Mechanical motor

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Cptn_Deudermont, Nov 8, 2017.

  1. Cptn_Deudermont

    Cptn_Deudermont Light Load Member

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    Sep 28, 2017
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    Okay, this may seem like an oxymoron, but please bear with me, I never was one to learn everything about trucks.

    what's the difference between a CAT 3406C 425 HP Mechanical Motor and a 3406E CAT 475HP ?

    I specify the mechanical, because the truck I am looking at has that engine and it is listed like that vs another truck listed as the latter engine.

    Thank you!
     
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  3. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    CHASIN THE DEVIL'S HERD
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    Mechanical has a rod from the pedal to the pump. Mechanical will burn itself down if it's not set right or if you don't know when to take your foot out of it.

    The electronic uses sensors and an ecm to control the fuel. They are generally more forgiving and better on fuel.
     
    SAR, Oxbow and Shaggy76 Thank this.
  4. Coolbreezin

    Coolbreezin Medium Load Member

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    Jun 11, 2016
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    I have a 3406b and I love it. No electronics on it at all. Nothing for the ELD to connect to. We use Big Road app.
     
    Oxbow Thanks this.
  5. IPTYDFUL

    IPTYDFUL Bobtail Member

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    Oct 8, 2017
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    I'm not a cat guy... but generally the differece between mechanical vs electronic...

    Mechanical- easy to work on, injectors wayyy less expensive, will run and run and run and run and run and run and run until real mechanical problem, easy to diagnose, can coast downhill to start- no electricity needed.

    Electronic- when problems come, $$$ will be spent. An electrical problem, sensor, or other nonsense that is not needed whatsoever to run a mechanical engine, will leave you on the side of the road. Tow bill, shop bill, downtime. Expensive computer, sensors, wiring... Did I say $$$?

    Check the forums. My favorites are guys with electrical problems that have spent thousands of dollars (3, 4, 5, $6,000 or more possibly) trying to find an electrical problem, while the truck is down and the bills grow.

    Even if you don't work on your own truck, the mechanical has less to go wrong with it, and is much more dependable and less expensive to repair. Think of it like this- a mechanical engine is the same as an electronic without all of the expensive, unnecessary bs added to it.

    I don't think the small fuel savings is worth that kind of aggravation if you're a guy with one or two trucks. But don't listen to me- check the forums.

    Good luck.
     
    hartleytrucking and Oxbow Thank this.
  6. Buddy1

    Buddy1 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 10, 2017
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    Man, I agree with you !
     
    Oxbow Thanks this.
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