The Cat 3208 Engine. Know Your Engine. Engine Design And Problems. Cat 3208.

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มี.ค. 2018
  • The Cat 3208 had along production run and can still be found in several different industries. This video goes over the engine design and features.
    Donations to the Adept Ape channel can be made at AdeptApe@yahoo.com on Paypal. Thanks for watching.
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ความคิดเห็น • 435

  • @stevenlatham4397
    @stevenlatham4397 2 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    We have 15 of them in old Ford 9000 trucks, non-turbo. They honestly never fail us, and start pretty good in the cold. I’ll take dependability over power any day

    • @markbroad119
      @markbroad119 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      There is a 1981 single cab single rear axle down the street for 5k. Says low miles. I just need any extra $5000

  • @vettekid3326
    @vettekid3326 4 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    I'm retired from Cat and they used to sponsor a pulling tractor the Silver Bullet that ran a 3208 converted to run on alcohol with spark plugs where the injector nozzles would normally be. It put out around 3000 HP in that configuration and sounded really wild. Got to see it one day when Cat staged a publicity event at the old Mossville engine plant in 1999 and used to keep one of the autographed postcards on my desk at the various plants I worked at until I retired.

    • @andyharman3022
      @andyharman3022 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I have seen the Silver Bullet at many tractor pulls. The Lustiks made their own billet aluminum hemi cylinder heads for it. They use three turbos in two stages to make ~80 psi of boost. It's an inspiration to see.

    • @nerdnate4868
      @nerdnate4868 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Actually would love to hear more about this!

  • @brocluno01
    @brocluno01 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Never worked on a truck version, but worked on plenty marine applications. Made 10K hour marine engines, easy. Many went well beyond 10K. The issues I had were blow-down tests. You have to rock the crank to get the rings to seal. They are keystone rings (pressure backed). If you don't move them, you'll get erroneous results. But as soon as you move the crank with air on the piston, they'd want to come around and smack you.
    Some blocks had porous casting in the rear cylinders and would consume oil after about 2,500 hours. Sleeve the block and you are good to go. The hot ticket was the 1-W arrangement. Oil cooled pistons, hotter cam, slightly advanced timing and higher pump volume. 275 to 350 HP easy and you could bump the high-idle to get 3,000 RPM all day every day. They'd handle 25 psi of turbo pressure all day, but any more and they'd start weeping at the head gaskets ... On a boat, you have to carry a pre-built high pressure hose ended to fit the pump and an injector. Crack one of the steel lines and you're dead in the water with a bilge full of diesel sheen. Put on the temp line and get home on 7 cylinders, but you'd get home :)

  • @zuluvoyager6037
    @zuluvoyager6037 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I used to drive fuel trucks at the airport with the 3208 na engine in it. They were basically garbage trucks with a fuel tanker on them. These engines sounded really nice, but they were underpowered for what we used them for. They lasted really long and were always ready to work compared to the newer electronic engi es which always had something wrong with them.

  • @leskeegan9033
    @leskeegan9033 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Had 3208's in Fire Trucks in the 80's. We never really had any serious issues with them. Of course we would never warm them up. When a call came in we would fire them up and floor it going down the road. Ran very well. They replaced Detroit Diesel rigs that were slow when cold until they warmed up. Many calls were of a short distance from the Firehouse. So they would be warm by the time we came out to go back to the station. I liked the 3208's cause they just ran well.

  • @Scott-sb1xi
    @Scott-sb1xi 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I have one that's NA in a 81 F600 that I just purchased for a hobby truck. It was an airport fuel truck then purchased at auction by a farmer. He used it 3 years then sold it to me with 24,000 miles on it. He had nothing but good luck with 3208's on his farm he told me but was a Chevy fan, so he was glad to see it go.

  • @ronaldlee6565
    @ronaldlee6565 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I worked & retired from Cats foundry in Mapelton, IL. 1977-2008 We would ship 100's of 3406 & 3208 blocks to Mossville machine & assembly plant everyday. I worked on the line for 3208's in the 80's & 90's & we would ship 650-700 blocks seven days a week for years. We also cast all the big blocks for mining, railroad, generators & huge ocean boats. Heads & liners also. Most of the smaller blocks where shipped to their Mexico foundry about the time I retired.

