Parts for Caterpillar 3408 Marine Diesel Engines

Diesel Pro Power Advantages: Why Buy Caterpillar 3408 Marine Diesel Engine Parts From Us

Don't settle for second best when it comes to replacement parts. At Diesel Pro Power, we offer genuine Caterpillar 3408 marine diesel engine components backed by a 6-month warranty. Our expansive inventory guarantees you'll get reliable spare and replacement parts that offer solid performance while also providing maximum value on your purchase. Trust us to help you find the right part for your needs. At Diesel Pro Power, we ensure that you get the part needed with our massive selection of Caterpillar 3408 parts for you to choose from.

Enhance your time on the water with Diesel Pro Power to ensure your Caterpillar engine is running at its best. Our website has everything you need to keep your boat ready to launch. We stock an extensive selection of replacement engine parts from not only Caterpillar but also Cummins and Detroit Diesel. And with unbeatable customer service and orders shipped within 24 hours, there's no reason not to upgrade today. Whether you want to do an engine rebuild, or anything else, we’ve got you covered.

Our Impressive Inventory of Caterpillar 3408 Marine Engine Parts

Don't let an old, worn-down part keep your caterpillar 3408 marine engine from running its best. Our parts catalog is always fully stocked and ready to provide you with whatever you need, no matter the emergency. Whether you need a replacement now or want assurance for later, don't wait around and check out our massive inventory today and see how we can help get that beautiful boat back up to speed again. We stock parts for the 3408B and 3408C Caterpillar motors as well.

Don't waste your valuable time searching for the parts you need to get your Caterpillar 3408 engine up and running. Diesel Pro Power has got it all. From comprehensive overhaul kits, mechanical and electrical gauges, fresh-water or marine water pumps and even cylinder heads and injectors, we've stocked our warehouse with an extensive selection of everything necessary for repair. Find exactly what you're looking for in one place when shopping at Diesel Pro Power's vast collection of Caterpillar marine engine parts today.

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Easy Payment Options for Caterpillar 3408 Parts

Get the Caterpillar 3408 engine parts you need with ease when shopping at Diesel Pro Power. Our convenient website allows hassle-free browsing and purchases with flexible payment options, so you can pay how it suits your needs—we accept credit cards or wire transfers in USD. Additionally, every product we offer is backed by a 6-month warranty, giving you peace of mind that what you order won't let you down. To sweeten the deal, our knowledgeable customer service team is ready to happily offer any advice or assistance, making sure each purchase experience is simple and secure.

Our customer service team is standing by. Just give us a quick call if there's something we can do to make it easier. Let us take care of finding the perfect motor parts solution tailored specifically to what works best in your situation.

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Engine Specifications & Applications of the Caterpillar 3408 Engine

Overview of the Caterpillar 3408 Engine

The Caterpillar 3408 is a V8 diesel engine developed in the 1970s as part of Caterpillar’s 3400 Series, designed to deliver high power density and long operational life in harsh conditions. Featuring a mechanical fuel system, turbocharged or turbo-aftercooled variants, and a large displacement of 18 liters, the 3408 quickly became a popular choice for marine propulsion, industrial machinery, and large-scale generator systems.

Unlike the more compact inline-six 3406, the 3408 offered a V8 configuration with more horsepower and torque capacity, making it ideal for heavy continuous-duty applications. Its wet sleeve cylinder liners, gear-driven components, and no-electronics architecture made it a rugged, rebuildable diesel platform known for longevity and simplicity.

To this day, the 3408 remains a widely used legacy engine, especially in environments where emissions regulations are not enforced and mechanical reliability is more important than modern emissions compliance.

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Caterpillar 3408 Engine Specifications

Key Design Features

• Wet sleeve design enables easier rebuilds and extended service life

• Gear-driven camshaft, water pump, and accessories improve reliability

• Turbocharged or aftercooled options allow for higher horsepower without compromising longevity

• Fully mechanical control eliminates need for sensors, ECMs, or emission systems

• V8 layout offers high power density for limited-space installations

These design characteristics made the 3408 a favorite in industries where raw horsepower and low maintenance complexity were mission-critical.

