Hands down this was the golden era of truck engines, 3406 and C15, Detroit series's 60, Cummins N14 and signiture gen 2.. didn't matter which colour you had they were all great
Even Volvos back then weren’t that bad, introduced in 93 pre emission Volvo D12 is still one of the most popular truck engine in the third world countries, it can easily run over 2 million kilometers (1.25 million miles) with no rebuild , it still used in Marine applications and emergency generators . Too bad it was replaced in 2007 by a junky emission compliant D13 that eats NOx sensors , camshafts , injectors like there’s no tomorrow and by 800k many of them require complete head rebuild
Cat still makes the 3406C mechanical Diesel for third world countries that want a mechanical engine for pumps, generators, compressors, boat engines. The 3406 is also made as a spark ignited natural gas engine along with the 3408.
@@philljustphill1656 figured underground mining would require even stricter emissions regulations though i suppose to doesn’t matter when your gonna need ventilation
@@skonky Nah they need reliability and it's already crawling with bad air in there it might as well have an old diesel running 24/7, like you said, they gotta vent it anyway.
Too bad our government spreads a hoax to make life harder on us and fills their pockets! We live on a planet and they think they control the thermostat 🤬
yep, a 3406B, 4 and quarter turned up around 500 horse, in a long nose Pete, stick your foot into it and get a puff of smoke from the stacks and away she would go. these young drivers don't know what they are missing. sure brings back memories.
Yee Haw! I've driven quite a few B and C mechanicals. Some were built with steel top pistons so they could be turned up past 500. One in a 379 with 13 speed and 3.36 gears and tall 24.5 rubber. The one and only time I ever went 130mph in a big truck. Good times man!
'''' THEY '''' SURE DONT 'KNOW' WHAT THERE ''MISSING'''' THE '' KID'S MISSED IT BY 20 YEAR'S '''' THE '' HOT ROD '' DAYS OF POWERFUL DIESEL ENGINE'S ''''' WE DIDN'T ''
Dude just this summer harvest season I taught a 19 year old with a farm endorsement how to grab gears in a 90s Volvo with a 3406E and a 10 speed that felt like it was gonna blow any day. And when I was his age in 2002 I remember making laps between the fields and the possessing plant in a late 70s international with a 8-71 and 13 speed pulling doubled bottom dumps loaded with onions. Anyone who wants to run old iron should find a farmer who needs things moved.
We have a 1974 Pete that had a 3406B swapped into it probably decades ago and that truck can sit for a year or more and start right up on the first crank every single time. Great motor!
I have 2 mechanical 3406C’s. they are apocalyptic level reliable, and have been in the family for 26 years and about 3 million miles between the two of em. Some of todays engines through technology are more fuel efficient but those monetary gains are wiped away and turned into a loss when you factor in lost revenue from downtime, repair costs, emissions failures, waiting days or weeks to receive service and then dealers and shops being unable to properly diagnose deep rooted electronic interrelated issues, thousands of added parts and systems prone to failure, a level of complexity that requires proprietary software to access, DEF cost, now we have low quality replacement parts and shipping delays, You name it, ELD system maintenance I could go on…Rebuild a mechanical 3406 drive it correctly and you will give it to your kids 25 years later, the only thing that can kill these engines will be the government and that would be a sad day if it ever came.
The good old cat engine's reliability is an understatement compared to today's engines if you were driving from Pennsylvania to California you knew you were not going to break down and if you did you could fix it with a screwdriver some duct tape and starting fluid and a few filters.....
That's no shit. Had a 3406B that broke a rocker shaft and I fixed it in a truck Stop parking lot in Vegas. Set it up with my feeler gages and I was good to go.
Drove most of them back in the day. 3406 360hp PCTA, 3406 375hp PCTA, 3406A 380 hp DITA, 3406A 400 hp DITA, 3406B 400 hp DITA, 3406B 425 hp DITA and 3406E 435 hp. It is an absolute shame that these engines had to go away and be replaced by the current exhaust choked "compliant" engines. Of all of them my favorite is/was a hot "4 and a quarter" B model. They were king of the road and still could be.
I LIKE THE 3406 BETTER BECAUSE ''' THEY 'REALLY' NEVER 'PREFECTED ' THE V-8 CAT '''' CAT CLAIMED IT HAD 'TROUBLE' HOLDIN A BOTTOM END ''' (MAIN BEARING'S)''''''' IF THEY HAD ''PREFECTED IT' ID STILL BE 'DRIVIN' ONE TODAY ''' FORD PICKED IT BACK UP IN THE 90'S WITH THE SUCCESSFUL ''POWER STROKE ''''' AND HAVE BEEN ''SUCCESSFUl WITH THE V-8 DESIGN ''''
I have a 92’ Peterbilt 379 that came with the 3406C PEEC engine. After a million miles I had it rebuilt and put a B model pump on it making it a full mechanical engine. The truck has never ran as good as it does now. I just recently bought an 84’ kenworth W900B with a 3406A CAT. I have 2 core 3406 B model engines in the shop and will be swapping my 86’ Peterbilt 359 from a 350 Big Cam Cummins over to a 3406B once the engine is complete.
'' ONE '' WORD OF 'CAUTION' WITH THAT A-MODEL'''' IF YOU 'TURN' THE 'PUMP' UP ''' BE ''CAREFUL'' NOT TO ''' LUG ''' IT '''' OR IT WILL 'START' POPING '' HEADBOLTS ''''
I love a 3406e… it seems like it’s one of the few that everything isn’t on back order for anymore. As well as one of my regular customers having one that we put a marine cam and other goodies in putting out almost 800 horse reliably. It’s just a good motor.
What's your favorite engine from Caterpillar? *I'd like to note that the 3406 is still being produced for select countries, but not for over-road-truck use.
The company I worked for ordered a round of C15s. I put close to 700k on one and during that time the repairs were as follows, water pump, alternator, front oil seal,and starter. The mechanics loved them and so did the driver. However going back to the start of my trucking career I would have to say that my favorite Cat was the 1693. Loved that motor.