  • @johnhughes2043
    @johnhughes2043 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Had a 3160 marine, 200 hp, (unfortunately) raw water cooled in a commercial fishing
    boat. Ran damn good, reliable, fuel economy @ hulls best cruise speed (slow) pretty decent and would tote a load. Only problem I ever had was a bad transfer pump. Pretty easy to maintain and repair. Thought they got a bad rap. Crappy nozzle or bad injector could wash a hole out then you'd have a problem, overall - change oil, run valve's when needed, feed it clean fuel and it was happy! Made some money with it. Yeah its heavy, worked in my boat though, sat low and helped mitigate some of the roll. Overall pretty good old school Cat engineering.

  • @johnstrick9317
    @johnstrick9317 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Worked on a bunch of them in school buses back in the day, easy to diagnose & repair. Lots of power, good all around engine.

  • @kapu4369
    @kapu4369 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    3208 running at 16k hours in my trawler. Water pump and starter only parts changed. Still starts like new, even in low temperatures.

  • @C10Scottsdale
    @C10Scottsdale ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I used to, for many years, eat, sleep, and work on 3208 CAT engines. I loved the design and common sense engineering built into the engines. They were not very sophisticated as compared to a common rail engine of today but I enjoyed working on them. Most of the applications they were in were of material handling in the steel industry and they were heavily abused. Not a big fan of the single compression ring though. Much improved over the 1160 series.

  • @davepenn9181
    @davepenn9181 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The lumber yard I worked at had several 3208's back in the '80s and '90s. Both turbo and n/a. The non-turbo versions were really loud. Great sound and decent power for trucks with GVWRs in the 35-51,000 lb range.

  • @dufus2273
    @dufus2273 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    lotta good info here on the 3208. more info than you would get after 5 years of driving one. thanks for all the inputs.

  • @edwardryan2200
    @edwardryan2200 5 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    had a pair of 3208TA's in my 37 ft Trojan boat, pretty reliable engines....2019 still running

    • @mwlagana
      @mwlagana 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Great Marnie engine, how many hours

  • @tgood9780
    @tgood9780 5 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Thank you. Really appreciate this information. As an owner of a diesel pusher RV with a 3208T there are few if any public resources with the knowledge you display. Much appreciated.

  • @dalekrueger1175
    @dalekrueger1175 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Another positive on the 3208 is they start great in cold weather

  • @kennolte5801
    @kennolte5801 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Excellent video. The 3208 was a long time solid performer. It seemed the marine and agricultural engines had little problems relatively speaking. They did have a wide spread use in the P&D types of trucking applications. There are still quite a number in use world wide for different applications. A good testament for an older model engine. They were a good choice in the medium duty sector of the trucking industry.

  • @RickDominick69
    @RickDominick69 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Thanks. I had one in my RV with 389k. Sold it and the new owner loves it.

  • @niceguy4928
    @niceguy4928 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Thanks again man. Pretty decent engine for the time👍

  • @289hipo
    @289hipo 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Can relate to the crankshaft problems - only one I really tied into was in a forklift in a prestressed concrete panel yard, was broken at #4 & #3 rod journal. Knocked bad

  • @ovidiofs1
    @ovidiofs1 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I continue learning this engines... Thanks body

  • @travisnull273
    @travisnull273 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Josh, thanks for the great video! You helped me get my 225 excavator going after I ran it out of fuel.

  • @carlwilliams8354
    @carlwilliams8354 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Drove some mid 70’s Louisville Fords with 3208 Cats plus owned one with a 534 Ford gas. The gas truck was lighter and seemed to pull as good as the Cat.

  • @jimzivny1554
    @jimzivny1554 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Good video. I worked on quite a few of these years ago, real workhorses in medium duty trucks and buses. They're very reliable, also the nozzles were rebuildable. If I remember correctly you could get oversize piston kits as well as sleeves directly from CAT.

    • @EM6285
      @EM6285 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Jim Zivny Yes, 3208s could held up to 2 over-bore overhauls.

  • @BCH37501
    @BCH37501 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for another great informative video!

  • @starrschrock4438
    @starrschrock4438 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    because I have a 1989 Beaver Marquis. Thank you so much for making videos about them.

  • @kerrygleeson4409
    @kerrygleeson4409 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for sharing always very interesting

  • @michelreineking8284
    @michelreineking8284 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I mentioned in you're 3126 video about the 7 point nozzle jam nuts. And like you were saying, those plastic crossover tubes failed. Decided it would be easier to pull the heads than the front assembly. You're not joking about everything being heavy. I'm not a small guy, but it took allot of effort to install those heads single handed. Also 27 year old pan gaskets don't come off very easy. The co-worker helping me pull the heads was kind enough to drop a head bolt washer into the engine.

