gutless wonders, The best place for a 2 stroke Detroit is sitting at the bottom of the ocean still attached to the boat hull that it once powered.

[@Romuls753]

@@longliner205a4 a 12v92TTA puts out ~700 horse and ~2,000 lb-ft of torque with a dry weight of ~4,000 pounds. A 3406 weighs 6,000 pounds. Two stroke Detroits are much better than mechanical CATs

[@SteveV6206]

I had a 3406B in my car carrier. It had 1,665,000 miles on it when I sold it. It is still on the road today.

[@tonejones]

I actually just got a job where we have about 40 B and C model generators that we send all over the place for power production. We rebuild the entire generator after about 10k hours and a few are on their 4th or 5th rebuild. I love these videos, really helps me even though you are referring mostly to truck applications.

[@charliebowman785]

At least somebody talking about my beloved 3406. Thanks a lot dude.

[@my2cents616]

I'll second that!!

[@natemofield281]

It's the first engine I got certified on, I loved em except for that stupid oil pan gasket.

[@alee22210]

So dont buy one unless this work is completed on them

[@westtexastll1978]

@@natemofield281 easy.... Get a couple tubes of Permatex's 'The Right Stuff' & NEVER worry about another oil leak!!! 😂 BUUUUUT you BETTER have a box of razor blades, thin wedges & a good 1lb 🔨 if you wanna disassemble it again!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@cra83]

I looked after/worked on these as generators, down in Antarctica. Over 30 years old and still going strong!

[@edwardbaker5373]

I happen to have a 94 Pete with a 3406b in it. Marine nozzles and the pump is set to max fueling. Right around 600 hp. Been running this way for 7 years without any major problems at all. Smokes a ton, power comes on a little lazy. But I get 6.7 mpg on a good day and rarely have to downshift for hills.

[@AdeptApe]

+Edward Baker Pulling 600hp you probably never have to shift, just roll out in 4th from a light then upshift to 8th and good to go lol.

[@dflk2580]

Edward Baker just buy the 3406b model And I got injection Palm bleak I planning to do re build can you give me a number or where where you did your pump. plz. My number is 7632736456

[@lewiemcneely9143]

The one I ran was lo3, lo5, hi3 and hI5. Did NOT know what a load was. SCARY pulling, like the old Mack Hi-torque rise. Just wouldn't quit.

[@henryhenry903]

Edward Baker lol my dad has one in his 92 freightliner with stock pump ,injectors and turbo doing 630hp no fuel adjusted on the pump either all he did is time and set valves to his spec and put a custom exhaust manifold on it and he has a 70hp propane kit was dino tested at 700hp

[@cruzbodden8673]

What size nozzles you using ?

[@johnowen6507]

thanks for the video, we still run an 86 w900 and an 89 379 with b models in them. you just can't beat the power and reliability of this great old engines!

[@StevePhillips76]

I came out of school in 97 and the fleet I went to work for had a number of these engines. I got to rebuild a lot of fuel pumps and timing advances, something I really enjoyed. Some people were not happy when I set the pump back to stock (for warranty purposes). Thanks for the video! Nostalgic for me!

[@Roadhammer3406e]

This engine holds a special place in my heart cause my dad had one in his 93 W9 when I was a kid

[@wimh.j.vankessel3573]

good video thanks! 40 yrs + in the o&g industry as mechanic and msv. most of our diesel firewater pumps and diesel hydraulic crane engines were 3406 B's and had the privilage to overhaul at least a dozen of these engines on different installations. very robust strong engines. I encountered seized cylinder head studs most likely due to the area where these engines were installed. A month ago all the engines here where permanently stopped. On 3 occasions it was completely leak free beautifully running engine. 4 yrs ago new injectors. adjusted timing gear and replacement of thermostats etc.anyway, not long now before these mechanical diesel are history. .... and so are we. 🙂

[@coltoncarpenter3790]

There was a 3406 c that was all mechanical but usually used as industrial. Can't remember the exact serial numbers for it but it's a beast puttin out 620hp at 1800rpm roughly maybe a lil higher rpm and in the neighborhood of 2400ft/lbs of torque around 1500rpm. That's turned up half way. The marine models were turned up to 720hp. It's goin in our 1975 359 pete. Originally it was a gen set engine that was bought off the company I work for.

[@jaimerodriguz7406]

I had a 3406 B 425 in my 91 International super Eagle i love my cat engine i also like a lot Mack i had a 85 R model great engine Both Car3406 And Mack 350 are one of the best engine built

[@BDOutdoorsCanada]

great engines, ran them when they were new and wish I still was!

[@rush199063]

Enjoyed the video. Rebuilt many of these engines in the 80s to mid 90s. Also the run of the A models were similar to the B's and of course the old 1693s. Before the air cooled aftercooler you had the water type aftercooler. Huge improvement for the B. One weakness of the B model was the rod journal width. If you didnt change rod and mains every 250,000 miles you took a chance of spinning one especially if fuel and timing advance had been set above factory by a large margin. C models journals were wider and helped alleviate this problem. Loved the sound of the old cat's.

[@noegayle1]

Do you still work on these motors

[@dinosaurcomplaints2359]

I liked the B model, it was easy driver, easy to shift, plenty of power when needed, reminded me of plowing with a diesel farm tractor back in the 70’s.