I worked for a dealership for 42 years.. the 1693 was available until 1976. We had one of the last 1693 made. They were the same cubic in as 3406A . They made pc and DI 3406 A The 3406 B were great engines!
I remember a place I worked at in Northern BC had a 3406 with a 25kw generator, it was using a lot of oil at the end of it's life, but still churned along without so much of a hiccup for many years 24/7
I was always happy with this engine. 980 F. F series was a great series before it got all of the electronics. 21 thousand hours is a good run in a front end loader. I started with a 988 87A series with a D 343. It was a good engine.
I know someone who has a large fleet of 3406 glider trucks turned up to 700+ hp. And if u are wondering about who else still makes parts for their vehicles after they close down, Pacific has been closed since the 90s and they still make all of the parts for the trucks.
As a diesel-truck tech circa 1978-83, every shop I worked in considered the Cat 3400 series the gold standard of class 8 truck engines, easily preferable to Cummins NTC855's, 903's, & Detroit 8v71T's, & 8v92T's At the same horsepower rating they always out pulled the others. Only other engine that came close were the Cummins KT series. I really do despise the EPA and CARB
Mine hit 37,000 hours when it finally cracked the head internally and was spitting coolant out the exhaust. Just got first rebuild and I still can't believe it took that long to need a rebuild and it runs the same. I'm more than impressed.
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.
I REMEMBER THE ''DAY'' I WENT FROM A 3406-A'' TO A 3406-B'' '''' THEN TO A ''GAME CHANGER''''' THE ( 3406-E ) MODEL CAME ABOUT ''' THAT'S A ''GOVERNMENT'' CONTROLLED (ACCELERATOR - PEDEL ) '''' BULLSHIT '''''' SLOW TO RESPOND TO ''COMAND'S ''' AND ''INSURANCE'' COMPANY'S WANTED ''PROOF'''' THAT THE ''COMPUTER'' WOULD NOT LET IT GO OVER A ''PREDETERMINED'' SPEED SET'''' AND THE ''ISURANCE'' COMPANY'S WOULD TELL YOU WHAT TO SET ''MAX'' SPEED AT ''''' '''''' BUNCH'' OF ''NONSENSE ''''
@@sae4071 C15 while a great engine, it’s known for the compressor blowing up constantly/Horrible EGR issues and VGT issues. When well inspected and maintained yeah it’s fantastic. But if I had an unlimited budget I’d definitely go 3406E
It's hard to dislike any of those engines. I learned how to do this job by working on Cummins 855s and N14s, some DDEC 2 60 Series. That was a good time for the industry .
It might not interest anyone but the 3406e was also used in the romanian trucks DAC 16.550 (4x4) and 26.550 (6x6) which were going to take part in the Paris - Dakar rally. Originally the engine was a tuned version making about 660 HP combined with a redesigned cabin. However financial issues meant that they had to use a stock cabin with new CAT axles and a stock 550 HP 3406e (it had 16 tonnes rather than the previous 9 tonnes design). Despite these setbacks the factory team managed to get 2nd and 3rd in the 1999 Rally of Tunis only behind an Iveco driven by ex-WRC driver Miki Biasion.
Picked up a glider kit last year with a 6nz . Definitely an incredible engine. Really happy that Cat is still making parts for these types of engines. We will always wonder what would’ve taken place if Cat stayed in the on highway emissions development. All the manufacturers had their issues early on but it seems that 2014+ are performing well.
98 1LW 3406e marine cam .58 injectors swapped 07 acert 15.3 crank forged for the 14.6 cast pdi manifold and 78mm non waste gate turbo custom file for the ecm 13 speed 3.36 rear gear 300 inch 98 379 Peterbilt mid-roof 2.1 million miles drive it every week 700 ish horsepower gonna be buried in it…
I started driving in 1993 with a 3406 under the hood. So many good memories, Cloumbia river gorge, driving across Hoover dam and much more. It was so dissapointing to see all the good truck stops and mom & pop resturants with truck parking shut down. I rember the Blue & White truck stop in Indiana with the old time breakfast bar and the huge $2.50 breakfast at one of the south side casino"s in Las Vegas.
We love Cat 3406's. One engine is in a 1990 International 9300 semi tractor, Second engine is in a 1992 Peterbilt 379 Ext Hood, and the third 3406 is in a Steiger 4wd farm tractor we recently purchased Have a Steiger Panther 4 wd tractor with a Cummins 855 that came apart this past spring. My experience is Cat engines have more lugging ability then competition has. Parts are more expensive for Cat than Cummins are. Just found your channel and will definitely return Thank You
I was with Cat in Australia through the B, C and E engines. The C with its Brushless Torque Motors was absolute Crap. When the E arrived it hit the ground running. It was the best road truck engine I worked on. ( except for the rear flywheel housing and front cover oil leaks.) I think you nailed your appraisal of this series of engines. I still see the C15/C16 as a 3400 series engine. I just see it with a metric identifier. That being 15 litre and the 16 litre stroked version. Will keep an eye out for your other video’s now.
Our fuel hauling company currently run glider kit W-900 Kenworths, with 2WS Cats. 550Hp with a cat brake saver & Jake brake. They are a beast pulling 85K # down the road. Even with 2 engine braking systems, the ISX Cummins is far superior when going down long steep grades. We are in Western Colorado on I-70. I recall the C models only difference was air to air after cooling, rather than water jacket cooling. The 2006 Acert my brother had was kind of a turd. It was 475hp, in a heavy haul truck. Was always running warm, 215 degrees. Went thru intake actuators often. Actuators are only sold as 2, so you have to pay $600, every though you only need 1.
