CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Topic: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake (Read 2563 times) previous topic - next topic

CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

February 03, 2017, 04:08:44 pm

I read somewhere that the CAT 3208 is not a strong enough engine to handle a Pac Brake, and is one reason Foretravel went with the CAT 3116, beginning late 1992. I contacted a dealership selling a 1990 FGV CAT 3208 (250 hp) with an Allison MT 643 4 speed transmission. They said they have a shop that can put the Pac Brake on.

Is this engine strong enough to handle the PackBrake PRXB Exhaust Brake? If I were to purchase this unit, would putting on a PRXB Exhaust Brakes be advisable?

I expect to spend a lot of time traveling though the Rockies and the Appalachians, pulling a jeep liberty.

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #1 – February 03, 2017, 04:22:46 pm

I do know the Pacbrake we have, was made for the 3116 and 3126 CAT engines. The factory phone # I have is 800.663.0096.

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #2 – February 03, 2017, 04:48:00 pm

It is not engine strength per-say that is at issue. The issue is strength of valve springs.

Check with PacBrake: 800 663-0096

They can tell you if there is an exhaust brake for the 3208, and if so, what its control back pressure is? If only 25-30 PSI, probably not worth the effort.

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #3 – February 03, 2017, 05:03:32 pm

as I recall, 30 lb valve springs...

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #4 – February 03, 2017, 05:13:13 pm

Was the 3208 a six or v-8

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #5 – February 03, 2017, 05:22:14 pm

3208...V8

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #6 – February 03, 2017, 05:40:11 pm

Baby V8, they call it disposable. Just insert another. I liked it in my '90 U280. Never let me down. Not a powerhouse though.

John

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #7 – February 03, 2017, 05:54:49 pm

Quote from: John and Stacey – February 03, 2017, 05:40:11 pm

Baby V8, they call it disposable. Just insert another. I liked it in my '90 U280. Never let me down. Not a powerhouse though

Interesting, so the 3116 was CATs answer to lack of juice, even though the hp was the same? I have to say, the gringos have built a pretty cool gasser, the Ford V-10. I've not heard of problem one, even tho the SOBs are towing F-150 trucks! The only problem I have with ours and the six speed, is, if I'm not paying strict attention, I'm doing eighty and passing semi trucks!

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #8 – February 03, 2017, 06:10:29 pm

It is late so I sent an email to the company rather than telephone. Probably won't hear back until Monday or later. I will let you know what the response is.

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #9 – February 03, 2017, 06:11:44 pm

No, the 3208 was not replaced for more power. It was replaced because it did not meet the new EPA emission standards.

The subsequent in-line/modern configuration 6 cylinders did.

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #10 – February 03, 2017, 09:08:18 pm

The 3208 is a very tough engine, powering many boats and RVs. It's small physical size and V configuration was perfect for boats needing a low cabin floor that inline engines could not provide. The engine is so small that it will fit into the engine compartments of pickup trucks. Since the block is very compactl, it can't handle the high horsepower over long periods that other HD diesels can. In it's RV configuration, it's lightly loaded and provides a very long life plus is very fuel efficient.

Pierce

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #11 – February 04, 2017, 04:21:14 am

I had a 3208T in my '87 with Pac Brake for 8 years and sold it to a Canadian who had it 8 more years with no problems ever.

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #12 – February 04, 2017, 10:42:21 am

I think I remember driving 3208's with PAC brakes. Worked if you kept the revs up but not very strong

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #13 – February 04, 2017, 02:37:57 pm

Just out of curiosity I looked on eBay and put in Cat 3208 and there was
a world of stuff on there. I was surprised at how cheap many of the parts
were. I had dealt with Cat years ago and their parts were sky high and
was afraid that would be the case if I ever needed anything for the coach.

The main thing I was hoping to find was a set of Jake brakes, but none there
and I wonder if they were ever available? There was not a listing on there for
any type of exhaust brake, either.

Carter-

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #14 – February 04, 2017, 03:05:10 pm

Quote from: Texas Guy – February 04, 2017, 02:37:57 pm

Just out of curiosity

I don't see anything that tells us what coach you're talkin' about. Try putting a sig on the bottom; year/type/engine/build date. That's very helpfull to owners of like coaches, to give comment/advice.

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #15 – February 04, 2017, 05:26:20 pm

If I remember right, when I had my 1990 U280 with the 3208 there was not a Jake Brake available, but you could get a Pac Brake added.

John

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #16 – February 04, 2017, 06:37:58 pm

We are like John & Stacey as we had a '92 with a Pac on a 3208. Traveled all around Colorado done just fine. You just had to realize you weren't going to be the first to the top of the pass but we had no trouble going down the other side out of control either.

Pamela

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #17 – February 04, 2017, 07:50:37 pm

The 3208TA in our 91 GV has an exhaust brake but I'm not sure what kind it is. As near as I can tell, it was a factory installation. It works OK at higher RPMs, but isn't noticible at lower RPMs. It has an electrical foot switch that activates a flapper valve in the exhaust. I use it alot on downhills that aren't really steep, but down shift mainly for steeper hills. I'm not sure what a stronger exhaust brake would do for me. Have a great day ---- Fritz

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #18 – February 04, 2017, 08:06:58 pm

This is the unit I am referring to regading the instalation of a PacBrake. I do not own this, I am trying to find a FGV that fits my needs, and this is a possibility. I have identified a couple of other similar units with the CAT 3208.