  • @jeffreysheldrake73
    @jeffreysheldrake73 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    While I worked in the Hire Industry in Australia 3208 na were a go to engine for repowers . They smoked a bit sometimes..but the bloody things ran and ran without excessive oil consumption or fuel pump issues. Seemed to have a narrow rev range when they were put in trucks but did the job . Also heard quite a few went into F Trucks in my area. You heard them before you saw them

  • @663horton
    @663horton 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Josh, My wife & I just bought a 1986 Chris Craft 48 motor yacht with a pair of 3208TA. Wish you had done this video 2 months ago. Whale I was researching the motors... now on to watch the video...

  • @djburris1961
    @djburris1961 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I had a 1986 Ford F8000 with a Cat 3208. The truck had an 18' refrigerated box, and the truck was rated for 32,000 lbs GVWR. It was great. I got close to 10 mpg on it. And, even in North Georgia, I rarely had to plug in the block heater.

  • @chriseck9278
    @chriseck9278 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome, thanks, I have two 435hp versions in my boat, had to replace a head last summer as the valve guide wore out, have 1300 hrs, I pray I can keep em running for many years!! Thanks again!

    • @AdeptApe
      @AdeptApe  6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      +Chris Eck Keep those old Cats running. They should still last quite awhile, everything is cast iron.

    • @scrimmy6969
      @scrimmy6969 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Why didn't you or the shop just install a bronze liner or a new guide?

    • @chriseck9278
      @chriseck9278 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      scrimmy6969 it was suggested that i replace the head, as I think it's possible the other guides were on their way out. I also agreed with that route as it's a pretty tough job in the boat and I wanted limit down time, finally I had the help of a very experienced mechanic but only for 1 day!

  • @marklafayette6948
    @marklafayette6948 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It has very good low torque. & it starts up fast, I like this motor in a tractor 👨‍🌾

  • @Eighty8Fitter
    @Eighty8Fitter 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My dad swapped his ‘75 F250 with a 3208 back in the early 80’s. Waaaaaaaay before people thought it was cool for diesel swaps. Great engine that took a lashing!

  • @lrcavalli290
    @lrcavalli290 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We had a few of them in our rice producing equipment...no problems as i recall

  • @jmyers9853
    @jmyers9853 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    the early engines had several different displacements. i had the short stroke high rev truck engine of 555 cubic inches, the 3208 had the longer stroke and 636 cubic inch displacement, they were the 1100 series truck engines, 1145 for the 555 cubic inch short stroke engine, the 1150 and 1160 models as i remember. the 1160 displacement became the 3208

  • @jonbruce536
    @jonbruce536 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I worked on a dairy farm that had one in a Oliver 2255 4WD tractor. Honestly, it had a cool factor with it's sound, but it was no wimp. It would pull hard in tillage or heavy manure tank. I really liked it and I know a lot of people that got a lot of hours out of them without the best maintenance.

  • @jeffreysheldrake7943
    @jeffreysheldrake7943 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Seen a lot of these as a go to engine on compaction equipment. Also fitted to an old model Ford Louisville in Australia. They only rated them at about 210 HP na.

  • @walkerv8530
    @walkerv8530 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Gonna miss my c7 about to get a spare service truck with one of these 3208 engines luckily im already familier with some issues they have, the coolant tube i did not know about thanks .

  • @mark2727
    @mark2727 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very interesting to learn about Cat diesel engines. All of my experience has been on automotive engines and aircraft engines. Enjoyed the video.

  • @wizard1800
    @wizard1800 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video. I have seen a few of these but never got to work on any of them.

  • @edgullickson2395
    @edgullickson2395 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I had a 3208 in a ford tandem and had lots of problems with it blowing several head gaskets and blow-by . Had a factory rebuild done and it was blowing by right out of the shop , so I got rid of the natural aspirated and bought a factory rebuilt turbo and installed that , what a difference in performance, but did not get to see how it lasted as work dried up and I had to let it go .

    • @jamese.benton9908
      @jamese.benton9908 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If you are facing problems in repairing and maintaining 3208 you can refer to the manuals at reliable-store dot com . They are providing the complete step-by-step instructions, diagram's and specifications to completely repair your vehicle with ease!

