Key Takeaways

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• Applications Of The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Marine Applications Of The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Industrial Applications Of The Caterpillar 3406B
• Specifications Of The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Finding Serial Number & Arrangement Number For The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Power Output Of The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Weight & Dimensions Of The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Parts That Are Unique To The Caterpillar 3406B
• Why The “B” In The Caterpillar 3406B
• Aftermarket Parts By Diesel Pro Power For The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Engine Overhaul Kits For The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Freshwater Pump For The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Marine Water Pump For The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Cylinder Head For The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Injectors For The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Turbo For The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Aftercooler For The Caterpillar 3406B
  • Oil Pump For Caterpillar 3406B
  • Connecting Rods For Caterpillar 3406B
  • Gaskets For Caterpillar 3406B
  • Starter/Alternator For Caterpillar 3406B
  • Filters For Caterpillar 3406B
• Transmissions That Hook Up To The Caterpillar 3406B

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Applications Of The Caterpillar 3406B

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The Caterpillar 3406B engine is celebrated globally for its power, reliability, and versatility across rugged environments. It’s a mechanical diesel engine that thrives where high-torque, low-RPM performance is required. Whether out at sea or in a remote oilfield, the 3406B is built for endurance.

Engineers, mechanics, and equipment owners favor the 3406B for its simple layout and ease of repair. No laptop is needed to diagnose issues; most components can be accessed and serviced with hand tools. This is particularly useful in maritime and industrial settings where downtime is costly.

Its applications span a broad spectrum—from commercial fishing to power generation—and its durability in harsh environments is a key reason for its long-standing popularity.

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Marine Applications Of The Caterpillar 3406B

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In the marine world, the Caterpillar 3406B is a staple among commercial operators. It is a favorite for:

• Commercial Fishing Boats
  Reliable in long-haul routes where breakdowns can jeopardize entire harvests.

• Tugboats and Push Boats
  The torque-heavy engine makes it ideal for vessels that need constant thrust at lower RPMs.

• Pilot and Patrol Vessels
  Offers a balance of acceleration and long-term performance for vessels on standby.

• Charter Yachts and Ferries
  Provides quiet, low-vibration power that’s appreciated in crewed vessels and tourism operations.

The 3406B’s ability to run continuously at set RPMs and handle varying loads makes it well-suited for the throttle patterns of most marine propulsion systems. It’s also commonly coupled with Twin Disc marine gears that match its torque curve precisely.

Industrial Applications Of The Caterpillar 3406B

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In the industrial sector, the 3406B powers:

• Oilfield Generators and Pump Units
  Often trailer-mounted and tasked with running 24/7 in remote, hot, or dusty areas.

• Irrigation and Dewatering Pumps
  Ideal for agriculture and construction where water needs to be moved reliably and efficiently.

• Stationary Power Generation
  Trusted in emergency backup systems and in regions with unstable power grids.

• Drilling and Mining Equipment
  Used as the prime mover for rigs and heavy-duty hydraulic systems.

What makes the 3406B ideal here is its mechanical governor and durable design, which can handle load fluctuations without the complexity of electronics. These qualities make it a preferred choice in countries with limited access to parts or diagnostics.

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Specifications Of The Caterpillar 3406B

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The 3406B engine is a 6-cylinder, in-line diesel with a displacement of 14.6 liters. It features a gear-driven camshaft and mechanical unit injectors, and it’s turbocharged for increased power density. Below are its technical highlights:

• Configuration: Inline 6-cylinder

• Displacement: 893 cubic inches (14.6 liters)

• Bore x Stroke: 5.4″ x 6.5″ (137mm x 165mm)

• Aspiration: Turbocharged, with or without aftercooler

• Fuel System: Mechanical direct injection

• Compression Ratio: 14.5:1 (typical)

• Governor Type: Mechanical

• Cooling: Freshwater-cooled block, raw water or closed-loop heat exchanger for marine

• Rated Speeds: 1,800–2,100 RPM (marine), 1,800–2,200 RPM (industrial)

Its mechanical nature, broad RPM band, and robust block casting make it extremely tolerant to fuel variations and overloading—an advantage in global operations.

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Finding Serial Number & Arrangement Number For The Caterpillar 3406B

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Caterpillar’s serial numbers are essential for parts compatibility. For the 3406B:

• Serial Number (Engine SN): Located on the engine’s dataplate, often near the valve cover or timing case. Common prefixes include 5EK, 6TB, and 7FB.

• Arrangement Number (AR): Found on the same dataplate and lists the configuration of fuel components, emissions, and auxiliary systems.

Why It Matters: Two engines may look the same externally but require different parts internally. Always match the AR and SN when ordering from Diesel Pro Power.

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Power Output Of The Caterpillar 3406B

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Rated outputs vary by governor setup and intended use:

• Marine Continuous Duty: ~325–450 HP @ 1,800 RPM

• Marine Intermittent Duty: ~450–540 HP @ 2,100 RPM

• Industrial Rating: ~325–500 HP @ 1,800–2,200 RPM

• Torque Output: ~1,250–1,650 lb-ft depending on configuration

Marine users appreciate the low-end torque, while industrial users benefit from its mid-range responsiveness.

