Parts for Caterpillar 3408 – Gasket Section

The Caterpillar 3408 engine is one of the most iconic V8 diesel powerplants ever produced, used widely in marine, industrial, and heavy equipment applications around the world. Like all high-horsepower diesel engines, its reliability depends heavily on its sealing systems. Gaskets, seals, and related kits ensure that combustion pressure, coolant flow, oil circulation, and exhaust routing remain contained and efficient throughout the engine’s operating life.

This catalog section focuses specifically on gaskets and related sealing components for the Caterpillar 3408 engine, covering everything from complete overhaul gasket sets to specialized single-use components like turbocharger gaskets and crankshaft seals. By choosing Diesel Pro Power’s aftermarket gaskets, operators gain access to durable, precision-fit solutions that have been trusted by over 40,000 customers in more than 180 countries.

Engine Gasket Kits for Caterpillar 3408

Overhaul Gasket Sets for Major Repairs

When a Caterpillar 3408 undergoes a major overhaul, every critical gasket in the engine must be replaced. Overhaul gasket sets include cylinder head gaskets, liner seals, intake and exhaust manifold gaskets, front and rear crankshaft seals, and many other smaller sealing components. These kits are designed to ensure that when the engine is completely rebuilt, it returns to service with a fully refreshed sealing system.

Overhaul gasket sets are essential for:

• Engines undergoing complete disassembly and rebuild.

• Units with high running hours where all seals must be renewed.

• Marine and industrial operators seeking maximum reliability for long-term service.

Diesel Pro Power offers multiple versions of overhaul gasket sets to match different serial number prefixes and configurations of the 3408 engine. This eliminates the guesswork and ensures compatibility.

In-Frame Gasket Sets for Mid-Life Service

Unlike a full overhaul, an in-frame repair allows the Caterpillar 3408 to be serviced while still installed in the chassis or engine room. In-frame gasket sets include the most critical gaskets for this level of repair, such as head gaskets, liner seals, and valve cover gaskets. These kits are popular with shipyards and industrial operators that need to perform mid-life refreshes without removing the engine entirely.

Benefits of in-frame gasket sets:

• Reduced downtime by avoiding complete removal of the engine.

• Cost-effective solution for extending engine life.

• Designed specifically for onboard or in-chassis service work.

Cylinder Head Gaskets and Sets for Caterpillar 3408

Complete Cylinder Head Gasket Kits

The Caterpillar 3408 V8 design requires precision sealing at the cylinder heads to contain extreme combustion pressures. A cylinder head gasket kit includes the full set of head gaskets and related seals needed to reassemble both cylinder heads on the engine. This ensures reliable compression and prevents coolant or oil leaks into combustion chambers.

Cylinder head gasket kits are typically required when:

• Heads are removed for inspection or machining.

• Valves or valve seats are replaced.

• Cylinder liner and piston repairs are performed.

Individual Cylinder Head Gaskets

In some cases, operators may only need to replace one or two head gaskets, such as during a partial top-end repair. Individual cylinder head gaskets are available to cover specific engine serial ranges, ensuring the right fit for every 3408 variant.

Key benefits of Diesel Pro’s aftermarket head gaskets:

• Multi-layer steel (MLS) construction for maximum sealing strength.

• Compatibility with high-compression diesel combustion cycles.

• Long service life under marine, industrial, and heavy-duty conditions.

Specialized Gasket Components for Caterpillar 3408

While overhaul and in-frame sets cover complete sealing systems, individual gaskets also play crucial roles. Diesel Pro Power catalogs these components separately, ensuring operators can purchase only what they need for targeted repairs.

Cylinder Liner Seal Kits

Cylinder liners in the Caterpillar 3408 must be sealed tightly at the base to prevent coolant and oil leaks. Cylinder liner seal kits are installed one per liner, meaning a complete engine requires multiple kits. These seals are critical during liner replacement or overhaul work.

Aftercooler Installation Gaskets

Marine versions of the 3408 often feature an aftercooler system to reduce intake air temperatures. The aftercooler installation gasket set ensures that this vital system operates without leaks, maintaining air density for proper combustion.

Expansion Tank Gaskets

The expansion tank is part of the cooling system, absorbing coolant expansion during thermal cycles. The gasket set prevents leaks at tank connections, ensuring stable coolant pressure.

Air Compressor Gaskets

Some Caterpillar 3408 installations feature an air compressor mounted to the engine. The compressor gasket seals the mounting surfaces and prevents oil or air leaks during operation.

Exhaust Manifold Gaskets

Exhaust manifold gaskets ensure proper sealing between the cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds. Because the 3408 is a V8 engine, eight exhaust manifold gaskets are required per engine. These gaskets must withstand extreme heat and pressure.

Turbocharger Gaskets

Turbocharged 3408 engines rely on properly sealed turbocharger connections to maintain boost pressure. Turbo gaskets are designed for high-temperature applications and are essential for preventing exhaust gas leaks that could reduce performance.

Flywheel and Front Housing Gaskets

The flywheel housing gasket and front housing gasket maintain oil-tight seals at the rear and front of the engine. These are often replaced during clutch, flywheel, or accessory drive servicing.

Crankshaft Seals – Front and Rear

The crankshaft must pass through the engine block, requiring seals at both the front and rear. These seals prevent oil leaks while allowing smooth crankshaft rotation. Replacing both during major service is recommended to ensure long-term reliability.

Applications of Caterpillar 3408 Gasket Components

The Caterpillar 3408 engine is used worldwide in a range of demanding applications, including:

• Marine propulsion – fishing vessels, workboats, and offshore support craft.

• Industrial power generation – stationary engines driving pumps, compressors, and electrical generators.

• Construction and mining – powering large earthmoving and drilling equipment.

• Oilfield operations – engines used for drilling rigs and pumping units.

In each application, gaskets play a vital role in keeping the engine running smoothly, preventing leaks, and ensuring full compression.

Why Choose Diesel Pro Power for Caterpillar 3408 Gasket Parts

Global Trust and Proven Reliability

Diesel Pro Power has supported over 40,000 customers in more than 180 countries, making it one of the most trusted global sources for Caterpillar aftermarket parts. From remote mining camps to busy shipyards, operators rely on Diesel Pro to keep engines like the 3408 running.

Fast Worldwide Shipping

Orders are processed and shipped within 24 hours, complete with tracking. This commitment to fast delivery ensures that operators experience minimal downtime when critical gasket parts are needed.

Engine-Specific Catalogs

Unlike generic suppliers, Diesel Pro Power catalogs parts by engine model and serial number compatibility. Every gasket listed in this section is specifically matched to the Caterpillar 3408, ensuring no guesswork.

Heavy-Duty Durability

Diesel Pro aftermarket gaskets are engineered for long-lasting performance under the toughest conditions, including marine salt exposure, extreme heat, and heavy industrial loads.

Expert Technical Support

Customers benefit from the expertise of Caterpillar specialists who provide installation guidance, torque specifications, and troubleshooting tips. This level of support ensures confidence in every repair.