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my first 3406E Infame Help?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by lightfoot500, Jul 30, 2011.

Page 1 of 5
  1. Jul 30, 2011 #1
    lightfoot500

    lightfoot500 Bobtail Member

    49
    6
    Jul 30, 2011
    Pittsburgh, PA
    0
    Hi, my 1996 5EK 3406 475hp CAT finally started blowing compression out the back of the engine between the head and block. at 840k on the engine i am not too surprised. I dont drive it alot. the engine was never opened up, all i have done was two injecters and a set of injector cups and routine over heads.
    So i have pretty much ruled out great lakes diesel ( too much bad pr) pittsburgh power is great but too pricey. interstate diesel over in pierceton, indiana seems ok. Caterpillar is good, but pricey. the local peterbilt dealer is in first place, they can do a platinum rebuild for $14,5 plus extras like a vibration dampner. I wouldnt mind going with an aftermarket rebuilder if they are good and not outrageously priced. know of any good rebuilders?
    if i had time and experience, i would love to do my own rebuild. but that is not an option now as i dont have the place, and my rebuild experience is limited to small block chevys.
    So i am open to suggestions, i am at home, and have time to do research, and plenty of projects to keep me busy around the farm. i want to get back to work, but i have a little time to work with. i can still drive the truck, it isnt pushing water, just blowing some compression out the back.
    thanks.
    what do you think? anyone recommend a good rebuilder?
     
    lightfoot500, Jul 30, 2011
    lightfoot500, Jul 30, 2011
    #1
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  3. Jul 30, 2011 #2
    Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

    7,749
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    Feb 4, 2009
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    I know this is even more expensive, but have you considered a complete crate engine replacement?
     
    Heavyd, Jul 30, 2011
    Heavyd, Jul 30, 2011
    #2
  4. Jul 30, 2011 #3
    lightfoot500

    lightfoot500 Bobtail Member

    49
    6
    Jul 30, 2011
    Pittsburgh, PA
    0
    yes, i thought about it and the expense.
     
    lightfoot500, Jul 30, 2011
    lightfoot500, Jul 30, 2011
    #3
  5. Jul 30, 2011 #4
    G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    Sep 3, 2010
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    You could save a lot of money if you could do it yourself. I had a 3406E that I was thinking of rebuilding a couple of years ago and I believe that I could buy the parts for about $4,500. Of course, the parts cost will depend on what you do or replace when you do the over haul. I know a certified CAT mechanic that was going to help me do it but decided not to at the time. I figure an engine is an engine. If you can rebuild a chevy engine you should be able to rebuild a CAT or any other engine. Just make sure you get the right spec's. It is difficult to find a really good mechanic. I know a guy near me who rebuilds engines, but I don't know how well he does. I think he is probably pretty good, since he has been doing it for many years. CAT will be expensive, but should you have a problem on the road it should be covered under a warranty.
     
    G/MAN, Jul 30, 2011
    G/MAN, Jul 30, 2011
    #4
  7. Jul 30, 2011 #5
    Swamp molly

    Swamp molly Bobtail Member

    15
    2
    Feb 20, 2011
    Carrolltown pa
    0
    My mechanic is about 2 hrs east of the burg does great job and is fair priced can give his info if interested
     
    Swamp molly, Jul 30, 2011
    Swamp molly, Jul 30, 2011
    #5
  8. Jul 30, 2011 #6
    grizzly

    grizzly Medium Load Member

    599
    432
    Aug 27, 2008
    Layton, Ut
    0
    Are you going to put aftermarket parts in it or genuine CAT? I inframed mine myself last fall with an aftermarket kit and am VERY happy with the results. Got my kit at www.agkits.com
     
    grizzly, Jul 30, 2011
    grizzly, Jul 30, 2011
    #6
  9. Jul 30, 2011 #7
    Les2

    Les2 Road Train Member

    5,150
    2,288
    Jul 25, 2008
    kicked back in my lazyboy...
    0
    Go with Cat genuine parts only. Even if you do it yourself that parts are still warrantied.
     
    Les2, Jul 30, 2011
    Les2, Jul 30, 2011
    #7
  10. Jul 30, 2011 #8
    Les2

    Les2 Road Train Member

    5,150
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    Jul 25, 2008
    kicked back in my lazyboy...
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    They got some nice prices there on all kinds of parts. Some stuff I would use like manifolds.

    Thanks!
     
    Les2, Jul 30, 2011
    Les2, Jul 30, 2011
    #8
  11. Jul 30, 2011 #9
    dave26027

    dave26027 Road Train Member

    1,284
    804
    Sep 10, 2009
    Dallas, Texas
    0
    Do it yourself. Take your time. Pay attention to detail. Clean everything thoroughly, use handtools (no airtools) and do it by the book. You've just done an A#1 rebuild.

    Shops will rush, cut corners and not take time to clean oil passages, wipe parts off and doublecheck torque settings and tightening patterns.

    When you want a job done right, do it yourself.
     
    dave26027, Jul 30, 2011
    dave26027, Jul 30, 2011
    #9
    Les2, Semi Crazy and mizdageeragn Thank this.
  12. Jul 31, 2011 #10
    Krooser

    Krooser Road Train Member

    2,493
    1,066
    Jul 25, 2010
    Wisconsin
    0
    I had Kurtz Diesel in Wisconsin do my E model last september...$11,300 using genuine CAT parts. No injectors or turbo since mine were good....
     
    Krooser, Jul 31, 2011
    Krooser, Jul 31, 2011
    #10
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