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Weight & Dimensions Of The Caterpillar 3406B

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• Dry Weight: ~2,990–3,100 lbs (varies by configuration)

• Length: ~62 inches

• Width: ~39 inches

• Height: ~49 inches

Marine aftercoolers, raw water pumps, and mounts may increase weight slightly, but the core engine remains compact relative to its power class.

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Parts That Are Unique To The Caterpillar 3406B

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Despite family resemblance to the 3406C or 3406E, the “B” engine has several unique parts:

• Mechanical Injector Bodies

• Cylinder Heads with Specific Injector Ports

• Dedicated Camshaft Profile for Mechanical Fuel Timing

• Turbochargers Matched to Air/Fuel Ratios of the B Series

• Aftercoolers Designed for Mechanical Boost Control

These parts are not interchangeable with later electronically controlled engines, reinforcing the importance of choosing the correct aftermarket supplier.

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Why The “B” In The Caterpillar 3406B

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The “B” denotes the second iteration of Caterpillar’s 3406 engine series, representing a leap forward from the earlier A series. Released in the early 1980s, the 3406B introduced:

• Improved Fuel Atomization

• Higher Injection Pressures via Redesigned Cam and Lifters

• Optimized Cooling Jacket and Cylinder Head Design

• More Durable Block Casting for Higher Cylinder Pressures

• Higher Power Ratings with Better Fuel Economy

Importantly, it retained the all-mechanical design that makes it one of the most trusted diesel engines worldwide. The 3406C and 3406E later moved toward electronic control, but many users prefer the B for its simplicity and longevity.

 

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Aftermarket Parts By Diesel Pro Power For The Caterpillar 3406B

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Diesel Pro Power offers one of the most complete selections of aftermarket Caterpillar 3406B parts available online. All components meet or exceed OEM standards and are backed by fast global shipping.

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Engine Overhaul Kits For The Caterpillar 3406B

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Our rebuild kits include:

• Pistons 

• Piston rings

• Wet or dry liners

• Main and rod bearings

• Thrust washers

• Complete gasket kit (Add to cart Separately)

These kits are ideal for overhauling high-hour marine or industrial 3406B engines.

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Freshwater Pump For The Caterpillar 3406B

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• Pre-installed impellers and seals

• Gaskets included

• Supports closed-loop coolant systems

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Marine Water Pump For The Caterpillar 3406B

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• Saltwater-resistant bearings and seals

• Ideal for raw water cooling systems in coastal vessels

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Cylinder Head For The Caterpillar 3406B

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• New and remanufactured options

• Fully pressure tested and surfaced

• Valve train pre-assembled (on select models)

• Ready for drop-in installation

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Injectors For The Caterpillar 3406B

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• OEM-style mechanical injectors

• Calibrated for matched spray and flow

• Optional core return for cost savings

• Backed by warranty

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Turbo For The Caterpillar 3406B

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• Marine and industrial configurations

• High nickel housings for heat resistance

• Gaskets and mounting hardware included

• Direct bolt-on fit for 3406B layouts

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Aftercooler For The Caterpillar 3406B

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• Air-to-air and air-to-water options

• Leak-tested cores

• Corrosion-resistant materials

• Enhanced combustion efficiency

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Oil Pump For Caterpillar 3406B

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• Gear-driven, high-output design

• Supports heavy-load operation

• Available for all serial ranges

Connecting Rods For Caterpillar 3406B

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• Forged steel, shot-peened

• OEM balancing specs

• Available with bushings or solid ends

• Sold in sets or individually

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Gaskets For Caterpillar 3406B

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• Head gaskets, rocker covers, front/rear main seals

• Marine and industrial spec materials

• Full kits or single components

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Starter/Alternator For Caterpillar 3406B

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• 12V/24V options

• Marine ignition-safe designs

• High-amp alternators for electronics-heavy systems

• Pre-tested under load

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Filters For Caterpillar 3406B

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• Spin-on fuel filters

• High-efficiency oil filters

• Marine-grade air filters

• Long-life designs for extended service intervals

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Transmissions That Hook Up To The Caterpillar 3406B

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Correct transmission pairing ensures optimal power delivery and longevity. For the 3406B:

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Marine Transmissions

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• Twin Disc MG-514C – Widely used in mid-range commercial boats.

• Twin Disc MG-516 / MG-517 – Ideal for higher horsepower vessels or intermittent duty.

• Twin Disc MG-521 / MG-522 – Designed for continuous heavy-duty marine propulsion.

• ZF Marine Transmissions – Paired in pilot boats and yachts.

• Reintjes Marine Gearboxes – Found in tugboats and offshore support vessels.

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Industrial Use

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• Clutched Pump Drives – Used in dewatering and hydraulic systems.

• Direct Drives & PTOs – Common in generator and compressor setups.

All of these are torque-matched to the 3406B and supported by Diesel Pro Power.