Cylinder Head

Caterpillar 3408C Cylinder Head Parts Catalog

The Caterpillar 3408C engine remains one of the most respected heavy-duty diesel engines in Caterpillar’s 3400 family. Designed for marine, power generation, and industrial use, the 3408C is known for its long service life and rugged performance under demanding conditions. At the heart of this reliability is the cylinder head assembly, which plays a critical role in airflow, fuel combustion, and heat management.

This catalog provides a complete overview of cylinder head components, gaskets, valves, and related hardware for the Caterpillar 3408C. Every part listed here is engineered for durability, compatibility, and continuous-duty applications.

Complete Cylinder Head Assemblies for Caterpillar 3408C

Cylinder Head with Valves and Springs

For customers seeking a ready-to-install solution, fully assembled heads include valves, valve springs, and retainers. This reduces downtime by allowing a direct replacement without the need for transferring hardware from an old head.

• Ideal for rebuild projects where valve train components are worn or damaged.

• Precision-machined seating surfaces ensure proper sealing for intake and exhaust valves.

• Designed to withstand extreme heat cycles and high combustion pressures.

Bare Cylinder Head

The bare version provides the casting only, allowing professional rebuilders or in-house technicians to customize the assembly with new or reconditioned valves, springs, seals, and inserts.

• Preferred when reusing OEM hardware in good condition.

• Reduces costs while maintaining Caterpillar reliability.

• Provides flexibility for custom applications.

Cylinder Head Gaskets and Sealing Components

The cylinder head gasket is the critical seal between the block and the head, preventing coolant, oil, and combustion gases from escaping. The Caterpillar 3408C requires two head gaskets per engine.

Cylinder Head Gasket Sets

Complete gasket sets include head gaskets, O-rings, seals, and other necessary hardware to ensure a leak-free installation.

• Designed specifically for 3408B and 3408C engines.

• Compatible with serial number ranges such as 1LG, 8RG, and 99U series.

• Multi-layer construction resists warping under high loads.

Individual Cylinder Head Gaskets

For repairs where only one side requires service, single head gaskets are available. Each gasket is manufactured with heat-resistant coatings to maintain sealing integrity.

Cylinder Head Bolts and Fastening Hardware

Cylinder head bolts are not reusable in heavy-duty diesel applications due to stretching during torque cycles. Replacing them during rebuilds ensures correct clamping force.

Standard Cylinder Head Bolts

• Available in precise lengths and thread pitches for 3408C applications.

• Engineered for high tensile strength to handle combustion pressures.

Cylinder Head Bolt Washers

• Distributes torque evenly across the cylinder head surface.

• Prevents galling and distortion of the head casting.

• Designed for Caterpillar 3400 series including 3406, 3408, 3412, C15, and C18.

Valves, Rotocoils, and Valve Train Components

Intake Valves

Intake valves regulate airflow into the combustion chamber. They are designed for precision sealing and thermal resistance.

• Hardened to resist wear from repeated cycles.

• Compatible with arrangement numbers across the Caterpillar 3408 and 3412 families.

Exhaust Valves

Exhaust valves control the release of burnt gases. They operate under extreme heat and require reinforced metallurgy.

• Coated for heat resistance.

• Optimized seat contact to reduce blow-by.

Rotocoils and Rotocoil Assemblies

Rotocoils keep valves rotating slightly with each cycle, preventing localized wear.

• Essential for extending valve seat life.

• Available for both single-spring and multi-spring applications.

Valve Guides, Inserts, and Locks

Valve Guides

Provide alignment for intake and exhaust valves, ensuring smooth operation.

• Manufactured to tight tolerances to prevent oil leakage.

• Compatible across Caterpillar 3406, 3408, and 3412 engines.

Valve Seat Inserts

• Intake and exhaust valve seat inserts are replaceable to extend cylinder head service life.

• Manufactured from hardened alloys for durability.

Valve Springs

Maintain tension on intake and exhaust valves, ensuring correct timing and seating.

• Designed to resist fatigue in continuous-duty applications.

• Can be used interchangeably across Caterpillar 3400 series.

Valve Locks

Small but essential, valve locks secure the spring retainer to the valve stem.

• Two per valve required.

• Heat-treated for secure seating.

Precombustion Chamber Components

The Caterpillar 3408C relies on a precombustion chamber design for efficient fuel burning. Maintaining seals and gaskets here is essential to performance.

Precombustion Chamber O-Rings

• Prevent coolant leakage around chamber assemblies.

• Resistant to high-heat conditions.

Precombustion Chamber Gaskets

• Seal between chamber and head casting.

• Installed during chamber servicing.

Precombustion Chamber Washers

• Provides secondary sealing protection.

• Reinforces gasket performance.

Additional Cylinder Head-Related Components

Adaptor Nozzles

Adaptor nozzles provide proper fuel injector seating and alignment within the cylinder head.

• Designed for Caterpillar 3408C, 3412, and 3412C.

• One per piston required.

Push Rods

Connect the camshaft to the rocker arms, transferring valve timing motion.

• Precision straightness ensures correct valve actuation.

• Hardened for long life.

Valve Lifters

Also called tappets, these provide the interface between the camshaft and push rods.

• Heat-treated surface reduces wear.

• Essential for smooth camshaft operation.

Applications of Caterpillar 3408C Cylinder Heads

Cylinder heads for the 3408C are used across multiple applications, including:

• Marine propulsion – Commercial fishing vessels, tugboats, and supply boats.

• Power generation – Standby and continuous-duty generator sets.

• Industrial equipment – Pumps, compressors, and drilling equipment.

Each application places unique demands on the cylinder head, requiring durable castings and properly matched components.

Why Choose Diesel Pro Power for Caterpillar 3408C Cylinder Head Parts

When it comes to sourcing parts for Caterpillar 3408C engines, the supplier you choose is just as important as the components themselves.

• Global Shipping – Orders ship within 24 hours to over 180 countries.

• Proven Trust – More than 40,000 satisfied customers worldwide.

• Comprehensive Catalog – From complete heads to the smallest valve locks.

• Marine & Industrial Focus – Parts designed for continuous-duty applications, not general automotive use.

• Expert Guidance – Our team helps match heads, gaskets, and valves to your specific arrangement number or serial prefix.