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Applications of the Caterpillar 3408 Engine

The Caterpillar 3408 engine saw widespread use in commercial marine, power generation, oilfield, mining, and agricultural markets. Its rugged build and high torque output made it especially valuable in settings where reliability, rebuildability, and mechanical performance were non-negotiable.

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1. Marine Propulsion & Auxiliary Systems

The 3408 earned a strong reputation in medium- to heavy-duty marine applications where its torque-rich profile supported large propellers, high displacement hulls, and auxiliary load-bearing equipment.

Common Marine Uses:

• Commercial fishing trawlers (45–80 ft)

• Offshore support vessels and pilot boats

• Push boats and inland tugboats

• Twin-screw propulsion for supply vessels

• Hydraulic system power for winches, cranes, and deck gear

• Marine generator sets in the 250–400 kW range

Operators favored the 3408 for its ability to hold torque at low RPMs, as well as its performance in high-salinity and high-humidity environments. Many vessels from the 1970s to 1990s still run 3408s today, particularly in non-emissions regulated waters or export repowers.

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2. Power Generation (Prime and Standby)

As a power generator engine, the 3408 was commonly configured in gensets that delivered 300 to 400 kW of electrical output for heavy industrial and commercial users. It provided dependable power with simple service requirements.

Generator Set Applications:

• Prime power for off-grid mines and oilfield operations

• Standby power for hospitals, industrial plants, and agriculture processors

• Remote-site utility generation (e.g., water treatment, telecom)

• Generator trailers for emergency/disaster response fleets

• Marine engine room gensets in large vessels or offshore platforms

Its mechanical fuel delivery system made it especially valuable in regions with variable fuel quality, where electronically controlled engines were prone to failure or required complex filtration systems.

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3. Industrial and Oilfield Equipment

In the oilfield and industrial sectors, the 3408 provided a high-horsepower, mechanically governed platform for mission-critical systems where extended runtime and durability were essential.

Common Industrial Installations:

• Frac pumps and cementing units

• Hydraulic power units for drilling rigs

• Large industrial air compressors

• Diesel-powered water or slurry pumps

• Load banks and electric motor drivers

With its serviceable wet sleeves, mechanical injection system, and high torque output, the 3408 was ideal for trailers and skids used in remote, off-grid oilfields and mining operations.

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4. Agricultural and Processing Equipment

The 3408 was also used in large-scale agricultural operations that required continuous heavy-duty power in crop processing, irrigation, and grain handling systems.

Agricultural Equipment Powered by 3408:

• Diesel engines for pivot irrigation systems

• Sugarcane crushers and belt-driven processing lines

• Grain elevators and feed mills

• Stationary engines for crop dryers

• Mobile agricultural support units

The engine's ability to run thousands of hours between major service intervals made it attractive for farms with minimal access to replacement parts or diagnostics.

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5. Repower Projects & Global Export Use

The 3408 continues to be a sought-after engine in the aftermarket repower and export market, particularly in areas where Tier 4 engines are not mandated and where mechanical reliability is paramount.

Repower Applications Include:

• Replacing aging Detroit Diesel or Cummins K-series engines in marine vessels

• Retrofitting generator trailers and pump skids

• Repowering industrial trailers destined for Africa, Latin America, or the Middle East

• Custom-engineered power packs for legacy equipment in mining and energy sectors

• Remote or mission-critical operations that demand mechanical-only operation

Thanks to its large parts availability, strong support network, and straightforward mechanical design, the 3408 is still a viable and popular platform for modern repower projects.

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Final Thoughts

The Caterpillar 3408 engine stands as a cornerstone in the world of heavy-duty diesel power. With its powerful V8 layout, mechanical fuel system, and wide range of turbocharged configurations, it remains a go-to engine for operators who demand maximum reliability, rebuildability, and power in harsh, high-load environments.

From fishing trawlers and offshore support vessels to frac trailers and irrigation pumps, the 3408 continues to deliver where newer, electronically controlled engines may fall short. Its field-serviceable design, long runtime durability, and high torque output make it a legend in the Caterpillar lineup.

For operations that can’t afford downtime, the Caterpillar 3408 is still one of the most trusted V8 diesels in the world.

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Additional Resources

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Marine CAT 3408 Component Maintenance Life

The Legacy of the Caterpillar Marine 3408 Engine