Cylinder Head

Cylinder Head Parts for Caterpillar 3406B Engines

The Caterpillar 3406B engine has long been a cornerstone in marine and industrial power applications. Known for its durability, fuel efficiency, and high torque output, this engine relies heavily on the precision and integrity of its cylinder head assembly. The cylinder head is one of the most critical components in the 3406B, housing the combustion chamber, valves, injectors, and all the necessary sealing surfaces that keep compression and coolant separated.

At Diesel Pro Power, we provide a complete catalog of Caterpillar 3406B cylinder head parts, ranging from complete cylinder heads to the smallest valve lock. Each part is engineered to OEM standards, ensuring your rebuild or repair delivers long-lasting performance. Trusted by over 40,000 satisfied customers worldwide, Diesel Pro Power makes sourcing Caterpillar 3406B cylinder head components simple, efficient, and reliable.

Complete Cylinder Heads for Caterpillar 3406B

When rebuilding a Caterpillar 3406B engine, the cylinder head is often the first component that requires replacement or inspection. Diesel Pro Power offers both bare and fully assembled cylinder heads designed for the 3406B and compatible 3406 engine families.

• Bare Cylinder Heads – Ideal for mechanics who prefer to install their own valves, guides, springs, and seals. Bare heads provide a clean, machined foundation for a fully customized top-end rebuild.

• Assembled Cylinder Heads – Available with valves and springs pre-installed, these heads save significant labor time and ensure consistent seating tolerances. They are especially useful for operators looking to reduce downtime in marine and industrial settings.

Both options are offered for direct injection as well as precombustion chamber engines, giving flexibility based on your engine’s serial prefix or arrangement number.

Cylinder Head Gaskets and Spacer Plates

A high-performance cylinder head is only as effective as the gaskets and plates that seal it to the block. For the 3406B, Diesel Pro Power supplies:

• Cylinder Head Gasket Sets – Complete sets designed for a full top-end rebuild, including head gaskets, O-rings, and seals.

• Individual Cylinder Head Gaskets – For quick repairs where a complete set isn’t necessary.

• Spacer Plates – Used between the head and the block to adjust compression height, ensuring proper alignment and sealing in high-demand applications.

Every gasket and plate is manufactured to withstand the extreme pressure and temperature fluctuations common in Caterpillar 3400 series engines.

Head Bolts and Washers

The 3406B’s durability depends on precise clamping force between the cylinder head and block. Reusing old bolts can compromise this critical seal. Diesel Pro Power offers:

• Cylinder Head Bolts – Available in multiple lengths and thread specifications to fit Caterpillar 3406B, 3406C, 3408, and 3412 applications. These bolts are engineered to handle the cyclical stress of combustion without stretching.

• Bolt Washers – Hardened washers distribute load evenly, preventing bolt loosening and head gasket failure.

Replacing bolts and washers during every rebuild is considered best practice for long-term reliability.

Valve Train Components

The valve system is the heart of airflow control in the 3406B. Properly functioning valves and related parts ensure efficient combustion, fuel economy, and emission compliance. Diesel Pro Power provides:

Intake and Exhaust Valves

• Intake Valves – Allow clean air into the combustion chamber. Precision-ground seating surfaces ensure proper sealing.

• Exhaust Valves – Designed to handle extreme heat, these valves release exhaust gases while maintaining tight sealing integrity.

Valve Guides and Inserts

• Valve Guides – Provide alignment for the valve stems, reducing wear and improving seating accuracy. Available for both intake and exhaust applications.

• Valve Seat Inserts – Hardened inserts protect the cylinder head from valve impact, ensuring consistent sealing and extending head life.

Valve Springs and Rotocoils

• Valve Springs – Available for single and dual spring applications, springs maintain valve tension for precise opening and closing.

• Rotocoils (Rotators) – Promote even valve rotation, preventing hot spots and extending service life. Offered in both single and dual spring configurations.

Valve Locks and Lifters

• Valve Locks – Secure the spring and retainer assembly in place.

• Valve Lifters (Tappets) – Transfer motion from the camshaft to the push rods, ensuring proper valve actuation.

Precombustion Chamber Components

Some versions of the Caterpillar 3406B rely on precombustion chamber technology for efficient fuel-air mixing. Diesel Pro Power offers all supporting components:

• Precombustion Chambers – Precision-machined chambers designed for direct replacement.

• O-Ring Seals and Gaskets – Maintain a tight seal under high heat and pressure.

• Washer Seals – Reinforce the combustion chamber’s sealing surface, preventing leaks and loss of compression.

These parts are essential for ensuring stable ignition in precombustion chamber engines.

Push Rods and Rocker Train

The push rod system is vital for transmitting camshaft motion to the valves. Diesel Pro Power stocks:

• Push Rods – High-strength rods engineered for Caterpillar 3406B, 3408, and 3412 engines.

• Rocker Arm Components – Not only control valve operation but also play a role in maintaining valve timing and fuel efficiency.

Upgrading worn push rods and rocker assemblies prevents valve train noise, misfires, and premature wear.

Why the Cylinder Head Matters in the 3406B

The cylinder head assembly is directly tied to performance, emissions, and efficiency. A worn or damaged head can cause:

• Loss of compression and power

• Coolant leaks into combustion chambers

• Oil contamination and increased wear

• Poor fuel economy and increased emissions

By sourcing genuine-quality parts from Diesel Pro Power, operators reduce downtime, improve reliability, and extend the service life of their Caterpillar 3406B engines.

Applications of the Caterpillar 3406B

The 3406B has been used across a wide range of marine and industrial applications, including:

• Tugboats and fishing vessels requiring continuous-duty performance

• Power generation systems in remote industrial sites

• Oilfield equipment

• Heavy-duty construction machinery

Because of its widespread use, the 3406B remains one of the most supported engines in the Caterpillar family.

Why Choose Diesel Pro Power for Caterpillar 3406B Cylinder Head Parts

Selecting the right supplier is as important as selecting the right part. Diesel Pro Power stands out by offering:

• Global Reach – Fast shipping to more than 180 countries.

• Proven Reputation – Trusted by over 40,000 satisfied customers worldwide.

• Comprehensive Catalog – From complete cylinder heads to the smallest valve lock, everything is available in one place.

• Marine & Industrial Focus – Unlike automotive suppliers, we specialize exclusively in continuous-duty diesel engines.

• Expert Support – Our team helps match heads, gaskets, and valves to your specific serial prefix or arrangement number.