low oil pressure

On my 3406C,,which is the same basic engine,,I had a low oil pressure problem,,,asked around and no one could give me an answer,,,got lucky and a roller started eating a lobe on the camshaft,,,when we took the front cover off,,,the bearings on the bull gear where junk,,,replaced everything that needed replacing behind the front cover,,which wasn't too bad since it was caught in time,,oil pressure is right back up to where its supposed to be!!!
Mine usually ran at 58 lbs,,,when the oil pressure was dropping,,it would drop down to 48-50 lbs running down the road!!!

Originally Posted by Slick900

On my 3406C,,which is the same basic engine,,I had a low oil pressure problem,,,asked around and no one could give me an answer,,,got lucky and a roller started eating a lobe on the camshaft,,,when we took the front cover off,,,the bearings on the bull gear where junk,,,replaced everything that needed replacing behind the front cover,,which wasn't too bad since it was caught in time,,oil pressure is right back up to where its supposed to be!!!
Mine usually ran at 58 lbs,,,when the oil pressure was dropping,,it would drop down to 48-50 lbs running down the road!!!

The 3406B and 3406C is the same basic engine design, but there is critical differences, and in this instance it's the narrow rod bearings of the B'..

Originally Posted by oldog1984

He guys ? For you a friend of mine is at a truck 1984 with 3406b cat in it which is going to need lower in done . What type of price is he looking at for parts. Where's the best place to get then we are in ohio.. Or would it be better to do a complete overhaul?thanks

Genuine parts is the only way to go and you can buy them from a Caterpillar shop or truck dealerships that offer Cat service..

Cat suggests doing bearings every 250,000 but I think most are lucky if they get done before 500,000..
I don't recall the exact price for a bearing kit, which includes the oil-pan gasket, or two if has the spacer, and oil pump o'rings.. The last two sets I bought were with inframe overhaul, but I'd say between $250 and $500 plus the oil-change depending on location and greedy dealer inflation..

I wouldn't consider an overhaul unless there is excess blowby or using alot of oil or low on power etc..
It's never really a done deal regardless with any engine, because "sht happens"..

Simple stuff like a wore-out air compressor can effect oil psi among other things.. But just as well I have took the cheap way out before by just replacing a cracked cylinder head or a blown head gasket only before where the cylinder packs looked like new... Only to discover water in the oil 10,000 smiles later because of o'rings on the sleeves takin a leak..

This buisness can get real freaky at times.. Which is why I take the superstitious approach anymore.. I'd really prefer being more lucky most of the time rather than being good..