For those that have them, how many engine hours on your CAT 3208? Has anyone had an overhaul done on one? Been researching this and it's all over the place. Folks on the boat forums claiming 5-10K on both 3208 turbo and NA. Just wondering if anyone here has 5K or more on their CAT 3208. Found a nice 36' GV approaching 4K hours/165K miles and wondering what the future might bring if I had to replace the engine. Thanks in advance for the input; this is a great group of experienced folks!!
You probably already know this, but it's a simple test and easily overlooked in its importance. Start the engine, loosen the oil filler cap and allow it to sit on the opening. Observe it's action and ask yourself whether or not blow by is causing the cap to float on the flow of combustion gasses.
30,000 gal of fuel or 6000 hours whichever occurs first according to cat. Roll in crankshaft bearings at 3600 hrs if necessary. Coach engine is probably not run as hard as other uses.$1200 for pistons, rings, rod bearings, main bearings, and gaskets. 9k long block. I was thinking roll the rod bearings at 150k, may have seen that on the bluebird forum.
Boat engines usually have the HP turned way up and the TBO is much shorter. Assuming that the coach you are looking at has had it's oil changed, etc, it could easily go much, much longer. Unless it's using oil, the usual yardstick is how well it starts. Because of the high compression, all diesels have a certain amount of blow by. You can also send in an oil sample to see what parts of the engine are wearing. Our 300SD is approaching 500,000 miles with nothing but oil changes. Starts as well as when it was new. Same with power. 165K is not much for a well maintained 3208.
Pierce
I believe I have seen posts where a 3208 logged over 400k in a coach during my research.
I have 3700 hrs@ 144k , with very little blowby. Lights off under a full revolution.
Uses a little oil 1 qt per 800-1000miles maybe . Great engine so far. Good oil pressure, 40ish idle, 50-60 cruise. synthetic .
Ilove it.
I would look at any 3208 powered unit.
Mike a Texas customer bolted on a twin turbo marine top end to a 250 cat.
Only got on it in high gear.
95k miles since the add on.
Galveston area marine shop did the work.
If I owned one I would find a way to put it on
FYI, Cat 3208's are on the California No No list and cannot be registered there
In a rv? Passenger plate?
No problem registering an out of state RV with a 3208. State of CA smog for diesels: https://www.smogtips.com/diesel-smog-test.cfm
Excerpt:
Diesel Smog Test Exemption: The DMV does not require a California emission inspection (smog check) for the following types of vehicles:
Any diesel car or diesel pickup truck which is 1997 model year or older.
Any diesel truck which weights over 14,000 GVWR.Pierce
Interesting. So our 97 is exempt. Hmmmm.
In Oregon if your Motorhome is 25 years old you can get a Permanent Plate for $80.00 and never be bothered again for fees.