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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    Truck came in early this morning, I put some batteries in it and confirmed that it was locked up. I dropped the pan, initally the oil did not look too bad, once I got the pan off I found some large metal strands in the bottom of the pan. I am guessing bearing material, it does appear that at least 2 of the mains that I can see seem to have gotten hot. I attached a picture of the material in the pan. I would appreciate adivise, should I look for a whole running engine, a used crank - I am guessing the block would need to go out to the machine shop at considerable expense. I do have a 12.7 60 series Detroit that needs head work, but would prefer to stick with Cat

    cat 3406c.jpg
     
    wore out Thanks this.
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  3. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    CHASIN THE DEVIL'S HERD
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    If the caps got hot enough they are black then they are distorted. You’re gonna need a block and crank. So a good runner becomes a viable option at that point
     
  4. upstate81

    upstate81 Bobtail Member

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    thank you for the insight- do you think the material in the picture I posted is bearings?
     
  5. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    Hard to say but it looks like it.
     
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  6. upstate81

    upstate81 Bobtail Member

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    A friend of mine has a 5Ek that he bought because he wanted the Jake Brake, injectors and ECM, he has a low HP 5EK that he was looking to beef up. He has already taken the Jakes and would like to take the injectors and ECM. The engine came out of a running truck but the truck owner stated that 5EK was using antifreeze, no diagnois as to why. Is the 5EK with the parts mentioned missing worth $3k. Would I be able to bolt my mechanical pump from the 3ZJ onto the 5EK, will the Jakes bolt on, basically are the parts interchangeable. Would this be a good replacement? What would you guys do?
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2025
  7. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    Nothing off the 3ZJ will fit the 5EK
     
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  8. upstate81

    upstate81 Bobtail Member

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    So the 5EK is not an option to install in this truck, should I be limiting my search to a 3ZJ.
     
  9. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    Well it’s be easier to stay mechanical but better to go electronic. Going to an E model is simple enough but you gotta have the whole setup
     
  10. upstate81

    upstate81 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 30, 2018
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    I found a 3406B 4MG set at 310 hp. How hard would it be to get more HP out of this engine, would parts off of my 3ZJ work toward increasing the horse power. Engine sounds good but I do not have a whole lot more info.
     

    Attached Files:

  11. upstate81

    upstate81 Bobtail Member

    14
    6
    Oct 30, 2018
    0
    I found a 3406B 4MG set at 310 hp. How hard would it be to get more HP out of this engine, would parts off of my 3ZJ work toward increasing the horse power. Engine sounds good but I do not have a whole lot more info.
     

    Attached Files:

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