Australian looking to improve 3406B

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Brado2013, Sep 19, 2018.

  1. Brado2013

    Brado2013 Bobtail Member

    10
    3
    Sep 19, 2018
    Alice Springs NT
    0
    Hi all,
    I am an owner driver operating out of Alice Springs, NT Australia. I have a kenworth 89’ C500T with a cat 3406B ATAAC.
    My current run is down the tanami hiway to the Granites gold mine with loads grossing 125t, in road train combination with several hundred kms of very bad dirt road. I try to do as much of the mechanical work as possible myself, although I do know a few handy cat mechanics.
    I drive very conservatively and watch the pyro and gauges and it will be soon nearing 50 degrees here in the coming summer months during the heat of the day.
    I’d like to put this question to you Americans as the 3406 seems to be much more common over there.
    I would like to increase the horsepower and would like step by step instruction on what to do to the governor, or if it would be recommended to buy one complete with a pump that has already been properly opened up from America (and other parts, upgrades, recommended and where to purchase from)
    Also recommended Turbo uprgrades, and what people find their boost and pyro to average when pulling big loads, so I can have an idea on what mine should sit at.
    Are there any other alterations to recommend, additions that might help keep it cool, or to improve fuel mileage and power? I am willing to spend the money on this engine, as it earns every cent.
    Sorry for the essay, any replies are appreciated!
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2018
    John A. and Oxbow Thank this.
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  3. charlie1403

    charlie1403 Bobtail Member

    42
    22
    Sep 29, 2013
    Australia
    0
    Mate contact Alan Kent in Glen Innes NSW. Retired now but ran a heavy machinery repair business for years. He has forgotten more about boosting 3406’s than most people know.
     
    Oxbow and Brado2013 Thank this.
  4. 1972RedNeck

    1972RedNeck Light Load Member

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    66
    Aug 20, 2018
    0
    What HP rating are you at now?
     
    Oxbow Thanks this.
  5. Brado2013

    Brado2013 Bobtail Member

    10
    3
    Sep 19, 2018
    Alice Springs NT
    0
    Mate when I bought the truck they said it had been opened up to about 525 but I’m wary that this was a backyard mechanics job, as the more I research this the more I suspect that they simply gave it more fuel and nothing else.
     
  6. Brado2013

    Brado2013 Bobtail Member

    10
    3
    Sep 19, 2018
    Alice Springs NT
    0
    Thanks mate.
    I should be able to track him down through the phone book?
    Cheers.
     
  7. charlie1403

    charlie1403 Bobtail Member

    42
    22
    Sep 29, 2013
    Australia
    0
    Yeah should be in white pages. His son in law owns the business, now called Dom’s Diesel if you can’t find Alan.
     
  8. Brado2013

    Brado2013 Bobtail Member

    10
    3
    Sep 19, 2018
    Alice Springs NT
    0
    Thanks mate I’ll try and get hold of him
     
  9. 1972RedNeck

    1972RedNeck Light Load Member

    51
    66
    Aug 20, 2018
    0
    Do you have a pyro and boost gauge on it? Pump tuning, timing, and turbo will get you a pretty easy 550 to 575 HP...
     
    7-UP Thanks this.
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