This is a Caterpillar 3406E engine for sale in fairly used condition: a complete 14.6 litre inline six diesel, inspected, tested and ready to ship anywhere in the world. It is the electronic 3406 that powered Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Western Star and International trucks through the 1990s, and it still runs generators, pumps, crushers and boats today.
We match the engine to your serial number prefix and ECM type, and send photos of the actual unit before you pay.
What’s Included With This Caterpillar 3406E Engine for Sale
- Block with crankshaft, liners, pistons and rods
- Cylinder head with overhead camshaft and valve train
- Electronic unit injectors (condition noted on your quote)
- Turbocharger to suit the rating
- Oil cooler, front cover, oil pan and flywheel housing
- Engine brake on most truck units
- Test results, photos and a heavy duty skid for shipping
The ECM and harness are not included unless agreed in writing. Truck and industrial engines are dressed differently, so tell us which one you need. Long blocks are available on request.
Caterpillar 3406E Specifications
| Engine | Caterpillar 3406E |
| Layout | Inline six, four stroke, turbocharged |
| Displacement | 14.6 litres (893 cubic inches) |
| Bore x stroke | 137.2 x 165.1 mm (5.4 x 6.5 in) |
| Valve train | Overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Fuel system | Electronic unit injectors, mechanically actuated |
| Engine control | ADEM II (40 pin) or ADEM III (70 pin) |
| Power | About 355 to 600 hp depending on rating |
| Torque | Up to about 1,850 lb-ft on popular truck ratings |
| Truck serial prefixes | 1LW, 2WS, 5EK, 6TS |
| Dry weight | About 2,800 to 3,000 lb |
| Years | Early 1990s to around 2000 |
Trucks and Machines This Engine Fits
Each Caterpillar 3406E engine for sale in our stock is matched to one of these applications:
- Peterbilt 377, 378, 379 and 385
- Kenworth W900, T600 and T800
- Freightliner FLD, Classic and Century Class
- Western Star 4900
- International 9000 series, including the 9400 and 9900
- Generator sets, pumps, crushers, drilling rigs and marine units
Mounts, oil pans and accessories differ between these, so send us the truck or machine details before ordering.
40 Pin or 70 Pin?
Earlier engines use the ADEM II computer with 40 pin connectors. From around 1999 many moved to ADEM III with 70 pin connectors. They are not plug and play. If your truck is wired for one and the engine uses the other, you need the matching ECM and harness. Every Caterpillar 3406E engine for sale we quote lists its ECM type so there are no surprises.
How We Test Every Caterpillar 3406E Engine for Sale
- We record the full serial number, arrangement number and rating.
- We run a compression or cylinder cut-out test.
- We check the oil for coolant, fuel and metal.
- We pressure test the cooling system where possible to find head or sleeve leaks.
- Where the engine runs, we check oil pressure, blow-by and smoke.
- We check the turbo for play and listen to the front gear train.
- We photograph the engine from every side, including the data plate.
You get these results with your quote. More detail is in our guide to tested used engines.
Common 3406E Problems We Check For
- Worn or leaking injector sleeves
- Cracks in the head between valve seats after overheating
- Water pump and oil cooler leaks
- Front gear train noise on high mileage units
- Turbo shaft play and oil leaks
- Old wiring and sensor faults
That is why a tested Caterpillar 3406E engine for sale is a safer buy than an untested one.
Price and What Affects It
The price shown is for a fairly used, tested truck engine. The final price of your Caterpillar 3406E engine for sale depends on:
- Serial prefix and horsepower rating
- Mileage or hours and test results
- ECM type and whether the ECM is included
- Complete engine or long block
- Freight to your port or door
Everything is confirmed in a written quote. See our guide to replacement engine cost for more.
Replace or Rebuild Your Old Engine?
An in-frame rebuild keeps your own engine, but the truck sits while the work is done and hidden damage can push the bill up. Fitting a tested Caterpillar 3406E engine for sale is usually faster, you know its condition before you pay, and your old engine may still be worth something as a core. If the block or crank is damaged, or the truck earns every day, replacing usually wins.
Generator, Pump and Marine Use
Plenty of buyers want a Caterpillar 3406E engine for sale for work outside trucking. The 3406E ran standby and prime power generator sets, irrigation and fire pumps, crushers, drilling rigs and work boats. These versions often use different flywheels, cooling systems, governors and ratings from truck engines, so a truck engine is not always a direct swap.
Tell us what the engine will drive, the speed it needs to run at and how it is cooled, and we will look for the right arrangement. Low hour standby generator engines can be a very good buy, because many spent most of their life waiting for a power cut.
Keeping Your 3406E Healthy
- Change oil and filters on time with a good heavy duty oil.
- Keep coolant clean and at the right strength to protect the sleeves and liners.
- Do valve and injector adjustments at the right intervals.
- Replace the air filter often in dusty conditions.
- Watch the temperature gauge and fix overheating at once.
Looked after this way, a 3406E can run a million miles or more before it needs major work.
Worldwide Shipping
Every engine is drained, sealed, strapped to a heavy skid or crated, and shipped by sea or road freight with tracking. We ship to Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and North America, and we prepare the export paperwork. Read our shipping policy for timing.
Warranty and Returns
Each engine comes with a written warranty. Read our used engine warranty guide and our refund and returns policy before you order.
Installation Tips
- Flush the radiator and cooling system before fitting.
- Clean the charge air cooler if the old engine failed with oil or metal in the intake.
- Fit new filters, add fresh oil and prime the fuel system.
- Check the ECM parameters such as road speed and cruise limits.
- Idle to temperature and check for leaks before loading the truck.
Why Buy From NJ Global Auto Parts
- We only sell engines, so we know what to look for.
- Every engine is tested and photographed before it is quoted.
- We confirm the fit from your serial number before you pay.
- You get a written quote, tracking and a written warranty.
- We ship worldwide and handle export paperwork.
Every Caterpillar 3406E engine for sale from us comes with the same honest description. Learn more about us.
Learn More Before You Buy
Our full guide to the Caterpillar 3406E engine for sale explains the serial prefixes, the 40 and 70 pin difference, fuel economy and seven checks before you pay. For background on the maker, see the Caterpillar Inc. page.
We also sell the Caterpillar C13, the Caterpillar C15, the Cummins N14 and the Detroit Diesel Series 60. See all Caterpillar engines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which serial prefix is this Caterpillar 3406E engine for sale?
We stock several. Send your old prefix and we will match it.
Does it come with the ECM?
Not unless agreed in writing. Your quote will say.
Can I use a truck engine in a generator?
Sometimes, but flywheels, cooling and governors differ. Tell us the application first.
Do you ship to my country?
Yes. We ship worldwide and handle the export paperwork.
How do I pay?
Bank transfer only. Details come with your written quote.
Order Your Engine
Send your serial number and truck or machine details through our contact page or call +1 (209) 733-0882. We will confirm the fit, send photos of the actual Caterpillar 3406E engine for sale and give you a written price with freight, usually the same day.
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