[@craigharris5182]

In Australia, the 7FB was prior to the 4MG and the 8TC was the beginning of the PEEC engine. Specialised in these motors for 10 years and still have yellow blood going through me, soo much so, my son is now a cat mechanic

[@michaelmonaghan2717]

I worked for Penske truck leasing in the 80's, and we ran a fleet of trucks for RCA. They had the biggest bunch of crybaby drivers in the world. If anything passed them, their truck was sick, and wasn't running right!Your comment that peak torque was at 1200rpm was hard to get thru there thick heads. Anytime their truck pulled down below 1400 rpm, they would grab a gear! I had to take them to a long grade up I465 and show them that engine worked perfectly down to 1200 even 1150 rpm. It pulled all day long, no broken cranks, no blown engines! Great engine, that did a good job!

[@davidferris4563]

I had a 3406B in a '85 Pete 359 that had a brakesaver retarder from CAT going north could come down Grapevine at 50mph at 75,000-80,000 pounds and never touch the brakes. Hell of a hydraulic wine and would heat up the engine oil to 240f or so but worked great. Don't remember much in the way of leaks but it did eat up the diaphragm in the brake saver control valve at the bottom of the crankcase from the vibration and weight of the spool valve it would wear a hole and a leak air through it so the brake saver wouldn't work anymore tell you replaced it. Sold the truck in '93 when I quit driving. Loved that motor tons of power. And yes it turned the front of the trailer black 😊

[@terrygugel3803]

I drove a 93 T800 put 910 000 before we had to build it water in the oil, only trouble it had was exhaust studs... great engines

[@mickeyharris6162]

Got 2 of them - 1 in a 1990 FL through a 15 over with 370 gears and tall 24's that I could bump 7 mpg grossing 80,000 if operated it for maximum economy if I wasn't dealing with wind drag - and 5.5 - 6 no matter what. # 2 is a 91 turned up with a 550 turbo through a 15 over on low-pro 24's with 342 gears with a fresh inframe which I hope to finish and be in before Thanksgiving replacing the 379 Pete with a 6NZ and 13spd through 336 gears on 22 lopros that averages 6.5 - 7.5 operating it for maximum efficiency the past 10 years.

[@wills.5762]

I run scrapers with these engines and its always impressive how much abuse they take. 10 hour shifts, with probably 70%+ of the time at wot, for 1000s and 1000s of hours. The machines fall apart around these engines.

[@juanbvasquez5971]

Thanks for your time and videos

[@joeinmi8671]

Probably the best engine cat ever made. Still TONS of these on the roads here in MI. Probably as common if not more so than a cummins big cam here.

[@lambofgodfreak2010]

joe blow more common than a Cummins up here man

[@soniaflythe6362]

They are some bad motors I got one in my truck shit that joker got over million miles on it and still run like a top and will pull her ass off yes sir

[@nealk6387]

I live in Michigan as well, with Michigan being one of the last heavy haul states I think these engines will be around for a long time. 3406 engines hold up better than most.

[@derichsimmons3798]

Do you happen to know of a reputable B model mechanic?? I live in MI also.

[@joeinmi8671]

@@derichsimmons3798 The governor on the 3406B I drove went out a few (5?) years ago. We took it to citywide truck and crane in wixom MI. They charge for their work but they are the best around. They had(have still?) a guy that cut his teeth on them in the early 90's. Very knowledgeable guy, very personable. The 3406B governor is supposed to be dynoed to be properly set-up. It also requires some special tools. This guy did it with experience and seat of the pants. Truck ran the best it ever did afterwards. We asked MI CAT about repairing it before going to citywide and we think we heard crickets on the other end of the phone...

[@SuperBuck1986]

Our 3406C is all mechanical, 1995 western star , excellent running engine

[@AlaskaTrucker]

I remember when these engines were brand new and just coming online within the industry, they were special and we all knew it. I strongly considered having my new truck, 84 Pete, built with the Cat but opted for the Cummins Big Cam III, in all honesty I like both engines. Some interesting trivia is this: When Caterpillar first introduced the Air To Air After cooling, or "ATAAC" (an acronym which roughly spells "ATTACK") - these engines were then advertised in trucking magazines as the 3406B 425 HP "ATTACK CAT!" - You couldn't sit down in a restaurant and not hear the phrase ATTACK CAT from someone. It was a brilliant stroke of advertising humor on the part of Caterpillar which I was just reminded of, a few days ago. Love your vid, salute from Alaska!

[@edmunger5595]

Put a 3406A in a 96 Freightliner Classic when the 3406C went bad, loved that engine, only got rid of it because the wheelbase was to long for the job I was doing.

[@barryhawrysh3573]

I have a 88 Pete with a B block in it .About 5 million km on the truck. had it rebuilt at 3 million km. This truck works all summer hauling asphalt. I use to use it year round on the ice roads. Great engine. and has never let me down. It comes down a little slow so I shift with the Jake on low. B Block for ever.

