Incoming 3406C - Engine locked up where to start??

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by upstate81, Jun 11, 2025.

  1. upstate81

    upstate81 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 30, 2018
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    Hey Guys- I have been reading your posts for many years. I have a new to me 1992 Peterbilt with a 3406 Cat in it. 3ZJ21382, coming in soon.

    I am told that the motor is set up and ex owner reports the following- "The truck had been using a lot of antifreeze, I was on a load in Ohio and it started smoking really bad and just quit when I pulled over I checked the oil stick and thick white smoke was coming out."

    I have rebuilt a few Cat motors in heavy equipment the most recent was 3304 cat in a loader. I have also worked on few Cummins 855, head gaskets, push tubes.
    My question is once I have verified the engine is set up what would you guys do next? I am thinking drain the oil and pull the pan, check the crank?
    If the crank is damaged should I send it out to see if it could be redone or get a used crank and rebuild this engine or look for a whole different engine.
    I know you guys have a lot of experience and I am hoping to gain some of my own without making too many costly mistakes- Thank in advance.
     
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  3. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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  4. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    What do you mean "set up?"
     
  5. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    I think that means once it’s on a stand.
     
  6. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    CHASIN THE DEVIL'S HERD
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    Well it probably hydrolocked and rusted the rigs to the liner. Just a guess. Pull the pan to verify. If there are no burnt spots on the crank (turned black from heat) it’s not locked up in the bottom and at that point will inframe. Now this is the short version. Head gaskets on a 3406 DO NOT BLOW just cause they’re old. There is always an underlying issue 100 percent of the time. You gotta find that. Most likely needs the counter bores cut. Another possibility is a pin hole in the liner which will be evident as well. Get your A game and don’t assume it’s like the smaller CAT diesels I’ve worked on both extensively and can promise you it’s not. It is however still an engine and just nuts and bolts
     
    MACK E-6, pnw guy, Grumppy and 5 others Thank this.
  7. upstate81

    upstate81 Bobtail Member

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    Thank you for the fast reply- sorry I should have chose a better phrase than "set up" - The motor s locked up.
    Wore Out- I will get the pan off and get a good look at the crank and go from there. I will report the findings next week.
     
    Oxbow Thanks this.
  8. Texasgordo

    Texasgordo Medium Load Member

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    Are you going to put in a B-Model pump or are you going to leave it as a C-Model?


    Just curious is why I'm asking.
     
  9. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    Some B’s were PEECs some C’s were by his serial number what he has is a full mechanical C.

    the difference in the B and C fuel system is the C runs higher injection pressure it has nothing to do with whether the govnor is mechanical or electronic
     
    Texasgordo Thanks this.
  10. upstate81

    upstate81 Bobtail Member

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    the previous owner claims that he recently had the pump redone- $3500. I know that there is alot of debate between mechanical vs electronic pumps, I do not know enough to have a prefernce.
     
    Texasgordo and wore out Thank this.
  11. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    That 3ZJ is the cream of the crop of mechanical engines
     
    Sons Hero and Texasgordo Thank this.
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