3406E 375hp Caterpillar Engine

**1989 Pete** · 06.01.2009

Hello I found a truck that I'm looking at getting because my Big cam 350 went down it's an 1995 clean Pete 377 it has an 3406e Cat in IT I believe and it's rated at 375hp ........My questions is how reliable is the motor what can I expect far as durability I'll be pulling logs with this truck.
Thanks

**wheathauler** · 06.02.2009

Rather hard to say. The cat should be reliable and durable but a person never knows. I really depends on how the engine was taken care of before you got it. 375 might be a little small, depends on how much you gross and how far you go.

I've run a cat C-12 in my last two trucks. First truck engine very good. Second truck not so good.

**tmlonghorns** · 06.02.2009

I would stay away from the 3406E....not a mechanic here but from what I have heard this motor is heavy on the electronics and one little glitch will shut you down with all of the computers talking back and forth. Perhaps someone can verify this but this is just what I have heard.

**112racing** · 06.02.2009

mine has 800,000 (2000 500hp) a freinds has just turned a million with no problems (2000 550hp) . his had a turbo and he put new injectors another guy i know just rebuilt his with 990,000 (1998 435 made into a 550) because of a broken liner o-ring and was getting water in the oil .

mine so far is untouched except pm,s and tune ups and a rear main seal

fida freightliner in pittsburg is parting out trucks and has 50 3406e's asking $4,900 each or make offers i would assume they are low hp as they are comming out of sterling daycabs

**550hpW900L** · 06.02.2009

806,000 miles at 1000+hp.

**pullingtrucker** · 06.03.2009

The e model motors are very reliable. Just like anything it all depends on how the vehicle was cared for. Make sure you pull oil samples on all the drivetrain before you start negotaiting (sp) and if theres new oil in everything, be a little leary...they may be trying to hide something. Definitly do a dyno run with it.

Personally I think the 375HP is way to small. Since you'll be logging with it that means all the soft roads, hills, and other fun obsticals. I would at least have it set at a 475HP if not higher if possible. The only thing I know the e models require is that you run the overhead every year to keep decent MPG and strenght.

**7mouths2feed** · 06.03.2009

Originally Posted by 550hpW900L

806,000 miles at 1000+hp.

I was wondering when the Big Dog would bark. hahHAHAH

**tmlonghorns** · 06.03.2009

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

I just love when I see people giving advice that have no clue what they are talking about.

Must be related to KH

Hmmmm....Try calling a CAT mechanic who actually works on one of these and aks their opinion. Then get back with the rest of us and let us know what he says.
He asked for an opinion and I gave it. I also stated what my qualifications were....NOT a mechanic. You come on here and blast your mouth but don't list any of yours. Just becasue you have been driving a truck for 15 years does not mean you know jack about motors.
Like I said, the motor is not the issue. The issue is all of the electronic sensors that go with the motor. This motor is ran highly off of computer chips which can get VERY expensive.

**1989 Pete** · 06.03.2009

Originally Posted by 5mouths2feed

I was wondering when the Big Dog would bark. hahHAHAH

HAHAHAH i KNOW RIGHT!!!!

**The Challenger** · 06.03.2009

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

I just love when I see people giving advice that have no clue what they are talking about.

Must be related to KH

Must you always be this rude and harsh to other members? Can you just ignore them without making those insulting statements? Let the members give their information and in the end, the orignal poster will decide what to do.

The 3406E is a good and reliable engine. I have seen a 377 go to 3 million
+ miles with this engine. And that gentleman teamed with his wife. Bottom line: If it was taken care of; then it should not be a problem. However have the oil sampled and dynoed.

KH