Caterpillar 3408B – Camshaft and Related Components

The Caterpillar 3408B is a legendary V8 diesel engine known for its rugged design, high horsepower output, and ability to thrive in demanding applications such as construction, mining, industrial power generation, and marine propulsion. At the heart of its reliable performance is a carefully engineered valvetrain, and one of the most critical components in this system is the camshaft.

This catalog section covers the complete camshaft system for the Caterpillar 3408B, including the camshaft itself, bushings, camshaft gear, woodruff key, and valve lifters. Each part is designed to OEM standards, ensuring the precise fit, timing accuracy, and durability required to keep your 3408B engine running at peak efficiency.

Understanding the Role of the Camshaft in the Caterpillar 3408B

The camshaft in the 3408B controls the precise timing of the intake and exhaust valves. By converting rotational motion into linear motion, the camshaft ensures that air and fuel enter the combustion chamber at exactly the right moment, and exhaust gases are expelled efficiently.

Without a properly functioning camshaft, the Caterpillar 3408B would not be able to produce the horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency that have made it a cornerstone of heavy-duty diesel power.

How the Camshaft Works in the 3408B

• Valve Timing: Each cam lobe is carefully machined to open and close the intake and exhaust valves at the correct time relative to piston position.

• Combustion Efficiency: Precise timing allows for complete combustion, maximizing power while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions.

• Engine Longevity: A well-maintained camshaft helps reduce strain on the valve train and ensures balanced operation across all eight cylinders.

Camshaft for Caterpillar 3408B Engines

The replacement camshaft for the Caterpillar 3408B is built to exact specifications, ensuring long-term reliability. It provides:

• OEM Fitment – Designed exclusively for the 3408B engine, eliminating compatibility concerns.

• Durability – Hardened lobes and journals resist wear under heavy-duty load cycles.

• Consistent Power – Maintains factory timing and valve lift profiles to keep horsepower and torque output consistent.

• Versatility – Suitable for engines across construction, industrial, and marine applications.

Camshaft Bushings for Caterpillar 3408B

The camshaft bushings in the 3408B support the camshaft within the engine block, reducing friction and ensuring smooth rotation. Without high-quality bushings, the camshaft would wear unevenly and compromise engine timing.

Standard Camshaft Bushing – 1.00" Wide

This bushing provides stable support for the camshaft in standard-duty applications. It is precision-machined to Caterpillar tolerances, ensuring tight fitment and smooth rotation.

Wide Camshaft Bushing – 1.30" Wide

For 3408B engines working under heavy load or continuous operation, the wider bushing offers added durability. The increased surface contact distributes forces more evenly, reducing wear and extending service life.

Why Replace Bushings in a 3408B?

• Excessive camshaft play

• Abnormal wear patterns on cam lobes

• Increased vibration or engine noise

• Preventative maintenance during an overhaul

Replacing bushings is a cost-effective way to protect a new camshaft and extend engine life.

Camshaft Gear for Caterpillar 3408B

The camshaft gear synchronizes camshaft movement with the crankshaft, ensuring valves open and close at exactly the right time. In the 3408B, this gear features 86 teeth, engineered for maximum strength and precision.

Key Features:

• High-strength construction for long-term reliability under heavy-duty conditions.

• Precision machining ensures exact timing, reducing the risk of misfires or valve damage.

• OEM compatibility with the Caterpillar 3408B eliminates guesswork.

A worn or damaged gear can lead to serious timing issues, making it a critical replacement part during rebuilds.

Camshaft Woodruff Key for Caterpillar 3408B

Though small in size, the woodruff key is essential in securing the camshaft gear to the camshaft. It prevents gear slippage and ensures timing remains exact.

Benefits:

• Maintains accurate alignment between camshaft and crankshaft.

• Prevents premature wear on gears and camshaft surfaces.

• Provides long-term reliability under high vibration and load conditions.

Replacing the woodruff key is a simple but important step when performing camshaft service on a 3408B.

Valve Lifters for Caterpillar 3408B

Valve lifters, or tappets, convert camshaft rotation into valve movement. In the 3408B, they are responsible for ensuring smooth and reliable operation of the valvetrain.