[@elexvavrick6011]

I worked on 3406A's and B's and started with the first 5EK 3406E from the very beginning to now, all dealerships. All the way through the red head gaskets, flywheel housing leaks and spacer deck aluminum/steel problems. I liked what your could do with them, real power and reliability. Too bad they didn't improve the true dual overhead cam 1693. Liked the sound of the old combustion chamber engines. I teach the mechanical fuel systems-still around, dealership training. You have a great talent to teach-get into training, Caterpillar Dealers are desperate for good trainers like you.

[@dankdouglas2306]

Are the 3406B is a good engine I would like to know I’m looking to purchase one

[@peterbiltlowryder]

@@dankdouglas2306 just look at all the comments from drivers & mechanics that love them to this day. I've driven plenty & they were all great runners. And you can build them up to push big power very reliably. Emissions might be a problem in some states..... at least California.

[@about2mount]

One of the best engines ever built by Cat. They did have a weakness and it was periodic unexplained EXCESSIVE "Crankcase Pressure". However the best engine ever produced and ran in any truck was definitely the Old 290 Cummins. Less powerful but got the job done and for half the money someone with a Cat or Detroit had to ditch out. Dad even pulled his out from one of our old farm cab-overs and stuck it into his personal built Custom 370 Pete rig for running Texas to Cali. He turned it all the way up and mounted a fat gage to watch it. For four years straight he ran with us every week and before he retired and it never broke down. I hated them but hey they were damn solid and bullet proof. Nice channel, I am a retired Expat now in Mindanao and sure miss my Cat and the good old days. Thanks.

[@johnhutsenpillerjr1785]

Great video Sir ! Like your channel and content. NOTHIN BEATS A CAT !!! All the Best Sir.

[@ianlinklater4510]

I have two 1987Autralian Built SAR Kenworths running 3406B Air to Air . The best engines ever.

[@mikeziegler7008]

I had an out of frame OH done on my DI 3406A model way back in the 80s. The shop tried to sell me a brand new 3406B instead. I should have listened to them.

[@hembro11]

I appreciate all your videos, excellent job Sir!! Especially the 3406B Cat. I have one of these engines that I run long haul with and you’ve saved me a few times now. Thank you very much!!!

[@rono3045]

That 3406b is the only motor I've never heard anything bad stated about it all good feedback on that one motor..

[@blakebreckenridge]

Love a B model Cat, first truck I ever drove was a 88 Pete with a B model. Would create power at 1250 rpm..

[@bryanschmidt9539]

When you take the fuel pump off make sure num 1 cylinder is up theres timing mark on gear and keep fuel lines with u

[@realmccoy9597]

This engine confuses technician's because they can't plug into it,old school mechanics do great with these engines .

[@SOU6900]

What about ones with PEEC?

[@johngoldsmith6629]

@@SOU6900 People don't understand PEEC and they have a problem.

[@40KRK]

Worked on truck engines for years and complete overhaul of many 3406 engines. Brings back memories for sure. Well done video!👍

[@thisismagacountry1318]

Which 3406 has the best reliability and fuel mileage? I'm thinking of getting the B, but have heard good things about the E.

[@keithammleter3824]

AdeptApe, these engines had a much longer production run than you stated. I was selling 3406TA marine gensets (ie 3406B mechanical engine) in 2008. You could also get them, painted red, for fire-pump service in multistory buildings. In both these applications, simple well proven mechanical injection engines were preferred for reliability and easy service by non-specialist mechanics. While the standard 3406 had recommended service intervals as you stated, that does not suit long distance trucking or marine applications. So Cat supplied them in 500 hours service interval form with two oil filters and a larger oil pan. Some marine engines set up for 1000 hour service intervals had three oil filters and an external lube oil tank. These engines should never emit black smoke unless abused, not serviced properly, or hotted up.

[@dennisaldrich536]

Mechanical engines smoke end of story

[@keithammleter3824]

@@dennisaldrich536 : What rot. Smoke means incompletely burnt fuel, which means excessive fuel consumption. Since, in the applications these engines are designed for, and the operational life they typically attain, the cost of fuel is by far the major cost of an engine over its life. Hence, most users will not accept smoking.

[@21kitkatbar]

Have one of these as a generator in my boat, along with a 3508B genny and 3608 for propulsion, simple engines and they run great!

[@sherwincody5025]

still my fvorite engine, had one in a 90 Freighliner, go 6 mile per gal and power galore. and also quiet.

[@cablanchette1]

Hey, you are an absolute wealth of knowledge, and the best part is, you don't act like it... You just put it out there... You seem pretty young to know as much as you do, so congrats on cramming all that information into your brain in such a young age, when a lot of guys your age are content flipping burgers and playing video games

[@4321grp]

Years ago I worked as a mechanic for a major oil company that had a fleet of T-800 Kenworths hauling crude oil. Some of our T-800s had Cat 3406B engines and the rest had Cummins engines. All the trucks were use in identical service and we had to overhaul all the Cats right around 350,000 miles because of excessive oil usage, whereas the Cummins were going at least 500,000 miles, and some were going even more than that between overhauls.We had one Cummins that made it to a million miles without ever having been touched.

[@THEDC81025]

Which Cummings motor was it?

