Cat 3408E Specifications
| Engine Model: Caterpillar 3408E |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle 8-cylinder turbocharged and aftercooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 1099 cu.in (18.0 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 400-550 Hp (300-407 kW) at 2100 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Electronic unit injector (EUI) |
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The Caterpillar 3408E is a V-8 configuration,
18.0-liter heavy-duty diesel engine representing the electronically
controlled evolution of the foundational 3408 platform. This engine
integrates advanced electronic unit injection with the proven mechanical
strength of the 65-degree V-block, delivering a significant increase in
power, fuel efficiency, and control over its mechanical predecessors.
Designed for the most severe off-highway, industrial, and marine
applications, the 3408E utilizes the Caterpillar ADEC (Advanced Digital
Electronic Control) system to precisely manage fuel delivery and engine
operation.
It retains the legendary durability features of wet cylinder liners and
cross-bolted main bearings while achieving higher power densities and
improved emissions performance. The 3408E is engineered for applications
where maximum power, reliable operation under extreme load, and
sophisticated diagnostics are essential, solidifying its role in large
mining trucks, marine propulsion, and high-output generator sets.
Engine Type: 65-Degree V-8, Four-Stroke Cycle Diesel.
Aspiration: Turbocharged and Air-to-Air Aftercooled (ATAAC).
Displacement: 18.0 Liters (1099 cubic inches).
Bore: 137 mm (5.4 inches).
Stroke: 165 mm (6.5 inches).
Engine Power (Industrial/Construction): 550 hp (407 kW) at 2100 RPM.
Engine Power (Generator Sets): 400-530 hp (300-400 kW).
Engine Power (Marine): 480 HP (358 kW).
Compression Ratio: 14.5:1.
Firing Order: 1-8-7-5-4-3-6-2.
Rotation (Viewed from Flywheel End): Counterclockwise.
Governor Type: Electronic, managed by the Advanced Digital Electronic
Control (ADEC) system.
Emission Certification: Certified to U.S. EPA Tier 1 and early Tier 2
standards for off-road and industrial engines.
The cylinder block is a heavy-duty, 65-degree V-style cast iron
structure designed for ultimate rigidity. The 65-degree angle optimizes
packaging and crankshaft balance. It incorporates replaceable wet-type
cylinder liners for all eight cylinders. The liners are pressed into the
block and sealed at the top with a copper composition gasket under a
precision-machined flange.
The block employs a deep skirt design and cross-bolted main bearing
caps. Each main bearing cap is secured by two vertical bolts and two
horizontal cross bolts that thread into the block's lower skirt,
providing maximum crankshaft support under extreme torque loads. The
camshaft is centrally located in the "V" and is gear-driven.
Two separate cast iron cylinder heads are used, one for each cylinder
bank. Each head employs a four-valve-per-cylinder design - two intake
and two exhaust - to facilitate the high volumetric airflow required for
high-power output. Valve seat inserts are hardened for extended
durability. Valve guides are replaceable.
The valve train incorporates hydraulic lash adjusters, positioned in the
cylinder head, which act on roller-type rocker arms. This system
eliminates the requirement for scheduled manual valve lash adjustment.
The cylinder head gaskets are multi-layer steel (MLS) or solid copper
designs.
The 3408E is equipped with Caterpillar's Electronically Controlled Unit
Injector (EUI) system. Each cylinder has a self-contained unit injector
where the engine's camshaft provides the mechanical actuation force for
the injector plunger. The Advanced Digital Electronic Control (ADEC)
module precisely governs the timing and duration of fuel injection by
energizing the injector solenoid.
This system generates injection pressures exceeding 28,000 psi (1930
bar). A gear-type transfer pump supplies fuel from the tank through
primary and secondary filters. The electronic control enables precise
fuel mapping for optimal power, efficiency, and low emissions across the
entire operating range.
Lubrication is provided by a high-volume gear-type oil pump driven from
the front gear train. Oil is drawn from a deep, cast aluminum sump
through a pickup tube and screen. It is then forced through dual
full-flow, spin-on oil filters operating in parallel. A bypass valve
protects the system.
Filtered oil is routed through a large, integral plate-type oil cooler
before entering the main oil gallery. From the gallery, oil is
distributed to the crankshaft main and connecting rod bearings, camshaft
bearings, turbocharger(s), and valve train. Piston cooling jets spray a
continuous, high-volume stream of oil onto the underside of each piston.