Features:

• Precision-ground surfaces for reduced friction.

• Hardened design for long-term durability.

• Optimized oil flow to maintain lubrication and prevent premature wear.

Why Replace Lifters in the 3408B?

• To eliminate ticking or tapping noises caused by worn lifters.

• To restore smooth valve movement.

• To protect the camshaft from abnormal wear.

When installing a new camshaft, it is strongly recommended to replace the lifters at the same time for maximum longevity.

Common Signs of Camshaft Problems in a Caterpillar 3408B

Maintaining the 3408B camshaft and related parts is essential. Watch for these warning signs of camshaft issues:

• Loss of engine power or efficiency

• Misfires or rough idle

• Tapping or knocking noises from the valve train

• Visible wear on cam lobes or bushings

• Excessive smoke from the exhaust due to improper timing

Replacing camshaft-related parts promptly helps prevent catastrophic engine failure.

Maintenance Tips for the 3408B Camshaft System

• Regular Oil Changes: Proper lubrication is the key to camshaft longevity.

• Use Correct Oil Grade: Caterpillar engines perform best with oils that meet manufacturer specifications.

• Monitor Valve Clearance: Ensure valve lash is adjusted properly to reduce camshaft and lifter wear.

• Inspect Timing Components: Replace worn gears, keys, and bushings during overhauls.

• Replace in Sets: Camshaft, bushings, lifters, and gears should often be replaced together for balanced performance.

Why Buy Caterpillar 3408B Camshaft Parts from Diesel Pro Power

When it comes to maintaining or rebuilding a Caterpillar 3408B engine, the quality of your camshaft components directly impacts performance, reliability, and overall engine life. Choosing the right supplier is just as important as choosing the right part. At Diesel Pro Power, we have built a reputation as a trusted source for Caterpillar replacement parts, with more than 40,000 satisfied customers worldwide who depend on us for quality, expertise, and fast service.

Trusted by 40,000+ Customers Worldwide

Across industries such as construction, mining, marine, and power generation, Diesel Pro Power has become the go-to supplier for heavy-duty engine parts. Customers from every continent rely on our Caterpillar 3408B parts because they know they are receiving components that meet or exceed OEM standards. This trust has been earned over decades of consistent service, supplying parts that keep equipment running in some of the toughest working environments in the world.

OEM-Quality Fit and Function

Each camshaft, camshaft bushing, gear, lifter, and woodruff key we carry for the 3408B is built to Caterpillar specifications. That means when you order from us, you get parts that fit right the first time and perform exactly as intended. A properly engineered camshaft ensures accurate valve timing, smooth combustion, and dependable power delivery. Bushings and gears are precision-machined for tight tolerances, while lifters are designed to minimize friction and wear. This OEM-level quality provides confidence that your rebuilt or repaired 3408B engine will deliver the same reliability and power that made it a workhorse in the first place.

Fast Global Shipping to Minimize Downtime

Downtime is costly, whether your 3408B engine powers a vessel, a haul truck, or a generator. That’s why Diesel Pro Power prioritizes speed and reliability in shipping. With streamlined logistics and international reach, we ship parts quickly to customers worldwide. No matter where your operation is located, you can count on us to get the right 3408B camshaft components to you as fast as possible, helping you get back to work with minimal delays.

A Dedicated Caterpillar 3408B Catalog

Searching through generic catalogs can be frustrating and time-consuming. That’s why we maintain a dedicated catalog specifically for the Caterpillar 3408B engine. All camshaft-related components—camshafts, bushings, gears, woodruff keys, and valve lifters—are organized in one place. This makes it easy to identify the exact part you need without second-guessing compatibility, saving both time and money during the ordering process.

Expert Technical Support

Our support team isn’t just made up of order processors—they are specialists with hands-on experience in heavy-duty engines. If you are unsure which camshaft component is right for your 3408B, our experts can guide you step by step. From identifying the correct bushing size to recommending whether lifters should be replaced alongside a camshaft, Diesel Pro Power provides more than parts—we provide solutions.