[@jimblevins4085]

Bought a couple petes one 92 new, a 92 with 300k miles in 95 both had B,s. They were the best trucks we ever owned and the CAT,s spoiled me for life, semi retired now and finally found a 93 exhd Pete with a B in it (850k) original miles. I hope its the last project,working,show truck i ever do, and hope the Lord lets me live long enough to pound alittle pavement and take my Grandson Timmy for as many rides as i can. I know CAT at some point had to move on to the E models and eventually because they wouldnt bend to the polical left any longer they quit building truck engines. I feel lucky to have one again and want to enjoy the sound and performance for years to come.Many thanks to CAT and Peterbilt the legends will live on! May God Bless America

[@johngoldsmith6629]

3406 (now called A model) was a PCT, PCTA, DIT, DITA. (1973-1984) 92U prefix. 3406B at first was a 7FB, JWAC DITA, later ATAAC was added. As they ran out of serial numbers, the first 4MG's 1-03599 was still basically the same and still could be a JWAC. Starting at 4MG03600 the VTU was the major change. And they went into the 90,000 serial numbers. Then they came out with a 5KJ and it was a 3406B, 1-07799. Most people get this serial number mixed up is the 3406 B 3ZJ, serial numbers 1-16181 is a 3406B. During the late 80's the dreaded PEEC was released. Electronic governor and VTU. You had PEEC II, PEEC II.V They started out as a 3406B 8TC. released next of the PEEC was a 2EK, still a 3406B. Last PEEC was the 4CK and it was a 3406B 1-0845. Another 3406B PEEC was a 5YG strictly a 460 HP @1900 RPM'S. After the 3406B ended the 3406C was released. Mechanical was 5KJ07800 and up, I have never seen one of these. 3JZ16182 and up. The last fully mechanical 3406C was the 8PN. It is a totally different engine and parts do NOT inner change well with the older engine. Finally you had the last PEEC, 4CK0846 and up. It was a PEEC III and had a lot of VTU problems. Just ran across some 5KJ's 3406C's that was JWAC and high HP. Looking into these. That is I recall from memory.

[@jeremydavis6133]

I'm running a 3406c serial# 5KJ08745 mechanical pump its in an 85 w900b. Not the original engine though. Tag says its only 400 horse. Its a little sluggish. Ive turned the fuel up but it needs timing advanced and bigger turbo. No aftercooler on the 85 kw either

[@johngoldsmith6629]

@@jeremydavis6133 Serial number is a 400 HP @ 2100 RPM's. FRC has a lot to do being sluggish. If your not in a emissions area. You can take the line off and put a cap on it. Remove the FRC and install a plate. VTU is know to slip and this engine has no fix. You can buy a reman carrier and over time it will start slipping again. I have seen people weld a spot between the snap ring onto both parts. When you do this the carrier will not be a good core. SIS shows this to be a JWAC aftercooler. The fuel pumps are known to bypass fuel, not giving a full injection. Sometimes they will stumble on acceleration. You can lap the pumps, install new bushings and bonnets. With that old of a engine the pumps are more than likely worn out anyway. I have never seen a 5KJ 3406C model. Cat offered a 350 HP, 1800 or 2100, 400 HP 1800 or 2100, 425 HP 1800 or 2100, also these in CARB (emissions BS) and the big one a 515 HP. Only three of these was built and you have to have a high torque transmission and clutch. Do not know if you get all the parts for the 515.

[@jeremydavis6133]

@@johngoldsmith6629 im not an expert i dont know what the VTU or JWAC stuff is. I just know I love the 3406 but this one doesn't pull anything like the last b model I drove that had a big turbo and pump advanced. The 85 kw has no air to air cooler. This truck had a b model and when it died they bought this c model as a new complete crate from what I understand and just set the whole thing in. Shortly after the guy died and it set in a barn for a decade or more before my boss bought it cause I told him I wanted it. The motor and everything is pretty fresh I think he even has paperwork on it. Ive put a little over 100,000 miles on it. I think it may have a water cooled intake. Its got a pipe from the oil cooler area that comes around and goes into front of intake but I dont recall ever seeing that on any other 3406 so idk what it is. It has the 12 point head bolts

[@johngoldsmith6629]

@@jeremydavis6133 A JWAC is a jacket water aftercooler. The pipe off the turbo goes over the valve cover to the intake. Inside is a core that is cooled by water. Bad thing is the air temp can only cool down to coolant temp. While a ATAAC, air to air aftercooler, uses ram ambient air gets the air temp even lower. Thus more air you can pack in the cylinder. VTU is variable timing unit. The 3406 92U, now called A model used a slide advance. You could adjust the pin timing, but the advance would start and stop by spring force. No real adjustment. When the 7FB's came out Cat improved the timing system. You now have static timing (pin timing). Start of advance screw and end of advance screw. You have to use the timing indicator group and you can dial in the timing. However had some problems and few recalls. Race wears, bolts came loose, big spring would wear or break, quad seals would blow out. The major one is the carrier is three pieces. Pressed in and held with a snap ring. Over time the inner piece would get loose and as the engine was running. The inner piece was going slower as it was slipping, causing the engine not to have proper advance for the speed. This carried over into the 4MG's and it was a major problem on that series. The 4MG's had numerous recalls on the VTU. Since it was current production at the time. Cat repaired the carrier and made it thread into itself. But the 7FB style never got the fix. Looking at SIS, you VTU is the 7FB style. So it is possible that your carrier can run slower then actual engine speed, so your VTU may not be advanced as it should. And with this style it is harder to know over the 4MG's. The darn thing has a shield over it. Cat put some timing marks on the inside on reman's so you know they have slipped. You have to take it apart to see them. Sometimes you can use a small pick and try and see if the inner carrier will move without removing it.