Coolant circulation is managed by a single, gear-driven centrifugal
water pump mounted at the front of the engine in the "V". The pump feeds
coolant into separate passages for each cylinder bank. A wax-pellet
thermostat regulates engine operating temperature.
The system uses an air-to-air aftercooler (ATAAC) to cool the
turbocharged intake air, significantly increasing charge density. The
engine cooling system requires a radiator or heat exchanger of very
large capacity. A coolant conditioner/filter is standard equipment to
maintain supplemental coolant additive levels.
Starting System: 24-volt or 32-volt electric starting motor. Air
starting systems are standard on most industrial and mining
installations. Charging System: Dual heavy-duty brushless alternators
are common, with combined outputs often exceeding 250 amperes.
Air Intake System: Dual dry-type air cleaner systems, one for each bank,
with restriction indicators. Air flows through the cleaners, into the
turbochargers, through the air-to-air aftercooler core, and into the
intake manifold. Exhaust System: Separate cast iron exhaust manifolds
for each bank route gases to the turbochargers. Electronically
controlled wastegates regulate boost pressure.
Electronic Control: Governed by the Advanced Digital Electronic Control
(ADEC) module. This system provides comprehensive engine management,
diagnostic capabilities, and programmable parameters for performance and
protection.
Dimensions are substantial. For a standard industrial configuration,
approximate length is 2108 mm (83.0 inches), width is 1626 mm (64.0
inches), and height is 1727 mm (68.0 inches). These measurements include
the air-to-air aftercooler and associated piping. The net dry engine
weight, excluding fluids but including standard accessories like dual
alternators and air compressor, is approximately 1814 kg (4000 pounds).
This significant weight reflects the engine's massive construction and
robust internal components.
Engine Oil Grade: Use engine oil meeting Caterpillar’s ECF-1-a
specification, equivalent to API CH-4 or CI-4. Oils meeting API CG-4 are
not approved for the EUI system. SAE 15W-40 is standard. Oil Change
Interval: Determined by service severity and oil analysis. In severe
mining duty, intervals of 250 to 500 hours are standard. Continuous
industrial or marine use may support 500-hour intervals with oil
analysis. Oil System Capacity: Total refill capacity, including dual
filter changes, is approximately 75.7 Liters (20.0 US gallons).
Cooling System Capacity: Total cooling system capacity, including
radiator and aftercooler circuit, is approximately 151.4 Liters (40.0 US
gallons). Engine Coolant: Use Caterpillar Extended Life Coolant (ELC) or
a conventional 50/50 ethylene glycol mix with properly maintained
Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) levels. Preventing liner cavitation
is critical.
Fuel Filter: Replace primary and secondary fuel filter elements every
500 hours or as specified. Air Filter: Service or replace based on
restriction gauge indication. Dual filters require individual service.
Valve Lash Adjustment: The hydraulic lash adjuster system requires no
scheduled mechanical adjustment.
Cylinder Head Bolts: Tighten in a specific sequence. Final torque: 300
Nm (221 lb-ft) plus a 90-degree turn.
Main Bearing Cap Bolts (Vertical): 340 Nm (250 lb-ft) plus an additional
90-degree turn.
Main Bearing Cap Cross Bolts: 190 Nm (140 lb-ft).
Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) plus an additional
90-degree turn.
Flywheel Housing-to-Block Bolts: 190 Nm (140 lb-ft).
Flywheel-to-Crankshaft Bolts: 340 Nm (250 lb-ft).
Unit Injector Clamp Bolt: 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
Oil Pan Bolts: 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
Oil Filter Cartridge: Hand-tighten until the gasket contacts the base,
then tighten an additional three-quarters turn.
The Caterpillar 3408E engine powered the
largest and most demanding equipment:
Mining Trucks: Primary power for Caterpillar 773D, 775D, 777C, and 785
haul trucks. Track-Type Tractors: Caterpillar D8R, D9R, and D10. Wheel
Loaders: Caterpillar 992G, 993K. Marine Propulsion: Used in large
commercial vessels, tugboats, offshore supply boats, and mega-yachts,
with horsepower ratings from 540 to over 800.
Power Generation: The prime mover for very large stationary generator
sets in the 750-1200 kW range for prime power and standby. Oil and Gas:
Powered the largest frac pumps, drilling rig drawworks, and cement
pumps. Industrial: Powered large dredges, rock crushers, and
high-capacity slurry pumps. Locomotives: Served as prime power in the
largest industrial and export locomotives.
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