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The Caterpillar 3406 marine engine is renowned for its durability and performance in marine propulsion applications. This four-stroke, inline six-cylinder diesel engine boasts a displacement of 14.6 liters (893 cubic inches), with a bore of 5.4 inches (137 mm) and a stroke of 6.5 inches (165 mm). Designed for counterclockwise rotation, it operates at a low idle speed of 600 RPM.
Power Ratings and Fuel Consumption For The Caterpillar 3406 Marine Engine
The 3406 engine offers various power ratings to suit different marine needs:
- Maximum (Flywheel) at 2100 RPM:
- 465 BHP (472 HP)
- 395 BHP (401 HP)
- 295 BHP (401 HP)
- Intermittent (Flywheel) at 2100 RPM:
- 375 BHP (380 HP)
- 325 BHP (330 HP)
- Continuous (Flywheel) at 1800 RPM:
- 275 BHP (279 HP)
- 250 BHP (254 HP)
- 235 BHP (238 HP)
- Continuous (Shaft) at 1800 RPM:
- 265 BHP (270 HP)
- 240 BHP (245 HP)
- 225 BHP (228 HP)
Approximate Fuel Consumption At Full Continuous Shaft Horsepower For The Caterpillar 3406 Marine Engine
- 15.4 gallons per hour (58.3 liters per hour)
- 13.1 gallons per hour (49.6 liters per hour)
- 12.0 gallons per hour (46.0 liters per hour)
Standard Equipment For The Caterpillar 3406 Marine Engine
The 3406 marine engine comes equipped with:
- Lube oil cooler
- Tachometer drive
- Spin-on fuel and lube oil filters
- Flywheel and SAE #1 flywheel housing
- Hydra-mechanical governor
- Lifting eyes
- Water-cooled exhaust manifold and turbocharger
- Oil filler and dipstick
- Fuel priming and transfer pumps
- Gear-driven centrifugal jacket water pump
- Service meter
- Front supports
- Expansion tank
- Automatic variable timing
- Vibration damper
- Marine gear oil cooler
- Air-fuel ratio control
Optional Attachments :
To enhance functionality, optional attachments include:
- Remote actuated controls
- Rack solenoid shutoff (24 or 32 volt)
- Pilot house controls
- Heat exchangers for keel cooling
- Auxiliary seawater pump
- Flexible exhaust fittings, elbows, and flanges
- Flexible fuel lines
- Primary fuel filters
- Tachometers
- Engine-mounted and pilot house instrument panels
- Remote-mounted oil filters
- Auxiliary pulleys
- Oil pressure, water temperature, and overspeed contactors
- Starting options: air, electric, and hydraulic
- Alternators
- Glow plugs
- Bilge pumps and drives
- Keel cooling connection group
- Sump pumps
- Marine gears: MG512, MG514, MG514M, and MG509 with various gear ratios
Dimensions and Weight For The Caterpillar 3406 Marine Engine
The engine’s approximate dry weight is 3,075 pounds (1,400 kg). When paired with marine gears, the weight varies:
- With Twin Disc Gear MG512 or MG514 (3.5:1 ratio): 4,271 pounds (1,937 kg)
- With MG514: 4,576 pounds (2,076 kg)
- With MG514M: 4,786 pounds (2,171 kg)
- With MG509: 3,735 pounds (1,699 kg)
Parts for the Caterpillar 3406 Marine Engine at Diesel Pro Power
Maintaining the health and performance of your Caterpillar 3406 engine is essential for uninterrupted marine operations. Diesel Pro Power offers a wide selection of premium aftermarket parts to meet your engine’s needs:
Extend the life of your engine with a complete overhaul kit, designed to ensure top performance.
Monitor your engine’s critical systems with accurate and durable gauges.
Ensure efficient cooling with high-quality aftermarket raw water pumps for Caterpillar 3406.
Maintain optimal compression and performance with a reliable cylinder head.
We carry all the parts to keep your fuel system running smoothly.