  • @waggerification
    @waggerification 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    worked for a company that had them in yard jockies , had oil change on hour basis (cat recomended) had crankshaft problems in many of them , recons did not last long , others had internal leaks on fuel pumps .

  • @patrickyoung2117
    @patrickyoung2117 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Adept Ape: What is your secret when the 3208 pumps freeze up? That was the #1 problem I had with my CATs.

  • @rleslie845
    @rleslie845 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    1984 Ford F8000 fire truck: 3208 Turbo is still going strong. Never had an engine problem.

    • @user-jq5ro8ef2c
      @user-jq5ro8ef2c 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      How many MILES??

    • @dufus2273
      @dufus2273 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      most firetrucks don't get a lot of use/abuse. imho

    • @samwagner31
      @samwagner31 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      dufus and they get meticulously maintained, and then if the department is in a well of city/county then they get new equipment way before the equipment is worn out. I can’t speak for fire trucks, but our city replaces police cars every 85-90k miles.

    • @Northern_Farmer
      @Northern_Farmer 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@dufus2273 I agree...ifbthey were run regularly..would most likely be a different situation.

  • @huskysteel1621
    @huskysteel1621 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love the 3208. We own a 78 ford c800 cabover trash truck with a 3208NA killer engine!

  • @robpeters5204
    @robpeters5204 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I personally love this old engine. It had a unique bark when coming up the street. Many of our cur side garbage trucks in the 70's and 80's had them and you could hear when it was coming up the street and how much time I had to get that garbage to the curb. I can only guess why so many are making all of these negative comments here is because they didn't have the brains on how to operate this bad boy. These engines had to be warmed up before run and had to cool down before shutting down. They loved their rpm's and ran great. They didn't like hills but then again most diesels of this era did the same too. My uncle ran these engines in his tandem Ford Louisvilles dump trucks in early 70's when they were used in Ford motors and were Ford blue til the mid 80's. He never had one fail because he knew how to operate them and knew what they could do. A lot of these hotshot drivers are just that and nothing else but beer guzzling wife beaters in their down time.

    • @12onin_Gypsy
      @12onin_Gypsy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Every truck should be warmed up and cooled down, any one that says otherwise is a fool

    • @benjaminturpin2749
      @benjaminturpin2749 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@12onin_Gypsy Bullshit.. tell that to the many dudes I know that don't really warm up and cool down their trucks and are running at 500000 to 1mil. Come on stop believing in the wives tales, it does no one any good

  • @drive42
    @drive42 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I heard you should underhaul them every 100K miles. I didn't realize how small the bearings are until you compared them in your video. Now I see why the underhaul might be a good idea.

  • @terrygugel3803
    @terrygugel3803 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great video, I have a Oliver 2255 with this engine ,smooth running

    • @davebarnhart9415
      @davebarnhart9415 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have one in a White 2-180. Did some modifications. Pushing 600 HP . So many people don’t really know what they are talking about regarding them. It’s a great engine.

    • @slickdoglong3669
      @slickdoglong3669 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Right on brother I have a 2255 as well 4wd it has extra 2 gallon oil filter system out on steps what a beast the oil stays very clean rottela 15. 40 got to love them olies

  • @teds4983
    @teds4983 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    My pops used to talk about the 3408 a lot. But thats in semi truck's.

  • @bitopmar
    @bitopmar 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When I just started these were very popular engines in medium duty trucks. If they weren't pushed hard lasted along time.

  • @GIGABACHI
    @GIGABACHI 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Long live the OVERWEIGHT BLOCKY V8 architecture ! 😝 😁
    GOOD WORK as usual, Mr. Adept ! 👍🔥

  • @danielc5205
    @danielc5205 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    FTWC, we had a 1975 Massey Ferguson 1805 farm tractor with a 3208 NA. I think the h.p rating was 210. It was a good engine for that application.

    • @coltoncarpenter3790
      @coltoncarpenter3790 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Daniel C my family has a steiger bearcat with one rated at 235 hp. The na models were pretty good. When they start boosting them that's when they started have the real issues.

  • @Sjhssucks
    @Sjhssucks 6 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    We had quite a few 3208’s and the fuel solenoid would get scorching hot!

    • @MrTheHillfolk
      @MrTheHillfolk 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I see em in gen sets still.
      Haha what I know is when fuel comes out of any of the overflow tubes it's time to send the pump out 😁

  • @robsvideos13
    @robsvideos13 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    USCG had two NAs - 185hp versions in old 32 ft ports and waterways boats - late 70s.... We were told during training that the 3208 was a diesel conversion by Cat of the old 534 Ford gas job. We rolled one over in the boat to put in seals and found "FOMOCO" lettering on castings inside the crankcase.