[@jeremydavis6133]

@@johngoldsmith6629 ok yeah its the JWAC I didnt realize cat ever used that. I just thought it wasn't cooled. But yeah the Pyro runs a little warm I gotta watch it and sometimes back off and drop a gear. It is pretty tall geared though with a 15 over,355 rears and tall 24s. Under 1500rpm it builds too much heat. The VTU you're talking about must the under the cone cover. It was really a slug when I got in it and a shop said they replaced the timing advance thing but I didn't notice any difference. About 2 weeks later it came apart and punched a hole in the cone cover. It still didn't run any different with the hole in it. Boss put a new timing advance thing and cone cover on it and it still didn't run any different. Thats when I backed the fuel screws out one turn at a time and drove it. I ended up with both pump screws 3 turns out from where it was. Its helped alot I'm out of turbo now it won't spin any harder so more fuel is not gonna help. But its still just not snappy like it should be. What is the FRC thing you mentioned? I'm in Sw Missouri we don't do emissions. Also I thought I could have the pump timing advanced by pinning the pump and rolling the motor back a hair to get pump half a hole off. Is that not possible on this motor? Thanks for all your info

[@kwilli8688]

Just had my 3406B rebuilt, it dynoed at 700+ the shop pulled it back to 625. They said it should be plenty reliable power too.

[@renetobar9579]

Hi. Can you tell me how much does it cost to rebuilt a this engine . I’m looking to buy one that needs a rebuilt

[@ArielJRodriguez]

I have driven 1.5 million miles on my 3406B. It has 2.2 million miles on it and it still runs and sounds awesome. Just pulled 49klbs. With it the other day. I have it a flat top FLD Freightliner and will be driving this old girl until electrics come and force us out. It’s been so much fun being a part of the last era of real trucking, I will use my beautiful rig and matching trailer combo to tailgate after it’s all said and done. Til the end, thanks for the great videos. I’ve learned lots about my engine. Take care.

[@stanpatterson5033]

I'd be interested to know more about the 3406's little brother - the 3306B. I had one in a highway tractor. Only 300 hp, but it was all I needed for what the tractor was bought to do. It was hands-down the most trouble-free, dependable engine I've had to date. Started like a champ hot or cold, and it fired right away, no cranking and wearing down the batteries. Grossing 70 thousand, it got 9 mpg thru an 8LL

[@johngoldsmith6629]

3306 started off as a 1673 basically also had a B and C version, 3306, 3306B, 3306C.

[@elexvavrick6011]

The 3306 and 3304 were absolutely BULLET PROOF none rebuilt so many for CRC engine shop forgot the number. I built one that came in with more than 30,000 -yes 30,000 hours. Number 1 cylinder hadn't fired for some time - a water pump for dust control Las Vegas.

[@paulfisher6142]

@@johngoldsmith6629 I had a 1673 (C ?) in my 1st truck; 1966 International CO 4000 that I bought in 1976. 245 hp. R96 10 speed . ... . I had 4 1693's . . . Good ol' engines . .. ...

[@johngoldsmith6629]

@@paulfisher6142 The 1600 series was mostly refereed as Clatapillars. Sound like a bunch of loose bolts running. Lasted forever, fuel mileage sucked, but fuel was cheap. I have never seen or worked on a 1676 in a truck. The few 1673C's I seen was 76R prefix. Worked on two if I recall, they was almost gone when I started. One 1673 or 1673B came in I think, I asked to work on it, got turned down.

[@jacobmorgan4689]

Thank you for sharing👍👍I'm a cook but my younger brother is a mechanic. Informational video

[@hoost3056]

Thanks bro, thank you for doing this. Adding to the things that are problems: Unlike a Cummins Big Cam, a standard B model doesn't like to be revved hard. 2400 rpms is the limit before you have to worry about the bottom end coming apart. Marine spec parts can get the hp into the 600 plus range easily. There are upgraded exhaust manifolds and turbos for these engines to help with power and clean up the smoke. No engine has to be smoky, how the pump and injectors are set up really decides that, and getting more air into the engine.

[@AdeptApe]

+Steve Ross A 3406 shouldn't be going over 2100 rpm really, most of the 3406E and C15 are governed there it seems. One of the B models in the shop doesn't smoke at all, even revving it, I've never seen that before on one of these. You are right that it is possible, but most of them smoke at least a little.

[@cwj9202]

As Josh mentioned, the 3406B's were manufactured with nozzles, and those components are not the best for atomizing the fuel charge, thus, the black smoke.

[@hoost3056]

Adept Ape totally agree. I had a B model in an 85 KW W900 and the guy who worked on it was an old timer that had pretty good hands when it came to tuning them. If I were to do another one, I would rebuild it with parts from IPD ( they offer an upgraded piston and liner combo plus other fixes ) make sure the bottom end is balanced and blueprinted and put the liner protrusion at the high end of spec.