It should be mentioned that there is also a 3412. 890 hp in the Backup Generator drive version pushing a 600KW Alternator (those truly are alternator though the package is called Gen Set). I had 3 of those. Major reliability issue was the fuel pump, they would start to weep. Easy enough to replace. I had one 3406 (B I believe). Only issue was the governor that we finally got Cat to pull apart and fix (it would stick on a load dump). All rang well despite running Jet A fuel they were not specified to do. Some nozzle seals let go but again, that could have been the fuel or equally the age (heate4d to 120 deg 24 x 365 for quick start in Standby mode.) Of that vintage I had a VTA-1710. I would call them equal. Both started well, picked up load well and few issues (again heated 24 x 365 meant it was almost partly running as far as seal age went all the time).
It was cat using the ARD setup, instead of dosing fuel into a catalyst like every other diesel manufacturer did that sunk them. They all suck but the ard setup was the least reliable by far.
I love the 3406 Cats. There’s so much that you can do with those engines. I like the 3406B Cats a lot especially because they’re strictly mechanical engines. Real bulletproof. My 1990 Kenworth dump truck has a B model Cat that has about 500 horsepower in it.
Oh no, the 6NZ boys should be showing up here any moment. You'd be really surprised how much the c15 and 3406e have in common,. Like most of it. You should do N14s next. Only seems fair
The PEEC engine didn't have a throttle body which you mentioned. It had an electronic torque motor to control the timing advance and a second electronic torque motor to control the rack in the fuel pump. You may have meant to say that it had and electronic throttle pedal. I did a lot of training on the electronics on the PEEC engine.
Hello DRAJ. The information on the Cat 3406 is interesting to say the least. The mechanical injection then the hybrid electrical/mechanical section was very informative. I love your vidoes they are clear and concise and jam packed with great information. So glad I found your channel, thank you. I will be watching many many more of your videos and learning all the way.
This is the goto oil rig compressor engine with a sullair on the back. When that oil rig lit up in the Gulf of Mexico their explosion category went from ‘rig safe’ to zone2. And that is a pain when the paperwork file is twice as big for the electric controlled engines. Scantek we’re taking old cat/sullair sets and fully rebuilding into a new container.. They built several hundred. :o)
I’m currently onsite with 20 x 793B trucks running 3516 high displacement engines. Have just put a replacement Cuffed liner version Engine in one of them. These would be my second favourite after the 3400 series of engines
We have two 3406 model trucks that we use for ore haul we have a 1996 Mack with the 3406b and a 1993 Pete with the 3406e and both of these trucks have been so far more reliable then any of the newer model Cummins powered trucks I work with
3406 e the best truck engine i ever owned in my 40 yr truckin carrer owned a bunch of others no comparison keep on bulidin them thanks cat a happy trucker
Ok I love the 3406 I had a B I loved it. But I have a engine I liked more at least economically. It's the much maligned 3176. I had one dependable reliable. But what won me was the fuel bills. I bobtailed the freightliner it was in 2,500 miles averaging 95-100mph. Average mpg? 16.7 mpg. 😍😍😍 The 3406 B as much as I loved it it averaged 7.? Mpg . I have had many trucks the average at the time was 7 but fuel was $1.67 per gallon. Then. The 3176 averaged 9 that's almost a30% increase in profit margin. That makes it my overall favorite diesel. Now my favorite diesel medium duty would be another maligned diesel the DETROIT 8.2 non turbo. Another mpg monster. Commercial fisherman call them the fuel pincher and fuel miser. In a Ford f650 rollback towtruck with a car on the back that averaged 24.8 mpg ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ They are also said to be weak . The 8.2 had a couple little brothers that were the worst diesel engines ever made breaking crankshafts ore blowing head gaskets every 15,000 miles. So why is it my favorite overall diesel? It's 250,-500,000 if you are really really lucky before a rebuild. Here's where being tainted by the reputation of it's junk little brothers keeps the prices WAYYYY DOWN. you can start finding used running 8.2 Detroit for $500 (as opposed to a 12 valve Cummins start at running used $5,000 10 times as much) .but you gotta be quick to jump on. Because of the fisherman. The rebuild cost s on the Detroit was a few years ago average $5,000 while the 12 valve Cummins was double plus . Very very simple dog slow motor. But remember fisherman are your compilation for them and they are willing to buy busses and trucks just for the engine driving up the prices on old busses and trucks. Like they do for trucks and buses for 12 valve Cummins.
I did a lot of work on the 3406E injectors ...You missed out the incredible fuel economy down to 176 g/kw hr that is supper low. All engines after this used more because the emisson control costs you fuel . When they were new they really did not smoke except on transeints but NOx was through the roof becasue the efficient combustion realy pushed up the combustion temperatures. Insane HP is possible particularily if you can get your hands on 12 hole injectors.
There was a 3406e which was 15.8 before the C16 was a thing. It was the original 600hp 2050ft lbs from cat. I can’t remember the series code(edit: 5DS) the superior of this engines has always been the 3406e the only downside is injectors are worth 450-900 a piece to make it go BROOOM
@@HealthSupercharger also the marine cam is a lot cheaper for the mechanical motors over the E motors, but I think the real kicker that no one thinks about is the Jacobs for the b is weak and tends to wear out a lot since it was never perfected and the pushrods are the weak link on it, while the E version works extremely strong and reliable just like in a Cummins being actuated by the injector’s lobe
I have 3 of them factory 600hp 3406e 15.8 l stroked. The torque curve is incredible. Will bust driveline parts in the wrong hands though pulling 140k every day . The hot setup is the accert bottom end with the c16 up top.
@@johnpuff4400 you sir, are living my dream. I learned to drive in a 1987 3406B and everyone who loves it didn’t drive it, it’s a cool motor, jake sounds cool and it cracks right up as soon as you step on it, but the lack of injection timing can make the EGTs run hot down low, the lack of cruise control will make your knees cry a going through pump springs and you’ll probably loose your hearing from the exhaust noise. The 3406e/C15 sound great, has a great torque curve and it can be logged down below 1400 RPMs no problem. I drove a c15 acert, it was laggy but powerful. A 15.2 with a 3406e top would be a dream
The PEEC 3 had problems with the electronics. When the computer went bad, it would default to full advance. They would run like a scalded ass dog till it boiled the tops of the pistons. I've seen the aftermath and it's not pretty. Many years ago some mechanics would put steel top pistons in the B and C mechanicals so you could turn them up without burning them up. They were fucking awesome.
