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Cat 3208 turbo
- Thread starter amscontr
- Start date
2109 Stang
Well-Known Member
Weak on power, they don't last too long, 250 hp very little torque.
2109 Stang
Well-Known Member
Weak on power, they don't last too long, 250 hp very little torque.
It must be an old truck, what is it 1984 1985 Ford L8000?
Sorry for the double post .
Mod: can you delete the post above?
It must be an old truck, what is it 1984 1985 Ford L8000?
Sorry for the double post .
Mod: can you delete the post above?
Last edited:
amscontr
Well-Known Member
Really?
I am considering one for a single axle dump that's in a newer truck, this engine has about 5000 hours on it and 59,000 miles. It was a fertilizer/sprayer truck.
2stickbill
Senior Member
I have drove single axle trucks with the non turbo 3208 and we never had any trouble out of them.Drove a tandem dump with one and yes they are a little weak.A lot of the single and tandems had them.As for how long they last good question.Some say they are throw away motors.But you can get remans.I think one reason they are called throw away is because they have no cylinder sleeves but they can be bored and dry sleeves installed.I think some turbo models got to 300HP.If it's geared right should not be real weak. Like they saying goes.If the price is right and you like the truck.
amscontr
Well-Known Member
Yeah I drove some older truck that had the non turbo 3208 and they were a little low on hp. i was kind of curious about the 250 hp turbo version in a single axle over a 366 GM. I bought it right, it's in a parts truck that used to be a fertilzer/sprayer truck. This truck also has a/c, a 10 spd. and heavier axles compared to the one I have now a 366, 5+2, and windows.
I have looking to beef up the suspension on the current one with some heavier axles. That's looking to be a PITA.
amscontr
Well-Known Member
Actually it's in an 1990 Topkick single axle cab and chassis.
I wouldn't have anything less then 350 hp in a tandem.
But compared to a 366? I also have 427 to drop in my '81 when needed.
From what i gather the 3208 N/A produces more torque and better performance then the gassers. But also more PITA to maintain.
2stickbill
Senior Member
Whats to maintain? Use clean fuel,keep oil and filters changed.The one I drove that would top out at 60MPH was drove flat on the floor most of the timeT think that engine was used when installed in truck then we run it over four years.Some kid wrecked it then they sold the engine.Only bad thing I have heard about this engine was the power.But short hauls and geared right should be ok.The gasser are good just love to drink that gas.Have to tune them up too.
willie59
Administrator
I agree 2stick, what's to maintian any different than any other engine? Yes, you wouldn't want to put one in a long nose Pete with 56,000 lb rears and drop axle with twin 8" stacks, lol...but they are more than capable of hauling some dirt in a dump truck just as well as an International DT466. As for maintanence, the 3208 is no different than any other engine, actually easier to work on in some respects. One of the few diesels I've worked on that you could actually rebuild some of the injection pump components with it still mounted on engine while out on a dirty construction site. Worst complaint I have about a 3208 is when they get some age on them, they white smoke a stinky smoke that will burn your eyes. But in a dump truck, I'd take one over a big gas engine emptying my wallet keeping it's drinking habit satisfied any day.
LonestarCobra
Well-Known Member
I had a 88 Top Kick service truck with a 3208 and 5&2 with working 5th gear. The diff was low, and she topped out at just under 58 MPH. The turbo engine I had was a tough engine, but low on power. It really stunk when you were running the crane inside due to the exhaust. The 1995 Top Kick I got to replace it had the 3116 and a 8LL Tranny and would run 75, but that 3208 ran longer with no major problems.
2stickbill
Senior Member
I agree 2stick, what's to maintian any different than any other engine? Yes, you wouldn't want to put one in a long nose Pete with 56,000 lb rears and drop axle with twin 8" stacks, lol...but they are more than capable of hauling some dirt in a dump truck just as well as an International DT466. As for maintanence, the 3208 is no different than any other engine, actually easier to work on in some respects. One of the few diesels I've worked on that you could actually rebuild some of the injection pump components with it still mounted on engine while out on a dirty construction site. Worst complaint I have about a 3208 is when they get some age on them, they white smoke a stinky smoke that will burn your eyes. But in a dump truck, I'd take one over a big gas engine emptying my wallet keeping it's drinking habit satisfied any day.
A sales man at the KW dealer had one in a GMC one ton single wheel crew cab.I seen one in a one ton with twin turbos.Wish I could have tried that one out.
willie59
Administrator
Now that would be something to see. :yup
One thing about a 3208, just like a Detroit...has a very distinct and recognisable sound.
2stickbill
Senior Member
Yes it was something.The salesmans' truck had straight side pipes and sounded sweet.The only thing they cut was a piece in the fan scroud.He got a kit for the install.But there was a box of U joints in the truck.
The other truck belonged to a rigging CO it was kind of a shop built truck.Had a straight steering axle.Funny the goose neck ball was about half way between rear axle and cab.I think it even had the Allison automatic.
rino
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2006
- Messages
- 176
- Location
- Barberton, Ohio
- Occupation
- Drive steel bed Dump Truck for a paving company
Here is the real deal on the 3208. First I don't like then at all! They were emission designed, meaning that they need regular service, so forget about the million mile oil! Once they start leaking, there no stopping them without major work. If you get one that has been taken care of, then you'll have to change oil and ALL filters every 3 K RELIGIOUSLY!!!
IMO The best thing you can do with 3208 is weld a chain on it and use it for a boat anchor!
IMO The best thing you can do with 3208 is weld a chain on it and use it for a boat anchor!