[@johnhull6363]

NOTHING will rev like a V8 Mack

[@johnhull6363]

Liner protrusion is a weakness..... counter boring is a must

[@Northern_Farmer]

I have one in my big 9000 Ford and cat d6. Great engine

[@zeke1eod]

Thanks for sharing, just installed exhaust gaskets on a 88 3406B yesterday, in a 84 Peterbilt. God bless

[@8mpgmafia109]

How much are those 88 going for ?

[@thebackwoodsmechanic5029]

Great content on the engine

[@blakewithadhd7358]

Thanks for Making this video

[@alanincardona1879]

They were a great motor. Good torque at all power levels. Was capable of good fuel economy if you didn't turn them down. Long live the 3406 series of motors!

[@peterbiltlowryder]

Yes def didn't like being turned down. I drove 7 axle dump/ pup set ups with them & when turned down... forget about it. Shit fuel mileage & miserable to pull around 98,000+lbs with. Turned up tho.... pleasure!

[@chriskystoneadventures]

I worked on 3406 in the early 80's in 977l cat loaders, they were an awsome engine, a bitch to prime at times but lasted forever in the loaders. They also had a wet starter motor that would leak oil and a special way to set valve clearance.

[@gbhkapgbhkap9959]

Hey guys can someone tell me where to install the oil pressure port for a mechanical gauge on my 3406b

[@roaddawgrobbaker6644]

I got a 98 wester star with a 3406B I love it ..I've had e blocks but the 3406b is my fave

[@jcjc2593]

Those engines are beasts and a very reliable to put them to work... But in my country they are not the best option because they are really expensive to repair and we have a lot of long downhills and the engine brake on those engines does not keep the truck at a safe downhill speed... Awesome video as always I'm always wating for next one

[@40KRK]

Could add a brake saver but probably way to expensive 🤷‍♂️

[@hereticleader4187]

@@40KRK what's a brake saver?

[@vadimproiaev5835]

One great engine. I got a freightliner dump truck with 3406C engine and turned up 3406B mechanical fuel pump and 3406E faster spool turbo with external wastegate. Never had it on a dyno but it sure goes good. I'd like to try them marine nozzles though heard nothing but the good about them.

[@DynoDieselWagon]

Keep up the great info. Professionally done .

[@marcusrussell8660]

There are two of them in the large boat I am considering living aboard.

[@donmunro144]

I love the 3406s.We had cat loaders with them. Biggest problem we had was exhaust stud breakage, injector cup seals and pump bonnet seals. And yes I'm one of those 50 plus year olds.

[@danielmckay3458]

I've seen all the problems you speak of clean straight and true sometimes shit isn't as flat as it should be

[@IndigenousAmericanTrucker]

I’m glad u call it an engine bcuz ive told drivers that this thing is mechanical which means it’s not a motor but an engine!

[@AdeptApe]

The difference between an engine and a motor is actually a big controversial subject, but if you say an engine everyone knows what you are talking about.

[@kennethperian4370]

Thanks and great job showing telling, keep on showing telling cause I am learning. Thanks again see you next time see ya bye.

[@ace526050]

Good Video. As a young diesel mechanic back in the 80's I think the 3406A model engine was more of a zombie engine then the B models the A models had a inline injection pump with a gear driven fuel transfer pump with low pressure fuel nozzles/pre-cups, while the B model had a inline injection pump with a plunger type fuel transfer pump with a high pressure direct injection injectors. The check valves in the plunger fuel pump were constantly failing, along with the nozzles not maintaining recomended test pressures/patterns. What gave the B models a bad rap was in the early first production models Cat had a one piece head gasket to were the fire ring was crimped onto the gasket instead of the fire ring being separate from the head gasket, the other downfall was the early B's didn't have a torque plate between the lower block and oil pan as well as main bearing cap support plates. The lower torque plate would prevent the block from flexing causing the upper flex plate and head gasket from moving causing premature head gasket failure, along with the lower main bearing cap supports would prevent the block from flexing. Cat slowly addressed these problems very slowly, while at the owners expense by trying to introduce the updates on these engines quietly without drawing attention to themselves. I Hope some of you find this information helpful.

[@jesseburch2499]

I have an A model in my 359 its not original the previous owner removed the B and put an A in it for whatever reason and im trying to find out all i can about it but im not having much luck online. Ive heard you can do a timing advance and go with a C model turbo and get somewhere around 515hp but but i cant find the info on how to do it.

[@kg4muc]

The 80's were good years :) I was young just out of school and way more pliable than now LOL

[@workinmatt7847]

I’m glad I found this informative video.