Just got back from maintenance work on a couple of tri axle trucks. I drive a Kenworth 2018 with a Cummins engine but the trucks today, specially a special 2005 Kenworth 18 speed had a CAT engine. I will confirm which one it was but it may have been the 3406C.. My dispatcher has a 2006 Kenworth also with a CAT engine💯
I used to work in a nursing home and the power generator for the entire building if the main power goes out is a cat 3406 it was loud as shit when the power went out
Good job! I would just add that the 3406 C mechanical needs more love, and in my opinion is the best 3406 version. May also remind people about the cost of upgrading to steel pistons if tuning above 550hp. Thanks again!
My dad had one turned wide open in a day cab Pete. I remember hauling wood with it and getting behind a freight shaker Detroit series 60 powered truck. He told me “let’s see what that green machine can do” as he pulled out with a car between us. I sucked him up and passed him like no other. Got to the mill and I weighed 108,000 pounds, dude didn’t believe me until the crane operator verified it. The frightshaker only weighed 82,000 pounds. But the oil started piling up in the coolant reservoir and blew up right after we sold it. Truck had over a million miles when we got it, 100-200 thousand over when we sold it
@@alexstromberg7696 yeah we’re only allowed 80,000 on interstates but they give us up to 90,000 on other roads. But if you over 90k they drop it back down and ticket you for being over 80k. So I was technically 14 tons overweight.
Just rebuilt my 3406E cat 94 model…. It had a split crank…. Cost me 43K for out of frame rebuild… new injectors turbo cam fuel pump oil pump…. I’m hoping to getting one million miles out of it
I had good info that Caterpillar and Toyota were in talks back in the early 2000’s when the new generation of Tundra came out, but stopped around the time 2008 came around. I wonder if the end of those talks influenced Caterpillar to jump out of the truck market.
The 3406 and C15 are the same engine. Cat just changed all their engine model numbers to cubic litres of displacement across their complete engine manufacturing line. They still produce parts because they still manufacture engines for all other applications except trucks.
Hands down this was the golden era of truck engines, 3406 and C15, Detroit series's 60, Cummins N14 and signiture gen 2.. didn't matter which colour you had they were all great
Untill the epa screewed us
@@garybrown9719 100%
Even Volvos back then weren’t that bad, introduced in 93 pre emission Volvo D12 is still one of the most popular truck engine in the third world countries, it can easily run over 2 million kilometers (1.25 million miles) with no rebuild , it still used in Marine applications and emergency generators . Too bad it was replaced in 2007 by a junky emission compliant D13 that eats NOx sensors , camshafts , injectors like there’s no tomorrow and by 800k many of them require complete head rebuild
90s was the real golden era for Diesel engines…
@@Nikowalker007 my d12 was rebuild at 1.6 million due to broken rings.... if wasnt for that i woulg go way further!
Cat still makes the 3406C mechanical Diesel for third world countries that want a mechanical engine for pumps, generators, compressors, boat engines. The 3406 is also made as a spark ignited natural gas engine along with the 3408.
they also use them in underground mining applications in the US and the aforementioned thrid world countries
@@philljustphill1656 figured underground mining would require even stricter emissions regulations
though i suppose to doesn’t matter when your gonna need ventilation
@@skonky Nah they need reliability and it's already crawling with bad air in there it might as well have an old diesel running 24/7, like you said, they gotta vent it anyway.
@@skonky emissions also puts off higher amounts of heat when in Regen so temps are huge when in confined spaces
Too bad our government spreads a hoax to make life harder on us and fills their pockets! We live on a planet and they think they control the thermostat 🤬
yep, a 3406B, 4 and quarter turned up around 500 horse, in a long nose Pete, stick your foot into it and get a puff of smoke from the stacks and away she would go. these young drivers don't know what they are missing. sure brings back memories.
Yee Haw! I've driven quite a few B and C mechanicals. Some were built with steel top pistons so they could be turned up past 500. One in a 379 with 13 speed and 3.36 gears and tall 24.5 rubber. The one and only time I ever went 130mph in a big truck. Good times man!
Young? The farm I work at is all 3406B or E or Detroit 60s. Most of the rigs were built before I got finished with high school.
'''' THEY '''' SURE DONT 'KNOW' WHAT THERE ''MISSING'''' THE '' KID'S MISSED IT BY 20 YEAR'S '''' THE '' HOT ROD '' DAYS OF POWERFUL DIESEL ENGINE'S ''''' WE DIDN'T ''
Dude just this summer harvest season I taught a 19 year old with a farm endorsement how to grab gears in a 90s Volvo with a 3406E and a 10 speed that felt like it was gonna blow any day.
And when I was his age in 2002 I remember making laps between the fields and the possessing plant in a late 70s international with a 8-71 and 13 speed pulling doubled bottom dumps loaded with onions.
Anyone who wants to run old iron should find a farmer who needs things moved.
We have a 1974 Pete that had a 3406B swapped into it probably decades ago and that truck can sit for a year or more and start right up on the first crank every single time. Great motor!
One of the best presentations of the 3406 as well as Caterpillar’s history of it. Your attention to detail is appreciated.
I have 2 mechanical 3406C’s. they are apocalyptic level reliable, and have been in the family for 26 years and about 3 million miles between the two of em. Some of todays engines through technology are more fuel efficient but those monetary gains are wiped away and turned into a loss when you factor in lost revenue from downtime, repair costs, emissions failures, waiting days or weeks to receive service and then dealers and shops being unable to properly diagnose deep rooted electronic interrelated issues, thousands of added parts and systems prone to failure, a level of complexity that requires proprietary software to access, DEF cost, now we have low quality replacement parts and shipping delays, You name it, ELD system maintenance I could go on…Rebuild a mechanical 3406 drive it correctly and you will give it to your kids 25 years later, the only thing that can kill these engines will be the government and that would be a sad day if it ever came.
