Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Turbo for3208 (Read 796 times) previous topic - next topic

Turbo for3208

My good friend and neighbor needs to replace the turbo on his 300 horse 3208 caterpillar , the motor is in an 89 Grandvilla
The mechanic that reinstalled his rebuild injection pump assured us that we could find an excellent after market turbo for much les than a CAT genuine unit.
Has anyone here bought aftermarket parts for big rig motors anywhere with success?
Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: Turbo for3208

Reply #1 –
What is the part number on the original turbo?
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Turbo for3208

Reply #2 –
I'll find out tomorrow
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: Turbo for3208

Reply #3 –
Tom,

You could just have the old one rebuilt.  If it hasn't spun the outer race of the bearings in the case you should be able to fix it with little effort.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Turbo for3208

Reply #4 –
I would sure look at a factory reman (i.e. Caterpillar) as a viable alternative to either new or "made to replace" turbo.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Turbo for3208

Reply #5 –
Not sure but check if Cat has a cartridge for that engine,it is the turbo minus the intake and exhaust housings,which should still be good.For that engine I would not consider an aftermarket,Cat parts are pretty good,expensive but good.

Let us know what's wrong with the old turbo.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Turbo for3208

Reply #6 –
Ditto on checking with CAT, I blew a turbo on the AS, smokin' like crazy, especially in the high, cold country, where it was pure white smoke. Got a re-man, it STILL SMOKED! Went to the dark side and pulled the head, pump, injectors, etc., everything checked out fine. Turned out the re-man had sat on the self too long and the seals had dried out. They replaced the turbo n/c, but I ate the labor. The only plus was I had a fresh top end!
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Turbo for3208

Reply #7 –
The original part number is 7c3856
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: Turbo for3208

Reply #8 –
Cat is both time and cost prohibitive.
Rebuild is $2400.0 and two months out.
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: Turbo for3208

Reply #9 –
Keep checking Ebay and Nationwide craigslist,might get lucky,what exactly is the problem with his turbo?
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Turbo for3208

Reply #10 –
Why not just buy a used one? They are not expensive and if treated right, turbos usually last a very long time. Several here including a new one for about $400 but check model number.
Caterpillar 3208 Engine Turbo Parts Set Up Good Used Condition or5487 5487...

Turbo kits are only about $100 with several less at this Mid-West rebuilder. Why not give them a call? Garrett Turbo Rebuild Kits

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Turbo for3208

Reply #11 –
They rebuild pretty easy.  Look at U tube  and use a "T " style wrench the remove the shaft nut so as not to bend the shaft. The nut is also red locktited  and should need a flame to loosen.

I may have a core  as I rebuilt (mostly Garret)  turbos in a prior business. I was the Turbo warranty builder for  Merkur, Peugeot, and some Dodge dealers in Rochester NY for a few years.
 I bought all of the diesel cores  as they hardly ever scored the housings. FWIW you can bore the housing over size and turn the shafts undersize on the auto sized units and i would assume the big body s also.
  I send all of the noisy  rotating units out to get balanced. Noise/Whine is a sign of  out of range balance .    Mercedes has the highest /finest balance specs  and the hot sections fit most of the autos with Garrets.
 
I have at least one Truck cores and the pieces are not expensive .  I expected to rebuild mine in the next year or so  but it uses no oil  and  runs at a normal noise  level .
 I have all of the tools other than the balancer as far as I know.  If there is interest , I can rebuild the one or two that I have  in stock.  Typical price is about 600$ if the housing and shaft/wheels can be used.
 Crusty oil/ coking, drags the sealing piston ring and starts it turning in the housing, allowing oil to pass is the normal failure. .
 

Re: Turbo for3208

Reply #13 –
Quote from: BillO –
You might check with these guys  http://www.midwestdiesel.com/PartTypeDetail.aspx?partype=Turbo&engtype=3208 . I've not used them, but have kept them bookmarked just in case (both MH's I've had were/are CAT powered).
I just looked at that site, they have most stuff (including turbo) for my 3116 CAT. Will bookmark, thanks!  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'