Keep fuel spraying for combustion.
Turbo For Caterpillar 3406Maximize engine power with high-performance turbochargers built for marine environments.
Optimize engine cooling for better fuel efficiency and longevity.
Premium oil pumps and filters to ensure proper lubrication.
Maintain your engine’s core functions with precision-engineered camshafts.
Exhaust System Parts For Caterpillar 3406Keep your emissions system in check with top-quality exhaust parts.
Keep your engine responsive with reliable sensors and switches.
Ensure dependable starts and steady power with our robust starters and alternators.
The following marine gears are often used with the Caterpillar 3406 marine engine: MG512, MG514, MG514M, and MG509 with various gear ratios.
Maintenance Tips for the Caterpillar 3406 Marine Engine
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring the Caterpillar 3406 marine engine operates reliably and efficiently. Below are detailed tips to help you get the most out of your engine:
1. Oil Changes
Regular oil changes are critical for protecting the engine from wear and tear. Caterpillar recommends changing the oil every 250 hours of operation to maintain proper lubrication and minimize engine wear.
- Pro Tip: Use high-quality engine oil compatible with the Caterpillar 3406 specifications to prevent sludge buildup and ensure optimal performance.
- Warning Signs: Monitor oil levels and look for signs of contamination, such as discoloration or a burnt smell, which could indicate engine issues.
2. Cooling Systems
The water pumps and aftercoolers are vital for preventing overheating and maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
- Water Pump Maintenance: Inspect the impellers and seals regularly for wear. Replace components showing signs of damage to avoid leaks or reduced cooling efficiency.
- Aftercooler Maintenance:
Clean the fins and check for blockages to ensure proper airflow and cooling. Saltwater environments can accelerate corrosion, so regular inspections are essential.
- Best Practices:
Flush the cooling system periodically to remove debris and prevent scaling or rust from building up.
3. Inspect the Fuel System
A clean and efficient fuel system ensures smooth engine operation and prevents costly downtime.
- Injector Maintenance:
Inspect and clean the injectors to avoid clogs that could disrupt fuel delivery. Replace injectors as needed to maintain fuel efficiency.
- Fuel Filters:
Replace primary and secondary fuel filters at regular intervals to prevent contaminants from entering the system.
- Proactive Steps:
Use high-quality marine diesel fuel and additives to reduce water and sediment buildup.
4. Turbo Maintenance
The turbocharger plays a key role in maximizing engine power and efficiency. Keeping it clean and functional is crucial.
- Inspection:
Check for signs of oil leaks, unusual noises, or excessive smoke from the exhaust, as these could indicate turbocharger issues.
- Cleaning:
Periodically remove carbon buildup on the turbine and compressor to maintain optimal airflow and boost.
- Lubrication:
Ensure proper lubrication of the turbo’s bearings to prevent overheating and premature failure.
- Replacement:
If the turbocharger shows significant wear or damage, consider replacing it with a high-quality aftermarket turbo from Diesel Pro Power for reliable performance.
Additional Tips for Long-Term Maintenance
- Check Belts and Hoses:
Inspect all belts and hoses for wear and replace them before they fail.
- Monitor Gauges:
Regularly monitor temperature, oil pressure, and fuel pressure gauges to catch issues early.
- Scheduled Overhauls:
For engines with high operational hours, consider a full engine overhaul using a Caterpillar 3406 overhaul kit to restore performance and extend engine life.
Following these maintenance practices will keep your Caterpillar 3406 running smoothly, minimize downtime, and ensure reliable performance for years to come. For high-quality parts and expert advice, trust Diesel Pro Power to support your engine maintenance needs.
Need Parts For Your Caterpillar 3406?
Keep your Caterpillar 3406 engine running strong with Diesel Pro Power’s extensive selection of parts. From overhaul kits to sensors, we’ve got everything you need to maintain, repair, or upgrade your engine.
Contact us at 305-545-5588.