All we run is 3406’s, C15’s, and big cam Cummins. We have 13 in the fleet and all are dead reliable.
The good old cat engine's reliability is an understatement compared to today's engines if you were driving from Pennsylvania to California you knew you were not going to break down and if you did you could fix it with a screwdriver some duct tape and starting fluid and a few filters.....
That's no shit. Had a 3406B that broke a rocker shaft and I fixed it in a truck Stop parking lot in Vegas. Set it up with my feeler gages and I was good to go.
USUALLY ON ALL THOSE TRIPS TO ''CALIFORNIA'' THE ONLY PROBLEM'S YOU WOULD HAVE ''' IS ''AIR LEAK'' ''WHEEL HUB'''' LITTLE ''THINGS'' ONLY ''''
I ran a 3406 DITA back in 1990 I loved it as an owner-operator . My license plate was 4NA QTR .
Drove most of them back in the day. 3406 360hp PCTA, 3406 375hp PCTA, 3406A 380 hp DITA, 3406A 400 hp DITA, 3406B 400 hp DITA, 3406B 425 hp DITA and 3406E 435 hp. It is an absolute shame that these engines had to go away and be replaced by the current exhaust choked "compliant" engines. Of all of them my favorite is/was a hot "4 and a quarter" B model. They were king of the road and still could be.
my favorite as well 1987 425 hp air to air, awesome engine
You are completely right about it. 3406 will be always remembered as the best engine ever!😊👍
I still love the 3408
Don't get me wrong the 3406 is a great engine
I LIKE THE 3406 BETTER BECAUSE ''' THEY 'REALLY' NEVER 'PREFECTED ' THE V-8 CAT '''' CAT CLAIMED IT HAD 'TROUBLE' HOLDIN A BOTTOM END ''' (MAIN BEARING'S)''''''' IF THEY HAD ''PREFECTED IT' ID STILL BE 'DRIVIN' ONE TODAY ''' FORD PICKED IT BACK UP IN THE 90'S WITH THE SUCCESSFUL ''POWER STROKE ''''' AND HAVE BEEN ''SUCCESSFUl WITH THE V-8 DESIGN ''''
3406 and the 3408 v8 cats are my favorite. Now the dt466 is right there with em and the n14 cummins
I have a 92’ Peterbilt 379 that came with the 3406C PEEC engine. After a million miles I had it rebuilt and put a B model pump on it making it a full mechanical engine. The truck has never ran as good as it does now. I just recently bought an 84’ kenworth W900B with a 3406A CAT. I have 2 core 3406 B model engines in the shop and will be swapping my 86’ Peterbilt 359 from a 350 Big Cam Cummins over to a 3406B once the engine is complete.
'' ONE '' WORD OF 'CAUTION' WITH THAT A-MODEL'''' IF YOU 'TURN' THE 'PUMP' UP ''' BE ''CAREFUL'' NOT TO ''' LUG ''' IT '''' OR IT WILL 'START' POPING '' HEADBOLTS ''''
I love a 3406e… it seems like it’s one of the few that everything isn’t on back order for anymore. As well as one of my regular customers having one that we put a marine cam and other goodies in putting out almost 800 horse reliably. It’s just a good motor.
Does a 3406e have a HUEI system?
@@davem3789 No.
Where can I get a marine cam for my 3406e engine
What's your favorite engine from Caterpillar?
*I'd like to note that the 3406 is still being produced for select countries, but not for over-road-truck use.
Well a vacation and a new set of alphanumeric (numbered lettered) punches might be in order, which airlines have the highest checked bag weight?
3406e 2ws
The company I worked for ordered a round of C15s. I put close to 700k on one and during that time the repairs were as follows, water pump, alternator, front oil seal,and starter. The mechanics loved them and so did the driver. However going back to the start of my trucking career I would have to say that my favorite Cat was the 1693. Loved that motor.
My 1993 Peterbilt has a 3406B with 1,760,000 miles on it currently and just love this motor , I only wish the newer motors were 1/2 as good .
They are half as good lol
You ever had it rebuilt?
I worked for a dealership for 42 years.. the 1693 was available until 1976. We had one of the last 1693 made. They were the same cubic in as 3406A . They made pc and DI 3406 A The 3406 B were great engines!
I remember a place I worked at in Northern BC had a 3406 with a 25kw generator, it was using a lot of oil at the end of it's life, but still churned along without so much of a hiccup for many years 24/7
Did you mean a 250KW?
I was always happy with this engine. 980 F. F series was a great series before it got all of the electronics. 21 thousand hours is a good run in a front end loader. I started with a 988 87A series with a D 343. It was a good engine.
I know someone who has a large fleet of 3406 glider trucks turned up to 700+ hp. And if u are wondering about who else still makes parts for their vehicles after they close down, Pacific has been closed since the 90s and they still make all of the parts for the trucks.
As a diesel-truck tech circa 1978-83, every shop I worked in considered the Cat 3400 series the gold standard of class 8 truck engines, easily preferable to Cummins NTC855's, 903's, & Detroit 8v71T's, & 8v92T's At the same horsepower rating they always out pulled the others. Only other engine that came close were the Cummins KT series. I really do despise the EPA and CARB
I had a 5EK that we put 2 million miles on. No crankshaft problems. I also had a 5 DS. It was a beast!
Mine hit 37,000 hours when it finally cracked the head internally and was spitting coolant out the exhaust. Just got first rebuild and I still can't believe it took that long to need a rebuild and it runs the same. I'm more than impressed.
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.
