Caterpillar 3406 Cylinder Head Parts Catalog

The Caterpillar 3406 engine has built its reputation as one of the most durable and versatile heavy-duty diesel engines ever produced. Found in marine vessels, power generation units, and industrial equipment, the 3406 continues to be relied upon worldwide for its long service life and consistent performance. At the heart of this engine’s operation is the cylinder head assembly, a critical component that ensures proper compression, fuel combustion, and overall efficiency.

This catalog provides a detailed breakdown of Caterpillar 3406 cylinder head parts and related components, including bare heads, assembled heads, gaskets, bolts, valves, springs, guides, rotocoils, and precombustion chamber components. Each section explains not only the available parts but also their function in maintaining and rebuilding a 3406 engine. Diesel Pro Power supplies these parts with global shipping to over 180 countries, trusted by more than 40,000 satisfied customers.

Cylinder Heads for Caterpillar 3406

The cylinder head forms the combustion chamber, housing the intake and exhaust valves, valve seats, guides, springs, and fuel passages. Properly functioning heads are vital to compression ratios, fuel-air mixing, and exhaust flow. Caterpillar 3406 engines are designed with either direct injection or precombustion chamber configurations, and Diesel Pro Power offers heads for both.

Bare Cylinder Heads

• Bare head for Caterpillar 3406 and 3406C (Direct Injection)
  Designed for direct injection applications, this bare head allows rebuilders to install fresh valves, springs, and guides.

• Bare head for Caterpillar 3406 and 3406C (Precombustion Chamber)
  This variant supports precombustion chamber engines, where fuel atomizes and ignites in a separate chamber before entering the cylinder.

Assembled Cylinder Heads

• New head with valves and springs (Direct Injection Engines)
  Delivered fully assembled, this option saves time and ensures correct factory-spec installation of valves and springs.

• New head with valves and springs (Precombustion Chamber Engines)
  Designed for engines using precombustion ignition, this complete head is ready to install and restore performance.

Cylinder Head Gaskets & Spacer Plates

Cylinder head gaskets form the seal between the head and the block, preventing coolant, oil, and combustion gases from leaking. A spacer plate is sometimes used to fine-tune compression or to improve the durability of the sealing surface.

• Cylinder Head Gasket Set – A complete kit providing everything needed for proper head installation.

• Cylinder Head Spacer Plate – Positioned between the block and head to maintain proper fit.

• Individual Cylinder Head Gasket – Available for single head servicing.

Cylinder Head Bolts & Washers

Head bolts secure the cylinder head to the block. Caterpillar 3406 engines require precise torque specifications to prevent warping or leaks.

• 12-Point Head Bolt – High-strength fastener for 3406, 3406B, 3406C, 3408, C15, and C18 engines.

• 3/4" Thread Head Bolt – A longer variant compatible with 3406, 3408, and 3412 engines.

• Head Bolt Washer – Hardened washers that distribute bolt clamping force evenly.

Valves for Caterpillar 3406

The intake and exhaust valves control airflow in and out of the combustion chamber. Precision seating ensures efficiency and prevents leakage.

• Intake Valves – For air entry into the cylinder.

• Exhaust Valves – Designed to withstand extreme heat during gas expulsion.

Both are available for arrangement numbers such as 1243400, 1302549, 1790769, 1855890, and more, ensuring compatibility with numerous 3406 configurations.

Rotocoils & Valve Hardware

Rotocoils (rotators) extend valve life by allowing controlled rotation during operation, preventing localized wear and hot spots.

• Rotocoil Assembly (Single Spring) – For Caterpillar 3406 and 3408 engines.

• Rotocoil (Dual Spring) – For Caterpillar 3406, 3406B, and 3406C intake/exhaust valves.

• Rotocoil (Precombustion Chamber Engines) – Optimized for precombustion applications.

Valve Guides & Inserts

Valve guides provide precise alignment for intake and exhaust valves, while inserts reinforce the valve seat area.

