The Caterpillar 3406E is known for durability.
But like any diesel engine, it eventually needs a rebuild.
An inframe rebuild is one of the most common ways to restore performance without removing the engine from the chassis.
The success of that rebuild depends on more than just replacing parts.
It depends on how those parts work together under load.
Continue reading Caterpillar 3406E Inframe Rebuild Kit: What Actually Matters During a Rebuild
If your Caterpillar C15 or 3406E isn’t running like it used to – losing power, misfiring, or making unusual noise – the problem might not be what you think.
It could be your camshaft.
And if that’s the case, waiting too long can turn a manageable repair into a full engine rebuild.
Continue reading Caterpillar C15, 3406E Camshaft: Symptoms, Failure Causes, and Replacement Guide
If your Caterpillar 3406E is losing power, popping through the intake, or backfiring through the exhaust, the problem may not be fuel-related at all. In many cases, those symptoms point back to camshaft or valve train wear. When those components start to fail, performance can drop quickly, and if the issue is ignored, it can lead to more extensive engine damage and a much more expensive repair.
This article breaks down what the camshaft does, common signs of failure, why proper installation matters, and what to keep in mind when replacing a 3406E camshaft. If you are already looking for replacement parts, you can start by reviewing our Caterpillar 3406E Camshaft here.
Continue reading Caterpillar 3406E Camshaft: Symptoms, Failure Causes, and Replacement Guide
If your Caterpillar C12 is losing power, running rough, or showing signs of valve train issues, the camshaft may be part of the problem. A worn camshaft can affect valve timing, engine efficiency, fuel economy, and overall performance. Left too long, what starts as a drivability issue can turn into a much larger repair.
Because the camshaft plays such a major role in how the engine breathes and performs, wear in this area should never be ignored. If you are already narrowing down the repair, our Caterpillar C12 Camshaft is a good place to start, and you can also browse more Caterpillar Engine Parts if the repair involves other related components.
Continue reading Caterpillar C12 Camshaft Problems, Symptoms, and Replacement
The Caterpillar C13 remains one of the top heavy-duty diesel engines used in highway trucks, vocational applications, and heavy-haul operations.
Known for:
…the C13 also became well known for its twin-turbo configuration and airflow-sensitive performance characteristics.
Because of this, many Caterpillar C13 upgrades focus on:
However, not every upgrade improves reliability.
The best Caterpillar C13 upgrades typically balance:
The cylinder head on a Caterpillar C10 or C12 isn’t just a casting – it’s where combustion, airflow, and cooling all come together.
And when it fails, it usually doesn’t fail quietly.
Cracked heads, worn valve seats, and injector cup issues are some of the most common – and most expensive – problems we see on these engines. If you’re already chasing coolant loss, misfires, or compression issues, there’s a good chance the cylinder head is involved.
Continue reading Caterpillar C10 and C12 Cylinder Head Failure: Cracking, Valve Seat Wear, and When Replacement Is Required
When Caterpillar stopped producing on-highway diesel engines in 2010, it didn’t mean those engines disappeared.
In fact, thousands of Caterpillar engines – especially the C15 – are still running today in fleets across the country.
So the real question isn’t just why Caterpillar left the market.
If you’re looking for a full breakdown of that decision, read Why Caterpillar Stopped Making On-Highway Diesel Engines to understand the emissions, engineering, and business factors behind it.
👉 It’s what that decision means for reliability, parts availability, and long-term ownership today.
Continue reading What Happened After Caterpillar Stopped Making Truck Engines (And What It Means for C15 Owners Today)OEM diesel engine parts are often treated as the standard.
They come in the original manufacturer’s packaging, follow factory specifications, and move through established dealer networks.
However, when you look at the price, the real question becomes:
👉 What are you actually paying for?
Because in many cases, the cost difference between OEM and high-quality aftermarket parts is not driven by the part itself. Instead, it’s driven by everything around it.
Continue reading How to Save Up to 64% Off OEM Diesel Engine Parts (And Where Your Money Actually Goes)Not all Caterpillar cylinder heads are designed for the same workload.
Some are built for long-term durability in heavy-haul applications. Others are designed to support higher airflow demand, elevated boost pressure, and aggressive performance builds.
