Swapping 3406B with a 400 Cummins?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Wildcat74, Apr 28, 2011.

  1. Wildcat74

    Wildcat74 Medium Load Member

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    I'm guessing this wouldn't be as simple as pulling one and dropping in the other, correct? What all would be needed to make this swap? Truck is a 90ish Pete 379.
     
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  3. JakeBrakeChampion

    JakeBrakeChampion Light Load Member

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    Apr 14, 2011
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    Well im not so sure about the swap but whats up with your 425 cat. I have a 3406b in my freightshaker and a n14 460 in my kenworth and ill tell ya that 3406 is one of the best ever made. I noticed some of your posts seems like you have little problems but whats makin you want to dump it? A freind of mine played with the injection pump a bit and said it should be more like a 475 now but ive never felt a motor pull quite like it it just has the smoothest power you can just lug it get into it and it will pull. Its just a freak of a motor lol.. But anyways maybe you can get yours on the pipes?
     
    Rideandrepair Thanks this.
  4. Wildcat74

    Wildcat74 Medium Load Member

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    Mine that's in my 359 in my sig is a bit of a turd but still gets the job done. Runs real smooth and has been dependable as can be so I'm not going to jack with it until it gives me a real reason to. My brothers 379 w/ a 3406b dropped a cylinder and has been sitting ever since because he went back to work for Komatsu. I've been on the lookout for a running truck for cheap to swap the motor out of knowing I can buy the 379 dirt cheap and put the other engine in it and make some money selling it running. Well lo and behold, a freightliner Coe with a 400 Cummins and newish rubber on it has come up for sale for $2500 locally so it's got my wheels spinning.
     
  5. Donk

    Donk Have a Cup Of Concrete

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    just rebuild the kitty, cheaper than dicking with an engine swap.

    and really why put a 400 cummins in place of a cat?
    an N-14 i could sort of understand, being electronic...
     
  6. Wildcat74

    Wildcat74 Medium Load Member

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    Omaha, NE
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    They're both mechanical motors, I view it as a lateral swap whereas any of the electrical motors would be an upgrade. I'm not looking to keep this truck so I really couldn't care less if it's upgraded, just see a possible opportunity available and am curious.

    I fully intend on keeping my 359 and B together and running just as long as the state allows me to do so, I love my truck.
     
  7. Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    we did engine swaps. Look for freightliner engine interface wiring for Cummins and run power supply wires from battery box and use fuses on positive and negative wires.
     
  8. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Even with mechanical engines there will still be enough differences between the two to make the swap difficult and probably harder than you think. Mounts will be different, you may need a different front cross member. Of course, rad and air to air hoses and exhaust pipes may be different, but that stuff is easy. Fan shroud may be a pain to match up if the fan hub is located differently. Connecting all the mechanical gauges might get fun to find all the right connections. I also don't know if the two engines are the same length. You might end up having to make an new drive shaft after the trans. Our shop has never done anything like that in the 16 years I have been there. It would be neat to see done though!
     
  9. 05chopper

    05chopper Light Load Member

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    If you are doing to swap yourself just because you can and have most of the parts then go for it. Correct radiator capacity,Radiator inlet outlet location,rear motor mount,front motor mount crossmember relocate forward,throttle change over to cable,intake boots to air cleaner can just a few to think about.Measure length of both engines will give you some indication if trans has to be moved and clutch linkage changed out from your donor truck.If it were me the cat would stay put and overhauled but thats me.Could be a fun swap though!
     
  10. Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    I did electrical things with engine swap, and I can tell you it will not be so easy. You will do many works with Cummins Insite software to make all things like engine brake, Cruise controll and other stuff work well. You will programm tires size, speed limits, shift parameters and other stuff too;... things just look easy to do. Easy but a lot of work
     
  11. king Q

    king Q Road Train Member

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    Johannesburg sa
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    Engine swaps always entail a bit more and sometimes a lot more then what is initially thought.
    Its with all the things that connect to the engine , hoses , wires , linkages etc.
    With these older mechanical type engines it is easier though.
     
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