    • @michaelbrown8545
      @michaelbrown8545 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      robsvideos13 early pre 3208 varient originaly came out in Ford Louiville trucks, they where painted blue and had an inline Bosch fuel pump and governor. Cheers mate🍻

    • @midtiertom
      @midtiertom 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Michael, I think you're thinking of the 1160..

    • @cwj9202
      @cwj9202 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You are right Thomas. That would be the 1160.

  • @wbarney59
    @wbarney59 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thanx josh learn a lit from your videos

  • @unclebud7577
    @unclebud7577 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have one in a 2255 Oliver as well as a 4-210 White.

  • @j2jet193
    @j2jet193 6 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    thanks for this. At 3:06 you say the 3208 doesn't have roller tappets. But that's true only in the early years. My 1988 firetruck (Ford C8000 Tilt-Cab chassis) has this engine WITH roller tappets running on the cam -- stock. Thru the years CAT kept improving what they could on it, upping the HP along the way. Mine has turbo, 225HP, with 2-ring pistons (would get 3-ring on any rebuild). It also does have cylinder/piston oil spray nozzles down below bottom of bore.
    I'm glad you emphasized about the engine's front "cover" --- it's a giant heavy piece of cast iron that spans the whole front of engine... has water passages, thermostat etc.. This "cover" is likely why the engine is sooo heavy for its size.
    The one bummer about these I cuss at a lot, is - as you stated - they don't have CYLINDER LINERS ... That was a money-saving decision on CAT/Ford's part in design, I suppose.
    Unlike most industrial diesels, THIS ONE DIFFERENCE made fixing a bad cylinder(s) a major labor ordeal (removing/disassembling engine), instead of a much easier/faster cylinder liner replacement... the cheapskate bastards. (I've wanted to say that for a long time ;-)

    • @drowsy4
      @drowsy4 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Can I swap this engine for some other would fit? thanks.

    • @jasonswift7098
      @jasonswift7098 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      How much does the engine weigh? lbs/kg

  • @chadsimmons6347
    @chadsimmons6347 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We have a Cat 3208 in our big pull behind compressor at work, sometimes it runs 8hrs a day, for weeks at a time when we're testing for plumbings leaks in big apartment buildings, it seldom needs fixed.

  • @JAMIE_ATKINS
    @JAMIE_ATKINS 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Another great video! thanks so much for sharing this stuff!!!

  • @greasyneedle
    @greasyneedle 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Haven’t worked on a bunch but I remember very easy starting engines. Took a fuel pump off a garbage truck and damaged the rad. Had to solder over some rad cores

  • @michaelbrown8545
    @michaelbrown8545 6 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    The sleeve metering fuel pumps cannot take any water and the sleeve control arms would often break so engine wont start after running fautlesly all day. Piston skirts will crack. And you must plateu hone the bores or you will burn more oil then diesel. Had some problems with thin head casting causing crack in exhast ports, engine will run all day and not use coolant but exhaust will fill with coolant overnight. Always check governor spring and torque control as well as set fuel as per OT number on the engine tag when fitting new or reman fuel pump and governor group. Fuel bleed off valve and anti syphon valve wher biggest causes of hard start and rough idle. Cheers mate🍻

    • @dufus2273
      @dufus2273 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      none of that sounds good

    • @Northern_Farmer
      @Northern_Farmer 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Have 3 of them in our combines..2 already have all the problems you mentioned

  • @billrussell7672
    @billrussell7672 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I seen the cat table that had a high 700hp for turbo marine app. When I was diagnosing why my forklift was burning up clutches. In a fork lift 190 hp , I was kicking 400 from a reman. Spitting out $1600 lipe fluid bathed clutches

  • @MrTheHillfolk
    @MrTheHillfolk 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Worst stuff I encounter on a few gen sets with em is injector pump issues.
    I don't know alot , but when fuel comes out of those overflow tubes on it I know it's time to send it out.
    Gens have a hard life of alot of sitting around.

  • @n2okrush
    @n2okrush 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Jeff from Jpaydirt sent me here! 😎

  • @mattt198654321
    @mattt198654321 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your voice is surprisingly soothing

  • @patrickyoung2117
    @patrickyoung2117 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good video by Good Wrench!

