Caterpillar 3408.

Ok so I know its probably not a very ecconomic engine but does anyone have a solid idea of fuel mileage for a 3408 cat engine. Lets say hauling an average ( canadian triaxle) gross weight of 100000lbs. Truck has 15 speed, 3.90 rears on 24.5 rubber (its a k100 KW on truck paper ). Would be hauling through the rockies to vancouver and also a good amount of prairie driving. I am thinking in the high 4 low 5 mpg? Anybody actually driven one of these engines?

 

I hear guys saying they are getting 5 out of modern engined trucks with the emission control stuff on them. 2005 w900 with c15 acert i was driving last year was lucky to see 5.5 mpg. I am driving a truck with 2007 detroit and its only getting 5.5 average. so i am wondering if the 3408 is really any worse than them? And given the weights and mountains in canada it probably would do a hell of alot better job than the newer engines. I did however find out that the rebuild cost is rather expensive. One machinery forum had a couple of old posts about the 3408 and it was saying a crankshaft is around 15000 dollars. Not too sure of the truth to that but being that its a caterpillar i wouldnt be surprised!

 

Are you in Darwin,NT, Australia?

 

I lived in Darwin , Australia as a kid. Thought you might have been from there as well. What were some of the little things you are talking about with those engines you worked on in the army?