1990 Foretravel Grand Villa 36 Priced at $ 27500

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #19 – February 04, 2017, 09:06:47 pm

Quote from: Rzrbrn – February 04, 2017, 08:06:58 pm

This is the unit I am referring to regading the installation of a PacBrake. I do not own this, I am trying to find a FGV that fits my needs, and this is a possibility. I have identified a couple of other similar units with the CAT 3208.
1990 Foretravel Grand Villa 36 Priced at $ 27500

I've been reading all about your search for a good coach the last day or so. Not wanting to throw a wrench in your plans at all but though I might write what we found when we were looking. I started reading all I could about each model and engine/transmission and then started looking in the California/Nevada region. There is a ton of information out there and owners on this forum are the first and best source for this. Each model/year/width/length/floorplan has it's pluses and minuses and after viewing the specs available here Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year a trip to see the real thing along with the condition is recommended. Naturally, dealers will generally ask more for their coach over what a private party would hope to get. Hope is the key word here as many prices are "wishing prices" so it takes a while to figure out exactly how the price balances with the condition, upgrades, etc. Photos must be in high resolution and always look better than the coach actually does. The nicest coaches usually have owners that are pretty together with maintenance and should be able to provide you with high resolution photos and history of the coach. Winter time is a good time to search as there are fewer buyers out there so the prices are usually less than the peak summer season. Since Foretravels are built in limited numbers, you may have to fly across the nation when you narrow down your search. It's good to find one with about everything you want to start with as upgrades and related items like tires, batteries and airbags can really bring the price up in a hurry. Older coaches are very difficult to finance so cash is king. You also have to be honest about your DIY ability. Most maintenance is not too difficult but you do have to be able to do more than turn a light bulb.

Buying a coach is like taking a college course. Study, midterms, more study and the final. If you've done the homework, you should be well situated for the final. RVing 101 is the next step with a lot of veterans here making it fun.

We found our coach in North Carolina, flew back and inspected it and then headed west. The coach had been sold 3 times in the last few months but each time, the buyer could not get the financing so the seller kept the deposit and discounted the price because of that. The seven or more years of ownership since then have been a pleasure, not only with the coach but the people we met at Quartzsite as well as on the forum. We all have different personalities but everyone here will go out of their way to help. When we blew a hydraulic hose(s( on our latest trip, we could not stop as planned to visit one member. After we let him know, I received several calls over the next two days with helpful advise and suggestions from him. I have not even met these people yet but am so very appreciative of the concern. Nice to have people to cover your back.

Good luck in your search.

Pierce

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #20 – February 04, 2017, 10:24:54 pm

Bd makes one for the 3208. I have been told it requires heavier exhaust valve springs. BD Exhaust Brake 3208 Cat

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #21 – February 04, 2017, 10:36:18 pm

Pierce, Thank you for the advice.

Richrpilot, The BD exhaust brake for the 3208 is just the ticket. PacBrake does not seem to make the PRXB Exhaust Brake for a 3208 so the BD info is very much appreciated.

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #22 – December 01, 2018, 10:33:34 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – February 04, 2017, 09:06:47 pm

I've been reading all about your search for a good coach the last day or so. Not wanting to throw a wrench in your plans at all but though I might write what we found when we were looking. I started reading all I could about each model and engine/transmission and then started looking in the California/Nevada region. There is a ton of information out there and owners on this forum are the first and best source for this. Each model/year/width/length/floorplan has it's pluses and minuses and after viewing the specs available here Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year a trip to see the real thing along with the condition is recommended. Naturally, dealers will generally ask more for their coach over what a private party would hope to get. Hope is the key word here as many prices are "wishing prices" so it takes a while to figure out exactly how the price balances with the condition, upgrades, etc. Photos must be in high resolution and always look better than the coach actually does. The nicest coaches usually have owners that are pretty together with maintenance and should be able to provide you with high resolution photos and history of the coach. Winter time is a good time to search as there are fewer buyers out there so the prices are usually less than the peak summer season. Since Foretravels are built in limited numbers, you may have to fly across the nation when you narrow down your search. It's good to find one with about everything you want to start with as upgrades and related items like tires, batteries and airbags can really bring the price up in a hurry. Older coaches are very difficult to finance so cash is king. You also have to be honest about your DIY ability. Most maintenance is not too difficult but you do have to be able to do more than turn a light bulb.

Buying a coach is like taking a college course. Study, midterms, more study and the final. If you've done the homework, you should be well situated for the final. RVing 101 is the next step with a lot of veterans here making it fun.

We found our coach in North Carolina, flew back and inspected it and then headed west. The coach had been sold 3 times in the last few months but each time, the buyer could not get the financing so the seller kept the deposit and discounted the price because of that. The seven or more years of ownership since then have been a pleasure, not only with the coach but the people we met at Quartzsite as well as on the forum. We all have different personalities but everyone here will go out of their way to help. When we blew a hydraulic hose(s( on our latest trip, we could not stop as planned to visit one member. After we let him know, I received several calls over the next two days with helpful advise and suggestions from him. I have not even met these people yet but am so very appreciative of the concern. Nice to have people to cover your back.

Good luck in your search.

Pierce

Yes you are wonderful... Thank you and everyone else that helped with their advice.

Re: CAT 3208 + Pac Brake

Reply #23 – December 02, 2018, 09:56:51 am

I have an exhaust brake on my 3208 cat, it is lever adjustable and has a exhaust pressure gauge in the cockpit. The gauge is redlined at 25 psi. It works good enough to slow the coach on 6% grades and keeps me off the service brakes. Exhaust brakes effectiveness are based on two variables pressure and volume. As Brett once commented, on the 3208 it works not so much on higher exhaust pressures, but is effective due to the large volumes of air pumped out by a 10.4 liter motor. Decent versital braking system but would require vigilant driver attention to maximize it's effectiveness. Company is no longer in business as the owner has passed away. Components are mostly off the shelf and still available. Effective yes, but not a huge bang for your bucks type of deal. It was on the coach when I bought it, and I switch it on even in town as it provides noticable braking force

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