• Intake & Exhaust Valve Guides – For 3406, 3408, and 3412 engines.

• Direct Injection Valve Guide – Designed specifically for DI engines.

• Exhaust Valve Insert (Seat) – Heat-resistant insert for exhaust valves.

• Intake Valve Insert (Seat) – Designed for durable intake operation.

Valve Springs

Springs maintain valve seating and prevent blow-by under compression. Caterpillar 3406 engines may use single or dual spring systems.

• Standard Valve Springs – Suitable for most 3400 Series applications.

• Inner Valve Springs – Used in dual spring systems for precise seating.

• Outer Valve Springs – Paired with inner springs to handle high-pressure cycles.

Precombustion Chamber Components

Precombustion chamber engines require specialized inserts and seals. These parts ensure proper sealing and ignition staging.

• Precombustion Chamber – Direct replacement chamber for 3406 and 3408 engines.

• O-Ring Seal – Prevents coolant and gas leakage.

• Chamber Gasket – One gasket required per chamber.

• Washer Seal – Provides an additional sealing surface.

Valve Train Components

Beyond valves and springs, the valve train includes push rods, lifters, locks, and other parts that synchronize valve movement with the camshaft.

• Push Rods – Deliver camshaft motion to the rocker arms.

• Valve Lifters (Tappets) – Ensure smooth transfer of motion with minimal friction.

• Valve Locks – Secure valves within retainers; two required per valve.

Why Cylinder Head Quality Matters

A Caterpillar 3406 engine can operate under extreme loads in continuous-duty applications. Cylinder head wear or damage can lead to:

• Loss of compression

• Overheating

• Poor fuel efficiency

• Valve failure or blow-by

• Costly downtime

That’s why Diesel Pro Power ensures every cylinder head part meets or exceeds OEM specifications.

Applications of the Caterpillar 3406

The Caterpillar 3406 is used across industries:

• Marine Engines – Propulsion and auxiliary engines for ships, tugboats, and fishing vessels.

• Power Generation – Diesel generator sets for commercial and industrial use.

• Industrial Equipment – Pumps, compressors, and heavy-duty machinery.

Why Choose Diesel Pro Power for 3406 Cylinder Head Parts

When it comes to sourcing Caterpillar 3406 cylinder head parts, choosing the right supplier is just as important as selecting the right components. Diesel Pro Power has built its reputation on delivering quality, reliability, and customer support that goes far beyond standard parts distribution.

• Global Shipping – We provide fast and dependable delivery to more than 180 countries worldwide. Whether you operate in a major shipping port, a remote mining location, or an offshore facility, you can count on Diesel Pro Power to get the right parts to you quickly and efficiently.

• Trusted Supplier – With over 40,000 satisfied customers, Diesel Pro Power has become the go-to source for marine and industrial engine parts. Our long-standing reputation is based on consistent service, high-quality components, and the ability to reduce downtime for businesses that can’t afford delays.

• Comprehensive Catalog – Our inventory covers the full spectrum of Caterpillar 3406 cylinder head components, from bare cylinder heads to the smallest valve lock. Having access to every part in one place eliminates the hassle of dealing with multiple vendors and ensures compatibility across your rebuild or maintenance project.

• Specialization – Unlike general suppliers that cater to automotive engines, we focus exclusively on marine and industrial applications. This specialization allows us to stock parts designed for continuous-duty engines that run under heavy load for extended periods, giving you peace of mind that every part you order is suited to your application.

• Expert Guidance – Our knowledgeable team goes beyond simple order processing. We help you confirm part compatibility by cross-checking your engine’s arrangement or serial number, ensuring that you receive exactly what you need the first time. This reduces costly errors and helps you get back to operation without unnecessary delays.

By combining worldwide reach, proven trust, a complete product range, focused expertise, and dedicated support, Diesel Pro Power provides unmatched value for Caterpillar 3406 cylinder head parts.