As horsepower, towing demand, and thermal load increase, the cylinder head becomes increasingly important for maintaining:
That is why many Caterpillar performance and severe-duty builds are commonly separated into different “stages” of cylinder heads.
The spacer plate in a Caterpillar 3406E, C15, and C15 ACERT is not just a structural component.
It is a critical part of the engine’s sealing system.
It directly controls:
If the spacer plate is worn, damaged, or machined incorrectly, the entire sealing system is compromised.
Continue reading Caterpillar 3406E, C15, C15 ACERT Spacer Plate: How It Controls Liner Height and SealingYou get the phone call every diesel owner dreads.
The technician has finished inspecting your truck.
They’ve found the problem. Then comes the estimate. You pause for a second and think: “How can this repair possibly cost that much?”
If you’ve owned diesel trucks for twenty years or more, you’re probably not imagining things.
Repairs really have become significantly more expensive.
A repair that may have cost a few thousand dollars years ago can now easily climb into five figures once diagnostics, labor, electronic controls, emissions equipment, and replacement parts are all factored in.
It’s easy to assume someone is overcharging. In reality, that’s usually not the case.
Over the last two decades, diesel engines have changed dramatically. They’re cleaner, more efficient, more powerful, and capable of lasting hundreds of thousands of miles—but achieving those improvements required an entirely new level of engineering. Today’s engines rely on advanced electronics, sophisticated fuel systems, emissions technology, and dozens of sensors that constantly communicate with one another.
At the same time, technicians require specialized training, repair shops invest heavily in diagnostic equipment, replacement parts have become more complex, and downtime has become one of the largest costs of all.
Understanding where today’s repair costs come from won’t necessarily make the estimate smaller.
But it will help you ask better questions, make smarter repair decisions, and avoid paying for the same problem twice.
Continue reading Why Have Diesel Repairs Become So Expensive? Understanding What’s Driving Today’s Repair Costs
Cylinder head bolts don’t usually get the attention.
But on a Caterpillar C15, C15 ACERT, or 3406E, they play a critical role in engine performance and reliability.
They’re not just fasteners.
They are what keep combustion sealed.
Continue reading Caterpillar C15, C15 ACERT, 3406E Cylinder Head Bolts: Why They Matter More Than You ThinkHighway and Heavy Parts is your trusted source for over 250,000 replacement diesel engine parts, including a comprehensive selection of Caterpillar engine components. Whether you’re maintaining fleet vehicles or heavy equipment, we carry the parts you need to keep your Caterpillar engines running at peak performance. This, combined with our ASE Certified service team, makes us industry experts and qualified to write about everything Caterpillar-related.
On this page, you will find blogs that discuss common Caterpillar issues, diesel engine part highlights, and how-tos.
Engine Components & Service Parts
Our extensive Caterpillar inventory includes essential engine components such as engine blocks, pistons, fuel injectors, and turbochargers. From routine maintenance items to major engine rebuild components, we stock everything required for C15, C15 ACERT, 3406E, and other popular Caterpillar engine models.
Quality You Can Trust
At Highway and Heavy Parts, you’ll get parts that have been manufactured in an ISO 9001:2015 certified facility, ensuring quality and consistency for your Caterpillar equipment. Our commitment to quality ensures you receive parts engineered for durability and long-lasting performance.
Fast, Reliable Service
Order by 2PM EST, and in-stock items will ship the same day (M–F), ensuring minimal downtime for your equipment.
We understand the importance of keeping your fleet operational and ready for work.
Expert Knowledge & Support
Highway and Heavy Parts, LLC is owned and operated by diesel engine experts.
We know the importance of keeping a delivery fleet on the road. Our team combines decades of experience with comprehensive product knowledge to help you find the right parts for your specific application.
Comprehensive Parts Selection
You can quickly and easily find the precise part you need with our large range, saving you time and effort. From gaskets and seals to major engine components, our inventory covers the full spectrum of Caterpillar parts needs.
While Caterpillar has a long and storied history of producing top-notch diesel engines and was known for construction and mining equipment, they also produced engines for on-highway applications. Though Caterpillar has discontinued their truck engine production, existing equipment still requires quality replacement parts and ongoing maintenance support.
Browse our complete selection of Caterpillar parts today and experience the Highway and Heavy Parts difference – where quality meets reliability for all your heavy-duty diesel engine needs.