  • @caterpillarman456
    @caterpillarman456 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Quite a bit of controversy about the early history of the 1100, 3100 3208 family of Caterpillar engines. The 1100, series was a truck engine and came in three versions. All 4.5" bore, 1140 had 4.5" stroke, 1150 had 5" stroke, 1160 had 6"stroke. The 3100 was the industrial version. Both 1100 and 3100 had compact inline fuel injection pumps with servo assisted mechanical governors. There was one truck engine arrangement which used a limiting speed governor.
    These engines were designed to compete with Cummins 555 and Detroit Diesel 6V53, 200 HP @3000 RPM. All these high speed medium duty diesels designed during the first energy crisis of the late 70's. Ford was one of the first customers for the 1100 engine and used them in the new "Louisville" series of trucks. FoMoCo called them their 636 diesel and sold parts and service for them but, they were a Caterpillar engine top to bottom. The early 1100 and 3208 engines had a lot of connecting rod failures on cylinders 7 & 8, mainly because the main bearing oil holes were too small and starved the rod bearings of sufficient oil film. Early 3208 engines had a lot of valve spring failures which was a supplier issue. There was a known serial number range that Cat supported but customers whose engines failed out of the serial number range made a dealer service manager want to eat his own children.
    Engine oil consumption was occasionally an issue but mostly because of poor management of first hours in service, driving a new tractor 30 miles from dealer to farm usually made for an oil burner. Hauled home, put to work they were fine.

    • @dozer1642
      @dozer1642 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I appreciate your comment. I have a 1972 Gillig school bus with an 1160 in it. It runs great but it’s so hard to find anybody that knows about the 1160. I think if I ever have major troubles with it, I’ll try to swap a 3208 in it since they are similar in size.

  • @Zak6959
    @Zak6959 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Just had a flashback on those coolant tube o-rings, also doing mains using that offset "socket " for the front main to get around the pump.

    • @joepacheco4038
      @joepacheco4038 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Still have the offset wrench used to roll in bearings pin for pump timming an little bearing roller tab reman from cat had std bores

  • @abdulrahim4570
    @abdulrahim4570 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very good video

  • @1995iraqi
    @1995iraqi 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    cool looking studio.

    • @AdeptApe
      @AdeptApe  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +Hasoony Aliraqi I have a green screen now too, so I can do some creative videos.

    • @1995iraqi
      @1995iraqi 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Adept Ape heck yeah, i see u got new editing hobbies lol

  • @randylabatte9801
    @randylabatte9801 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Josh, I enjoy and learn quite a bit from your videos. I'm currently in the process tearing down my 3208 N/A marine engine. Also, my first rebuild... fresh water got into block and I think that one or more of the lower bearing froze up, as I cannot turn the crankshaft. After I rebuild what I need to, I'm concerned about how to time my fuel pump. Is there a method I would need to use?

  • @dewaynemiguel3349
    @dewaynemiguel3349 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The 3208 is a tough enguine New Holland put them in ensilage harvesters in the 80s and they ran full throttle pulling hard from 4:30 am till 9:30 pm everyday 7 day a week they tried the turbo model but they worked so hard the turbos ran cherry red hot and wouldnt hold up but the moter was a work horse

  • @oldmetalhead1
    @oldmetalhead1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I work for a Cat dealer. Even within the Cat dealer network, these engines were called "disposable" as they were not designed to be rebuilt. Also called "Grenades" as, if one went bad, most of the internal parts would be found in the oil pan. I'm not talking about a bit of metal, I mean, crankshaft, pistons and even camshaft parts. However, for some reason they would last forever in boats and even could be run at ridiculous power levels. Probably due to unlimited cooling and smooth load factors. Did not do well in manual shift trucks.

    • @zeekfranco509
      @zeekfranco509 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Explain more bro what did you mean did not do well with a Manila trans I’m gathering info for a swap I’m going to do I bought a junk yard 3208 it’s healthy I popped it open and looked good no blow by I’m looking to swap it into a k series Chevy suburban or something like it something ugly 🤣 but yea there’s a lot of questions not a lot of answers would this sucker blow up if I install it with a Clark 5 speed trans also can i turbo charge this dude or better of stock ? Thanks

  • @mitzvahgolem8366
    @mitzvahgolem8366 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Some 3208 Ran along time. We had a few.