I REMEMBER THE ''DAY'' I WENT FROM A 3406-A'' TO A 3406-B'' '''' THEN TO A ''GAME CHANGER''''' THE ( 3406-E ) MODEL CAME ABOUT ''' THAT'S A ''GOVERNMENT'' CONTROLLED (ACCELERATOR - PEDEL ) '''' BULLSHIT '''''' SLOW TO RESPOND TO ''COMAND'S ''' AND ''INSURANCE'' COMPANY'S WANTED ''PROOF'''' THAT THE ''COMPUTER'' WOULD NOT LET IT GO OVER A ''PREDETERMINED'' SPEED SET'''' AND THE ''ISURANCE'' COMPANY'S WOULD TELL YOU WHAT TO SET ''MAX'' SPEED AT ''''' '''''' BUNCH'' OF ''NONSENSE ''''
I rebuilt a 3406E 5EK in tech school. Easily one of the best running engine we had in the lab with the big cam, series 60s and the ISX's
I drove a kenworth with a 3406B engine fitted, just awesome and didn't know the meaning of quitting, definitely better than anything you can buy now.
As a Diesel Mechanic my favorites Tend to be the 3406 E or A . The N14 Cummins. And the classic 60 Series from Detroit
I'm not a mechanic but the c15 seems to be left of the list
I have a 98 Pete with a E model Cat.Almost 2.5 million miles.2 inframes and original crank.Best engine ever in my opinion.Just saying
@@sae4071 C15 while a great engine, it’s known for the compressor blowing up constantly/Horrible EGR issues and VGT issues.
When well inspected and maintained yeah it’s fantastic. But if I had an unlimited budget I’d definitely go 3406E
It's hard to dislike any of those engines. I learned how to do this job by working on Cummins 855s and N14s, some DDEC 2 60 Series. That was a good time for the industry .
@@virtualheavenly huh, that makes sense. My dad's c15 never gave him any issues but he takes it to the dealer for all his maintenance soo
It might not interest anyone but the 3406e was also used in the romanian trucks DAC 16.550 (4x4) and 26.550 (6x6) which were going to take part in the Paris - Dakar rally. Originally the engine was a tuned version making about 660 HP combined with a redesigned cabin. However financial issues meant that they had to use a stock cabin with new CAT axles and a stock 550 HP 3406e (it had 16 tonnes rather than the previous 9 tonnes design). Despite these setbacks the factory team managed to get 2nd and 3rd in the 1999 Rally of Tunis only behind an Iveco driven by ex-WRC driver Miki Biasion.
Still running 38 1986 Peterbilt 359's with 3406B Fully Mechanical Cats. Rebuild and overhauled many times still running strong.
Thanks for your input, recently bought a 95 Pete with the 3406E ! I’m in love with it!
Picked up a glider kit last year with a 6nz . Definitely an incredible engine. Really happy that Cat is still making parts for these types of engines. We will always wonder what would’ve taken place if Cat stayed in the on highway emissions development. All the manufacturers had their issues early on but it seems that 2014+ are performing well.
98 1LW 3406e marine cam .58 injectors swapped 07 acert 15.3 crank forged for the 14.6 cast pdi manifold and 78mm non waste gate turbo custom file for the ecm 13 speed 3.36 rear gear 300 inch 98 379 Peterbilt mid-roof 2.1 million miles drive it every week 700 ish horsepower gonna be buried in it…
Wondering the mpg?
Mpg?
Love this engine. I've overhauled hundreds of them. G3406 is my fave.
I’ve worked on several of these Offshore only problem I had offshore is the injector lines would rust out about every two years
Surprised those wouldn’t be using stainless steel tubing in such a harsh environment.
Wasn’t offered I asked Mustang (Houston Cat dealer) said that they didn’t have them available this was around 80-81
@@rickybroussard5350 should have just gotten the outside of the lines galvanized
When I worked as a design engineer in the heavy truck industry, we had the 3406C and the DDEC Series 60 12.7, Plus Cummins.
One of the best absolutely hands down. 3406 B,C,E, C-13,14,15,16. Is what my Gen is used to. C-15, 550, W/18 Ultimate Engine Trans Combo.
The 3406 also came with a 15.6 550 horsepower version.
I think it was 15.8L
15.8*
I started driving in 1993 with a 3406 under the hood. So many good memories, Cloumbia river gorge, driving across Hoover dam and much more. It was so dissapointing to see all the good truck stops and mom & pop resturants with truck parking shut down. I rember the Blue & White truck stop in Indiana with the old time breakfast bar and the huge $2.50 breakfast at one of the south side casino"s in Las Vegas.
Just rebuilt my 30 year old B. Good for another 10 years! Most reliable engine ever and simple.
We love Cat 3406's. One engine is in a 1990 International 9300 semi tractor, Second engine is in a 1992 Peterbilt 379 Ext Hood, and the third 3406 is in a Steiger 4wd farm tractor we recently purchased
Have a Steiger Panther 4 wd tractor with a Cummins 855 that came apart this past spring.
My experience is Cat engines have more lugging ability then competition has. Parts are more expensive for Cat than Cummins are. Just found your channel and will definitely return
Thank You
I have owned 2 c models and 1 e model.The e has almost 2.5 million miles with 2 inframes and origina crank and ecm.
I was with Cat in Australia through the B, C and E engines. The C with its Brushless Torque Motors was absolute Crap.
When the E arrived it hit the ground running. It was the best road truck engine I worked on. ( except for the rear flywheel housing and front cover oil leaks.)
I think you nailed your appraisal of this series of engines.
I still see the C15/C16 as a 3400 series engine. I just see it with a metric identifier. That being 15 litre and the 16 litre stroked version.
Will keep an eye out for your other video’s now.
Our fuel hauling company currently run glider kit W-900 Kenworths, with 2WS Cats. 550Hp with a cat brake saver & Jake brake.
They are a beast pulling 85K # down the road. Even with 2 engine braking systems, the ISX Cummins is far superior when going down long steep grades.
We are in Western Colorado on I-70.
I recall the C models only difference was air to air after cooling, rather than water jacket cooling.
The 2006 Acert my brother had was kind of a turd. It was 475hp, in a heavy haul truck. Was always running warm, 215 degrees. Went thru intake actuators often. Actuators are only sold as 2, so you have to pay $600, every though you only need 1.
