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Topic: CAT 3208TA engine question  (Read 1066 times) previous topic - next topic

CAT 3208TA engine question

Here's my question for those that are mechanically inclined....This winter I replaced my old muffler with the Areo 4040 resonator.  No issues to FL and back to MI this winter.  After reading some of my manuals now (see attached) it's got me thinking about how this may or may not effect exhaust temps for my engine. Any ideas or am I just being overly concerned?

 Also, I believe I ran the fuel tank a little too low (dumb move I know) and got a loss of power on an incline and it resitated and coughed out some white/blueish smoke.  From what I gather off the forum I may have gotten some air in the fuel line.  New filters are on order and the fuel tank is full now so I plan on changing all my filters.  Is there anything else I should look into?

As always thank you ahead of time.
Jeff & Carrie
2023 Geneva 31VA
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED "The Button Pusher" - GONE 🥺

Re: CAT 3208TA engine question

Reply #1 –
You may have a minor drop in EGT's with a freer flowing exhaust, but unless you have modified the 3208, EGT's were not an issue to begin with.

Yup, change the filters and run it. 
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: CAT 3208TA engine question

Reply #2 –
My 3208T has a pyrometer installed on it.  It runs 600-900 degrees depending on load.  At full load on a grade the temp will creep up to as high as 900 degrees, but normally runs cooler than that.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: CAT 3208TA engine question

Reply #3 –
Thanks guys!! I knew I could count on you
Jeff & Carrie
2023 Geneva 31VA
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED "The Button Pusher" - GONE 🥺

Re: CAT 3208TA engine question

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Kemahjohn –
My 3208T has a pyrometer installed on it.  It runs 600-900 degrees depending on load.  At full load on a grade the temp will creep up to as high as 900 degrees, but normally runs cooler than that.

That seems really low.  Is that measured after the turbo?
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: CAT 3208TA engine question

Reply #5 –
Yes, right about 2" after the turbo in the elbow before the BD exhaust brake.  This is on a 250 hp mechanical injected 1990 3208T.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: CAT 3208TA engine question

Reply #6 –
There is no gauge at all for mine....mmmm
Jeff & Carrie
2023 Geneva 31VA
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED "The Button Pusher" - GONE 🥺

Re: CAT 3208TA engine question

Reply #7 –
Wasn't factory original, it was added by the previous owner along with the BD exhaust brake and muffler bypass and many other goodies.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: CAT 3208TA engine question

Reply #8 –
Fwiw.. my 88 was a 300 hp.. on the plate and sn. I know the valve springs needed to be 45#.. I think For the exhaust brake.. which cat told me.. The 300hp engines were.. The mechanic, told me banks would help, BUT he suggested a fuel pump increase, simpler, less expensive..cat parts etc.. said they did it all the time for dump trucks..  mine had a massive can behind the radiator. . 2 hydronic fans.. factory install.

That suckered started in 1/2 a turn, at 20degrees.. only issue we had was braking.. since I was younger, with no fear.. didn't understand what those gears were for.. never had a problem with acceleration. . It would run 75 without straining.. at 2100rpm... Red line set from factory.. 2800.. simple ^.^d
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My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)

Re: CAT 3208TA engine question

Reply #9 –
Good info John thank you....this is our first FT and love the CAT so far.  We have had the same experiences that you describe.  Only bad thing for us a cold water leak when it's below 30 or so....not major but about 1/2 gallon or so then stops.  Had it looked at but its from the block and not bad enough to spend the 2k
Jeff & Carrie
2023 Geneva 31VA
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED "The Button Pusher" - GONE 🥺

Re: CAT 3208TA engine question

Reply #10 –
The "low HP" Cat 3208T used in our Foretravels is about as indestructible an engine as you can get, and they run like a scalded Ape!  I have trouble keeping mine below 80, it just creeps up on you.
Cat pushed the 3208TA up to 425 HP in marine service, but it didn't live well at that rating. 
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: CAT 3208TA engine question

Reply #11 –
Yep, the 375 HP was the highest HP that had reasonable engine life.
The problem with changing out the top end on the low HP engine is there are slight differences in block configurations and in pistons on the factory high hp engines.  More oil flow and coolant flow plus lower compression pistons with increased piston cooling to allow higher boost pressure without causing bottom end problems.  The 425-475 HP engines usually died at lower engine hours as a result of bottom end failure-- and in a spectacular fashion!  The marine engines also usually run long periods of time at max load, max RPM which didnt help.  The marine turbos are water cooled as well, and are larger than the over the road turbos.
I have the factory write up on the 3208 engine variations some where if I could find it--- a left over from my marine industry days.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280
 

Re: CAT 3208TA engine question

Reply #12 –
We have the Jones/aero thing on ours and it likes it. EGT dropped a little and nothing but good comes out of that.
Jay
1989 U280 SE, 36', 3208T Cat, build 3292