[@arriviste2020]

These engines were also used in cranes etc. To solve the exhaust manifold bolt problem, replace the bolts cross drill the heads, torque them up, and using stainless steel wire, lock them in situ. Fitting an industrial eng pan will add rigidity to the eng block Keep the crankcase breathers (s) clean, and add an extra breather to the block, it will reduce oil leaks, especially the front and rear crank seals.. Get the sandwich plates machined and use high quality "O" ring material to seal them. Take the mechanical pump (and inj's) to a rebuild specialist and watch them check the fuel delivery, atomisation,spray pattern and leak down of the inj's. Then get the main pump calibrated and tested for equal and accurate firing order / angles.Sounds like a lot of trouble to do, but it will repay for itself many times over. Each 3406 was rated for max HP at set rpm, the pump rebuilder can fine tune the inj system to operate a little above that and give some safe and reliable extra HP without producing a black thundercloud every time the throttle is opened up.Anyone with a decent workshop and access to information can play around with a 3406 and get some decent results, much like a Detroit Diesel. Don't forget, black smoke is unburned fuel and helps to "wash down" cylinder bores and contaminate lube oil..Keep a 3406 within the rpm range and it will run for a very long time without losing too much HP.::)

[@elexvavrick6011]

Why they never went to larger studs like the 1693 was totally beyond me. I developed many inventive ways to remove broken studs, Cat even had a line up tool to drill them out-had one.

[@michaellea6435]

Good video!!! I love Caterpillar engines

[@02091992able]

Pretty much early cat engines where adapted Bulldozer and other construction equipment engines modified for truck use on the road. They had to designed their own engine brake because they couldn't fit a Jake Brake. The clatter comes from a pre combustion chambers on the engine. I don't know if that is even found on later engines but is the origin of the nickname Clatterpillar for CAT truck engines.

[@joescheller6680]

the pre cup engines were not the 3406bs or a, we had an old 375 with the precup engine rest were all direct injection

[@chapc]

Do you know, is this a good engine for an OTR truck?? Light loads but lots of mountain passes. Thank you

[@joescheller6680]

@@chapc they are very good durable engines and perform quite well in mountains as they are designed to lug underload down to 1150 to 1200 rpm and they just keep on going

[@johnfunk6343]

Yup that would be me and I am retiring . I have not worked any in a while except in some old loaders and scrapers. And a induction heater took works great on the bolts at the thermostat. . Use that to heat them up and out everything comes

[@chevspyder85]

We’ve got 2 3406B model cats that are sequential s/n’s. We’ve had to replace the camshaft in both engines within a year of each other because a lifter retainer broke and the lifter spun in the bore and wore the lobe off the camshaft. Both engines did the exact same thing! It was weird. Other than that, they’ve been great engines!

[@johngoldsmith6629]

If they have a compression brake, it is recommended to do a lifter inspection at mid life.

[@rtusa8926]

The good old four and a quarter cat, set the engine up to do 475 horsepower to 500 Max and put a 13-speed transmission behind it. This combination was used a lot in the Peterbilt and the KW 900.

[@johngoldsmith6629]

How do you set it from a 425 to a 475, 500 max?

[@timerickson7056]

I've had trucks with 3406b s . I loved them. they almost never spent time in the shop. mine never had oil leak issues at least not as bad as series 60 they used about the same amount of fuel as a series 60 and a lot less down time.

[@mattpamp8204]

1990 peterbuilt 379 short hood 256 wheel base 3406b 13 spd pump was turned up steel hauling at it best

[@kentucky8256]

Matt Pamp it would take a steel hauler to not spell peterbilt right

[@rafaelgoris5274]

It was probably the autocorrect on his phone 📱

[@mattpamp8204]

Sweat equity i can spell it any way i want

[@jamessheehan1045]

@@mattpamp8204 You tell em, Matt

[@bluegarren9361]

This engine is #1 on my list that I wanted to get. But due to the cost of everything I started looking at other engines. Except now I am leaning back to getting a 3406B despite the extra cost on everything. Because after all how much more is it anyway and you have the engine that you really want. BTW, you have the wrong picture for the cylinder to head spacer plate at 10:02 but you have it earlier in the video at 6:13 “ if I am understanding everything correctly” Thanks for making this video! BTW (again) your videos can use some background, just sayin.

[@3gearsgarage]

3406c was available as full mechanical or peec. Roughly 110k full mechanical c’s were produced and 32k peec’s were produced. The peec was rated at 460hp while the full mechanical was 425.

[@grahamelliott4689]

What year did they start?

[@metaagyel620]

Great video! Some time in the future you should do a video on turning up a b model 3406.

[@finleypatmalcolm]

One easy trick is to put the 3/8 timing pin in the pump. Then remove the timing advance cover and loosen the timing advance bolts . Put about a 3" 5/16 bolt in the flywheel hole and back up the engine until the bolt wedges in the hole.. Retighten the advance bolts making sure the advance spool is bottomed out as you retighten the timing advance . This advances your timing the perfect amount. Remove both pins and start up.. Listen to that snap, its awesome ! I worked on and rebuilt 1000s of these during that whole era with Toromont CAT in Windsor Ont. Next lesson on fuel screws and AFRC settings. Oh buddy, good times, the best of my career.

[@shanegaree101]

So how bout to turning the fuel srews and afc

[@westtexastll1978]

@@finleypatmalcolm I'm just ridiculously curious if a Bosch P-7100 style 12mm or 13mm barrel pump, maxed/balanced & benched could work with a Caterpillar?? Maybe a different pump cam to match the Cat firing order if it's not the same as a Cummins?

[@westtexastll1978]

@@finleypatmalcolm I saw a video of someone that put a P-7100 style pump on a Ford Powerchoke 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jimzivny1554]

Good video. I grew up on mechanical diesels and loved 'em. It took me awhile to learn the electronics and I'm still learning, they change it so often.