It should be mentioned that there is also a 3412. 890 hp in the Backup Generator drive version pushing a 600KW Alternator (those truly are alternator though the package is called Gen Set). I had 3 of those. Major reliability issue was the fuel pump, they would start to weep. Easy enough to replace. I had one 3406 (B I believe). Only issue was the governor that we finally got Cat to pull apart and fix (it would stick on a load dump). All rang well despite running Jet A fuel they were not specified to do. Some nozzle seals let go but again, that could have been the fuel or equally the age (heate4d to 120 deg 24 x 365 for quick start in Standby mode.)
Of that vintage I had a VTA-1710. I would call them equal. Both started well, picked up load well and few issues (again heated 24 x 365 meant it was almost partly running as far as seal age went all the time).
It was cat using the ARD setup, instead of dosing fuel into a catalyst like every other diesel manufacturer did that sunk them. They all suck but the ard setup was the least reliable by far.
I love the 3406 Cats. There’s so much that you can do with those engines. I like the 3406B Cats a lot especially because they’re strictly mechanical engines. Real bulletproof. My 1990 Kenworth dump truck has a B model Cat that has about 500 horsepower in it.
Oh no, the 6NZ boys should be showing up here any moment.
You'd be really surprised how much the c15 and 3406e have in common,. Like most of it.
You should do N14s next. Only seems fair
Detroit Diesel Series 60 12.7 liters is the GOAT!!! The Caterpillar 3406 B was awesome, but was a diesel guzzler.
I got a 98 3406 E original miles, no overhaul with no oil leaks, I'm surprised leaks were a problem with these models
The PEEC engine didn't have a throttle body which you mentioned. It had an electronic torque motor to control the timing advance and a second electronic torque motor to control the rack in the fuel pump. You may have meant to say that it had and electronic throttle pedal. I did a lot of training on the electronics on the PEEC engine.
3406a's white in color
@@cxrcraig3 Only if they were installed in a Kenworth. Kenworth painted the entire drivetrain white.
I have a 3406E in my W9L, putting out 1K in hp and got a 3406B for my w900a and want to build it to 600hp, love the B's
I have a stock 605hp 1LW best engine ever had she is tough strong in the hills 💪 walks all over Cummins isx
Hello DRAJ. The information on the Cat 3406 is interesting to say the least. The mechanical injection then the hybrid electrical/mechanical section was very informative. I love your vidoes they are clear and concise and jam packed with great information. So glad I found your channel, thank you. I will be watching many many more of your videos and learning all the way.
The A had a short jackshaft drive the pump. The B was better due to the mechanical advancement.
This is the goto oil rig compressor engine with a sullair on the back. When that oil rig lit up in the Gulf of Mexico their explosion category went from ‘rig safe’ to zone2. And that is a pain when the paperwork file is twice as big for the electric controlled engines. Scantek we’re taking old cat/sullair sets and fully rebuilding into a new container.. They built several hundred. :o)
Enjoyed this one.
KT3406E is the GOAT of CAT on TH-cam.
I have a 79 westernstar cabover with a 3406 A block P C T A did an in frame had no problems getting the parts from cat!
Wow good job would be great to find the same review, on Cummins 6.7 and 8.9 as they still use in RV AND TRUCKS
Favorite CAT engine has to be the natural gas powered 3516, it’s just a monster used the world over for power generation and compression.
Except for the ULB version lol
@@melvingibson4525 hahaha right you are, sir!
I’m currently onsite with 20 x 793B trucks running 3516 high displacement engines. Have just put a replacement Cuffed liner version Engine in one of them. These would be my second favourite after the 3400 series of engines
I blame the EPA for their harsh & unnecessary regulations for killing Diesel engines.
The 3306 is even more durable. Total dog power wise but they are 60-70k hour engines even when abused
We have two 3406 model trucks that we use for ore haul we have a 1996 Mack with the 3406b and a 1993 Pete with the 3406e and both of these trucks have been so far more reliable then any of the newer model Cummins powered trucks I work with
3406 e the best truck engine i ever owned in my 40 yr truckin carrer owned a bunch of others no comparison keep on bulidin them thanks cat a happy trucker
Ok I love the 3406 I had a B I loved it.
But I have a engine I liked more at least economically. It's the much maligned 3176. I had one dependable reliable. But what won me was the fuel bills.
I bobtailed the freightliner it was in 2,500 miles averaging 95-100mph.
Average mpg? 16.7 mpg. 😍😍😍 The 3406 B as much as I loved it it averaged 7.? Mpg . I have had many trucks the average at the time was 7 but fuel was $1.67 per gallon. Then.
The 3176 averaged 9 that's almost a30% increase in profit margin.
That makes it my overall favorite diesel.
Now my favorite diesel medium duty would be another maligned diesel the DETROIT 8.2 non turbo.
Another mpg monster. Commercial fisherman call them the fuel pincher and fuel miser. In a Ford f650 rollback towtruck with a car on the back that averaged 24.8 mpg ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
They are also said to be weak . The 8.2 had a couple little brothers that were the worst diesel engines ever made breaking crankshafts ore blowing head gaskets every 15,000 miles.
So why is it my favorite overall diesel? It's 250,-500,000 if you are really really lucky before a rebuild. Here's where being tainted by the reputation of it's junk little brothers keeps the prices WAYYYY DOWN. you can start finding used running 8.2 Detroit for $500 (as opposed to a 12 valve Cummins start at running used $5,000 10 times as much) .but you gotta be quick to jump on. Because of the fisherman. The rebuild cost s on the Detroit was a few years ago average $5,000 while the 12 valve Cummins was double plus . Very very simple dog slow motor.
But remember fisherman are your compilation for them and they are willing to buy busses and trucks just for the engine driving up the prices on old busses and trucks. Like they do for trucks and buses for 12 valve Cummins.