  • @DulceSeeker
    @DulceSeeker 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Would you be that kind and do for us automotive dumbheads video on EGR valve and process not only on valve itself but how does that help to warm up engine, reduce the volume needed for expansion and how it automatically adjusts.
    I would be very grateful although I know it is not primary truck related..

  • @markgertz7657
    @markgertz7657 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I worked on the turbo 3208 in the 80's we ran them in 80,000 lb. Forklifts.

  • @dalekrueger1175
    @dalekrueger1175 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    it was designed by a joint venture between Caterpillar and Ford for medium duty trucks

  • @cbmech2563
    @cbmech2563 6 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Great video. I've worked on a lot of 3208s, they were a real common engine in trash trucks at one point. Also the 1100 series version, which was the Ford only model when they first came out, (Ford paid for 90% of the development cost and got 100% of production for the first 2 years. The crankshaft was induction hardened and was ok in stop and go, but if used in application where you ran 50 miles with out stopping they had a tendency to snap a crank).
    The biggest problem we had, in trash trucks especially,was bearings. If you didn't want a spun bearing you tried to get a set of rods and mains rolled in about 100,000miles, no later than 125,000. Other than that we really didn't have any consistent problems with it

    • @chrisgollihar8057
      @chrisgollihar8057 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      yep... I work as a garbageman, and Waste Management had a few leftover from the early 90's, not a lot of power, but got the job done

    • @cbmech2563
      @cbmech2563 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      +chris gollihar
      I've been repairing trash trucks since 1980 and they were the hot engine back then, from a natural aspirated at 200 up to 250 , a turbo up to 325. They may be shy on power compared to todays engines, but compared to what we had before, they were a hell of an engine. Easy to work on and dependable. They may be heavy for what they are, but they are lighter than a big Cam Cummins and fit into a smaller space. And they were better than the 1100s in the Ford C cab, at 175 HP, with an inline injection pump that was pure garbage, Cat used everything they learned with the 1100/1150s and made a decent engine.

    • @chrisgollihar8057
      @chrisgollihar8057 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      my truck now is a 2014 Peterbuilt with a Cummins.. automated Side loader . Runs on natural gas, and we have the fueling stataion in our yard. We're in San Jose, Ca

    • @cbmech2563
      @cbmech2563 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      +chris gollihar
      CNG sucks, no power, pain in the ass to work on and your driving around with a bomb strapped to your ass

  • @kevinferguson4163
    @kevinferguson4163 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Like your videos. Could you do one on a cat c11 and your opinion

  • @siclt1
    @siclt1 6 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Lol Seth McFarland gets a normal job

  • @enrikerodriguez4496
    @enrikerodriguez4496 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Best engine out for trucks

  • @misterhipster9509
    @misterhipster9509 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do refurbishing drive trains on Wanderlodge FC's, 3208 turbo's, find most have roller followers on the camshaft, must be lucky to run into the later production units.

  • @Iceaxehikes
    @Iceaxehikes 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Making cheeseburgers for snowmobilers but this video will be my reward later.
    We have a Cat 3208 in our Logan Manufacturing Snow Cat.

    • @AdeptApe
      @AdeptApe  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Matthew Edwards I'm glad you like the videos. That must be an older Snow Cat.

    • @Iceaxehikes
      @Iceaxehikes 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Adept Ape our snowcat was made by LMC as a subsidiary of Delorean Motors corp.
      1980s?
      The original 3208 got destroyed by my predessor when he drove over the well head and the oil pan settled in the snow and was punctured.. he also let it idle there until it seized.
      The sugar plant nearby had a Cat 3208 reman spare for their rail car tug.
      So we installed that.
      Unfortunately the turbo was destroyed so they left the exhaust housing and simply bolted a steel plate where the turbo intake sat.
      Top speed is 9mph measured by gps.
      Has to be plugged in in order to start below freezing.
      We use the cat to plow the parking lot and to drag a 24 foot snow safety shelter around the mountain.
      Thanks for that coolant o-ring tip!

    • @sc0tte1-416
      @sc0tte1-416 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Just letting her idle with no oil pan....If that doesn't make you cringe then you shouldn't have any responsibilities that involve internal combustion engines of any kind lol.

    • @Iceaxehikes
      @Iceaxehikes 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      sc0tte1 they fired that guy.
      Also how I got the job.

  • @mk4golfzz954
    @mk4golfzz954 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Sweet man

    • @AdeptApe
      @AdeptApe  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +Spooky Penguin69 Thanks for watching.