[@AdeptApe]

+Jim Zivny I'm very comfortable with the electronic engines, and I'm trying to get into the mechanical pumps, but don't have a seasoned guy in the shop to show me the works. Gonna have to learn on my own.

[@johnhull6363]

Put your hand on every pump manual you come across.....lots of critical numbers and running changes and what worked....also don't use any "new old stock" fuel system parts....remember how many times they took sulfur out of diesel in the last 25 years! They won't last a month

[@johngoldsmith6629]

They are called scroll fuel systems. Like rolling a paper scroll open. The helix on the pump determines how much fuel is metered into the cylinder. You have a fill port and a spill port. Just think of rack and pinion. As the rack moves all the pumps move the same. As the rack opens up, it increases the angle of the helix (more). As the fuel cam lift's each pump, with the increased angle, takes longer to reach the spill port. So going up a hill engine speed slows down due to load. Flyweights in the gov. slows down. Spring force becomes stronger allowing rack to move into the full on position. Which increases angle of helix, taking a longer stroke on each injection pump to reach spill port, thus more fuel on the piston. Going over the hill, flyweight speed increases. Now flyweights are stronger than spring force. Pulling rack back, reducing angle of helix. Now on each injection cycle less stroke is now available to spill port, thus reducing amount of fuel metered onto the piston. Sleeve metering is about the same except you have a sleeve riding up and down on each pump. As the sleeve is moved up or down determines a longer or shorter stroke to reach the spill port.

[@nfarnell1]

The first 3406 was the 3406PC, it had a unique sound. Very much like the 1674, the turbo charger was huge and once it got going it was the first thing you heard. They were rated at 365HP but they pulled very hard. The PC was for Precombustion Chamber. They hard glow plugs and would start better than any other engine. The original engines had a steel plate/ spacer between the head and block, this worked pretty good, once they changed to Aluminum the failures really rammed up.

[@johngoldsmith6629]

These was a 360 HP used a T18 turbo off a 1693. The major problem was not the spacer plate change. But removing asbestos from the gasket. Did not have a handle on that. The aluminum spacer plate just accelerated the failure. The original engines lubed the rocker arms via the head bolts. A lot of oil in the cooling system failures. Block and cylinder head was redesigned with a oil dowel in block and a hole in the cylinder head. I had one years ago someone put a earlier head (no holes) on a dowel block. Thus the rocker arms failed due to no oil supply.

[@ClassicTrucker]

I drove one a few months it was awesome

[@Kcknbck99]

I daily drive a 1989 379 3406 B and I love it. But it could use some more power for sure.

[@Mr.Highway]

Best engine ever 👍

[@brynlevy2582]

We run a 91 westerstar with the 3406b truck runs great

[@sapperdaddy504]

These videos really helped me out in tech classes and in the field

[@mobilechief]

Thanks I sure miss mine, never had a issue with it 4 million miles before a rebuild

[@nashwaldrop6198]

I would love to see you do a video over the 1693 my personal favorite cat ever produced

[@johngoldsmith6629]

I would love to see one with a forged body fuel system and a compression release.

[@picktostone1605]

Love are B model in are winch truck we have rebuilt this motor several time and never had a problem well till last year buts thats only do to a warped head hardly leaked any oil and if it did it was from the injection pump or because we messed up a main seal

[@name-ww5yu]

The 3406b sounds the best

[@terrymillard9255]

425 cat king of the mountain back in the 80's hear in Colorado. Had a 88 T600 with it, loved it

[@robertmcnair35]

Good video, I just recall having a problem with a bonded water pump impeller apart from that these engines were tuff and reliable.

[@kevinbaker8102]

hot tip for puzzle gasket install is gask a cinch

[@justicekelly5487]

Best engine ever .But don't forget the 855cummins. Or the Detroit series 60.

[@josephbarr8197]

Besides the Detroit 60 series, this was a good reliable engine

[@HoneyBadger363]

I would also throw in the Cummins N14, it has been a very good and reliable engine as well. Seems like the mid 80's to late 90's engines were the best before the EPA regulations changed into the more maintenance heavy engines of today.

[@alfonsgar]

@@HoneyBadger363 the n14 also makes power quicker than the 3406b, I drive 2 trucks with these engines. The n14 will rev quicker than the 3406b but the 3406b has much more top end. Will have to give it to the Cummins on the engine braking though, the cat I drive has a brake saver and doesn't have the same braking power as the n14.

[@blakebreckenridge]

@@alfonsgar Cat never did do well with engine braking, Series 60s and N14s were way better, Series 60s were the best engine braking in my opinion.

[@prevost8686]

Honey Badger The N14, Series 60, and the 3406B were all great engines and they all ran well past the million mile mark with good maintenance practices. For my needs the 12.7 fits the bill . All three were great money making chunks of cast iron. I still have a pre-egr 12.7 and I just don’t want to change. I despise all the newer emission engines regardless of who makes them.

[@BrySch5303]

3406b and 3408 are the best 2 cat motors ever . All you need to carry is fuel diagram and fuel celanoid and little clips for fuel lines .. and you can get 609 plus hp out of them