My 1LW 3406e has 2,469,909 and counting. Wouldn’t wany anything else
I did a lot of work on the 3406E injectors ...You missed out the incredible fuel economy down to 176 g/kw hr that is supper low. All engines after this used more because the emisson control costs you fuel . When they were new they really did not smoke except on transeints but NOx was through the roof becasue the efficient combustion realy pushed up the combustion temperatures. Insane HP is possible particularily if you can get your hands on 12 hole injectors.
2WS CAT 3406E Peterbilt 379 legends are born!
There was a 3406e which was 15.8 before the C16 was a thing. It was the original 600hp 2050ft lbs from cat. I can’t remember the series code(edit: 5DS) the superior of this engines has always been the 3406e the only downside is injectors are worth 450-900 a piece to make it go BROOOM
and how costly are normal injectors for the mechanical a ang b engines? much cheaper?
@@HealthSupercharger yeah, a lot cheaper, the nozzles are like 150 and plungers for rebuilding the injection pump are not much more either
@@HealthSupercharger also the marine cam is a lot cheaper for the mechanical motors over the E motors, but I think the real kicker that no one thinks about is the Jacobs for the b is weak and tends to wear out a lot since it was never perfected and the pushrods are the weak link on it, while the E version works extremely strong and reliable just like in a Cummins being actuated by the injector’s lobe
I have 3 of them factory 600hp 3406e 15.8 l stroked. The torque curve is incredible. Will bust driveline parts in the wrong hands though pulling 140k every day . The hot setup is the accert bottom end with the c16 up top.
@@johnpuff4400 you sir, are living my dream. I learned to drive in a 1987 3406B and everyone who loves it didn’t drive it, it’s a cool motor, jake sounds cool and it cracks right up as soon as you step on it, but the lack of injection timing can make the EGTs run hot down low, the lack of cruise control will make your knees cry a going through pump springs and you’ll probably loose your hearing from the exhaust noise. The 3406e/C15 sound great, has a great torque curve and it can be logged down below 1400 RPMs no problem. I drove a c15 acert, it was laggy but powerful. A 15.2 with a 3406e top would be a dream
The PEEC 3 had problems with the electronics. When the computer went bad, it would default to full advance. They would run like a scalded ass dog till it boiled the tops of the pistons. I've seen the aftermath and it's not pretty. Many years ago some mechanics would put steel top pistons in the B and C mechanicals so you could turn them up without burning them up. They were fucking awesome.
Just got back from maintenance work on a couple of tri axle trucks. I drive a Kenworth 2018 with a Cummins engine but the trucks today, specially a special 2005 Kenworth 18 speed had a CAT engine. I will confirm which one it was but it may have been the 3406C..
My dispatcher has a 2006 Kenworth also with a CAT engine💯
I used to work in a nursing home and the power generator for the entire building if the main power goes out is a cat 3406 it was loud as shit when the power went out
Good job! I would just add that the 3406 C mechanical needs more love, and in my opinion is the best 3406 version. May also remind people about the cost of upgrading to steel pistons if tuning above 550hp. Thanks again!
I just found your channel, great and informative video with no Schick! Keep it up! Cheers frm Hamilton ONT.
Acert was the nail in the coffin. Would like a 6NZ please
My dad had one turned wide open in a day cab Pete. I remember hauling wood with it and getting behind a freight shaker Detroit series 60 powered truck. He told me “let’s see what that green machine can do” as he pulled out with a car between us. I sucked him up and passed him like no other. Got to the mill and I weighed 108,000 pounds, dude didn’t believe me until the crane operator verified it. The frightshaker only weighed 82,000 pounds. But the oil started piling up in the coolant reservoir and blew up right after we sold it. Truck had over a million miles when we got it, 100-200 thousand over when we sold it
Only 108k? Here we can load 141k and pull it with 700hp stock trucks
@@alexstromberg7696 yeah we’re only allowed 80,000 on interstates but they give us up to 90,000 on other roads. But if you over 90k they drop it back down and ticket you for being over 80k. So I was technically 14 tons overweight.
@@alexstromberg7696 Where is here?
Love your videos 💙💙💙
Please make another video on the Caterpillar 3408 series
Ran a 3406b 1.3 million miles before i sold it off. Only complaint i ever had was fuel mileage
Crankshafts were always made of induction hardened forged steel.
Just rebuilt my 3406E cat 94 model…. It had a split crank…. Cost me 43K for out of frame rebuild… new injectors turbo cam fuel pump oil pump…. I’m hoping to getting one million miles out of it
What is the most reliable bullet proof engine to throw in a semi truck
The 6NZ is the best I had the 5EK worked great out pulled the new C15s 3406 best engine ever
Government ruins all fun.
Did you notice that you used C15 in the thumbnail?
I love the 3406e and C15 6NZ engine they're both better and reliable.
I had good info that Caterpillar and Toyota were in talks back in the early 2000’s when the new generation of Tundra came out, but stopped around the time 2008 came around. I wonder if the end of those talks influenced Caterpillar to jump out of the truck market.
Caterpillar put all of their resources into construction equipment. The demand and profit was higher there.
Do not forget about the Accert engines , Caterpillar sure wished they could !
from the A to the C15 it was the same block
This is the best engine ever made. Period. Detroit would be jealous
I would tear down about 3-4 of these engines weekly for our dozers out in the field!
Years ago I drove a peterbilt with a 3406e pulled 105,500 and found it very forgiving
They still make c15s for all other applications other then on highway use. I see them all the time.
Hey I have a Jeep Liberty that’s a CRD diesel could you do a video on those Diesel engine.
The 3406 and C15 are the same engine. Cat just changed all their engine model numbers to cubic litres of displacement across their complete engine manufacturing line. They still produce parts because they still manufacture engines for all other applications except trucks.
The 3406, the jimmy, the big cam Cummins and the series 60
Un des meilleurs Diesel au monde.
Great information, Thanks!
CAT still makes the 3406E. Their remans are basically new. New block ETC
Yes I have 2 trucks and the 2 of them one international and one Peterbilt have 3406B please I can't let go of those engine no way bro.
Do one on a 1693 cat