  • @brandonruhl4525
    @brandonruhl4525 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Should do a video on the C-12 if you have time.

  • @TeamTopKick
    @TeamTopKick 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    3208 is a good engine. People just hate on them because not the most powerful for its displacement but strong enough to be turned up. Also people hate cause they love to point out it's a parent bore. The engine do weight a bit but what medium duty diesel of the era didnt. They loved fuel . Lol.

  • @user-jp7rk1uf2n
    @user-jp7rk1uf2n 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    We had a 3160 in a 1800 Massey Ferguson. Never had any trouble with it.

  • @uffefridlund2319
    @uffefridlund2319 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey!
    I'm looking for tourqe and schedule for mounting head on cat 3208. Thanks for good videos!

  • @John-gj9db
    @John-gj9db ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh yes, I know a lot about these. Went to a fishing boat that had this engine that had just had a “full rebuild” but was smoking real bad. Turns out the mechanic had installed all of the compression rings upside down!!

  • @RobiSydney
    @RobiSydney 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My Pops has a FC '77 Bluebird 33' Motorcoach with a 3408, haven't had any major problems with it so far. He still wants to swap in a 8.3 Cummins

    • @EM6285
      @EM6285 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      RobiSydney 3408 will be too big for a Blue Bird motorcoach. 🤔

    • @jerryhilliard9291
      @jerryhilliard9291 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The Bluebirds used a 3208 not a 3408.

    • @misters2837
      @misters2837 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      If its a FC33s either came with Gignormous Gas engines or 3208...3408 is almost twice the size of this little engine.

  • @rogergodin6443
    @rogergodin6443 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very informative , I have a boat customer with a pair in his 46 searay ,port engine is very hard to start after sitting for a week or so,found the fuel filter( spin on is half full and the racor indicator gauge is reading 8 psi,filled the filter and loosened number 8 cylinder injector line to bleed and away we go. However,has a misfire on number 6 as I loosen the line and no change in rpm,could the injector be the source of the leak down?and what is cause of hi pressure on racor filter?has almost 1000 hrs on engines,starboard one has a valve train noise ?knocking sound ,thanks roger

  • @6nzpurrs
    @6nzpurrs 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nice video can you do a video full in depth on 3406B I just bought my own truck this year anything you think a newbi should know I pull 105,500lbs

  • @cowboydan86
    @cowboydan86 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Could you do a video on the 3408. I'm looking to install one in an international truck and want to learn more about them. thanks

    • @jamese.benton9908
      @jamese.benton9908 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I am also having a 3408. I always refer to the manual available on reliable-store dot com whenever I face problem in 3408. You can also refer their manual to maintain, service, diagnose and repair your vehicle.

  • @localcrew
    @localcrew 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If you feel the need to own a 3208 they are abundant in school bus auctions and boneyards. I'd wager that there were more of these motors put in school buses than anywhere else.

  • @bobgrauer
    @bobgrauer 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    These engines were also used by Oliver farm tractors in the mid 70's.

  • @douglasengle2704
    @douglasengle2704 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the video. My question is for more current CAT engines that meet tier 4 emissions I would think would be very close to what is required for road Diesels so why doesn't CAT reinter the road Diesel market. Thank you.

  • @colinadams2619
    @colinadams2619 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey man like the vids keep up the work. I was wondering how long should I should let my 2001 24 valve Cummins warm up for in the winter before I drive off? I watched your video on idling for diesels but u didn't specify how long is to long for idling or how long u should let your diesel truck warm up for thanks.

    • @cwj9202
      @cwj9202 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Colin, the best procedure is to start it up, get oil pressure, and then motor down the road being easy on the throttle until the engine approaches operating temperature.

  • @myschoolbusateyourtinyhome
    @myschoolbusateyourtinyhome 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for the videos! the coolant crossover tube at 8:20 is gone in my 89 Gillig pusher conversion. can I pull off some of the front housing stuff slide back that plate. and finger in some high temp JB weld , or similar products as an alternative. If that`s not too crazy, It looks like that might be what was being done before I got it from the school yard. any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

  • @kerryb2689
    @kerryb2689 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    3208 in a LN8000. 185hp NA 32Y, not enough power to get out of it's own way, smokes like a freight train when cold, starts better than almost anything down to 25 deg F. Lift pump is suction so a plugged filter will suck air into the flooded injection pump. I don't remember seeing the coolant tube, I'll have to look again.