The bearing problems on the 3408 engines as mentioned earlier were from the offset crankshaft bearing locations. The crank throws were ground offset as the V angle on the engine was not 90° but rather 60° like the 12 cylinder version (3412). The offset crank throws to keep the firing order even at 90° intervals were 2 separate throws ground on one crank throw. They have had problems with oil starvation and the bearing area on the connecting rod was very small. I see alot of those engines these days in the field on Natural gas.

 

It looks neat, nice job.

 

I might add that Cat recommends changing the bearings at 150k.

 

Neat looking dinosaur but don't ever confuse the 3400 series engine with 1164 or 3200 Cat engines, these little V8's were disposable junk. The 3204 engines were supposed to be a lighter more economical engine than 3300 series engine, 3208's were supposed to be lighter more economical engine than a 3306 in the same horse power class. You never see one in a dozer or scraper they won't survive, just throw it overboard and it can rest quietly next to Cummins 555-V8's that were about as reliable and over wrought with power.