Caterpillar 3408 Diesel Engine Parts
The Caterpillar 3408 is a legendary 18.0_liter, V_8 direct-injection diesel engine featuring cast_iron block and head construction. Produced from the 1970s into the early 2000s, the 3408 is revered for its exceptional torque, rebuildability, and mechanical simplicity. Available in naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and aftercooled variants, power ratings span from ~440_HP in industrial models to as high as 800_HP or more in marine applications, with torque commonly exceeding 2,000_lb_ft. [oai_citation:0àDiesel Pro](https://dieselpro.com/caterpillar-parts/3408-engines/3408-engine-parts.html?srsltid=AfmBOoopkzOS9Wbu2kBc3CWw-B8AjUo-ZnEZpzagZg-p8I7yy7gMMokM&utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:1àF&J Exports Limited](https://fandjexports.com/stocklist/cat-3408-industrial-engines/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
3408 Features
- V_8 4-stroke design with 137_mm bore _ 152_mm stroke for ~18.0_L displacement (1099_cu_in). [oai_citation:2àF&J Exports Limited](https://fandjexports.com/stocklist/cat-3408-industrial-engines/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:3àScribd](https://www.scribd.com/document/426831471/Caterpillar-3408?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Aspiration options include turbocharged and jacket_water aftercooled (JWAC) configurations for enhanced power and altitude performance. [oai_citation:4àDiesel Pro](https://dieselpro.com/caterpillar-parts/3408-engines/3408-engine-parts.html?srsltid=AfmBOoopkzOS9Wbu2kBc3CWw-B8AjUo-ZnEZpzagZg-p8I7yy7gMMokM&utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:5àScribd](https://www.scribd.com/document/426831471/Caterpillar-3408?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Compression ratio around 14.5:1 supports high-torque output. [oai_citation:6àScribd](https://www.scribd.com/document/426831471/Caterpillar-3408?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Horsepower output ranging from ~440_HP to 600Ð800_HP depending on industrial or marine tuning. [oai_citation:7àDiesel Pro](https://dieselpro.com/caterpillar-parts/3408-engines/3408-engine-parts.html?srsltid=AfmBOoopkzOS9Wbu2kBc3CWw-B8AjUo-ZnEZpzagZg-p8I7yy7gMMokM&utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:8àF&J Exports Limited](https://fandjexports.com/stocklist/cat-3408-industrial-engines/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Torque typically exceeds 2,000_lb_ft for high-demand applications. [oai_citation:9àDiesel Pro](https://dieselpro.com/caterpillar-parts/3408-engines/3408-engine-parts.html?srsltid=AfmBOoopkzOS9Wbu2kBc3CWw-B8AjUo-ZnEZpzagZg-p8I7yy7gMMokM&utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:10àF&J Exports Limited](https://fandjexports.com/stocklist/cat-3408-industrial-engines/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Durable cast_iron construction and simple direct fuel injection make it suitable for harsh duty cycles. [oai_citation:11àDiesel Pro](https://dieselpro.com/caterpillar-parts/3408-engines/3408-engine-parts.html?srsltid=AfmBOoopkzOS9Wbu2kBc3CWw-B8AjUo-ZnEZpzagZg-p8I7yy7gMMokM&utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:12àF&J Exports Limited](https://fandjexports.com/stocklist/cat-3408-industrial-engines/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Designed for frequent rebuilds using wet-sleeve cylinders, widely supported by aftermarket kits. [oai_citation:13àDiesel Pro](https://dieselpro.com/caterpillar-parts/3408-engines/3408-engine-parts.html?srsltid=AfmBOoopkzOS9Wbu2kBc3CWw-B8AjUo-ZnEZpzagZg-p8I7yy7gMMokM&utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:14àDiesel Parts Direct](https://www.dieselpartsdirect.com/parts-for-3408-caterpillar-engines?srsltid=AfmBOorSAaxBkA2cMbweXw9WrH_6kL9UqYWX5b6kYT_VRun6dL26kOUx&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Common Issues and Replacement Parts Needed
- Turbocharger components (bearings, seals) wear over time and require replacement in high-hour turbo variants.
- Fuel injectors and mechanical pumps may need servicing to maintain reliability and combustion efficiency.
- Cooling system components like thermostats, water pumps, and hoses should be routinely inspected to prevent overheating.
- Seals, gaskets, and valve covers can deteriorate, leading to oil or coolant leaks.
- Pistons, liners, rings, bearings, and crank components commonly need replacement during high-mileage rebuilds. [oai_citation:15àDiesel Pro](https://dieselpro.com/caterpillar-parts/3408-engines/3408-engine-parts.html?srsltid=AfmBOoopkzOS9Wbu2kBc3CWw-B8AjUo-ZnEZpzagZg-p8I7yy7gMMokM&utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:16àDiesel Parts Direct](https://www.dieselpartsdirect.com/parts-for-3408-caterpillar-engines?srsltid=AfmBOorSAaxBkA2cMbweXw9WrH_6kL9UqYWX5b6kYT_VRun6dL26kOUx&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Key Replacement Parts for the 3408 Engine
Find premium_quality 3408 components at trusted suppliers including Highway & Heavy Parts, Diesel Pro Power, Maxiforce, and others:
- Complete overhaul kits and cylinder packs (liners, pistons, rings, rod bearings)
- Crankshaft, camshaft, connecting rod, and bearing assemblies
- Fuel system parts: mechanical injectors, injection pumps, fuel lines
- Cooling & lubrication: water pumps, oil pumps, thermostats, oil coolers
- Turbocharger assemblies, exhaust manifolds for turbo/aftercooled models
- Full engine gasket sets and sealing kits
Typical premium rebuild kits (e.g. arrangement_matching 3408B DIESEL KIT 9Y7212) include pistons, rods, liners and seals for complete refresh. [oai_citation:17àHeavy Duty Pros](https://www.heavydutypros.com/caterpillar-3408-engine-premium-overhaul-rebuild-kit-9y7212.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOoqGuITT7HEwbmRszaHZlj8mNN83xc2z4fO-0B-97W94xz6Gv4U1&utm_source=chatgpt.com) Major kit pricing often ranges from approximately $3,200Ð3,600 depending on vendor and specifications.
The Caterpillar 3408 remains a globally respected heavy-duty engine for marine propulsion, industrial power, generator sets, and mining equipment. Its combination of raw torque, mechanical simplicity, and wide aftermarket support makes it ideal for demanding applications. Using quality replacement parts ensures continued uptime, consistent performance, and maximum return on rebuild investments.
