cat 3208 engine questions

[hmxguy]

hi guys, having trouble finding truck related forums so i figured id ask the boat gurus... looking to get some specs on my 3208t (1991) volvo white gmc truck engine. i have been running this truck for a year now and realize at 220hp its not going to be a powerhouse, yet i find it very reliable. I have been suspicious since owning it if i am getting full boost or fuel pressure after reading how these engines love to eat injection pump cams? my engine starts immediately and seems to run very smooth at least to my ear at all rpms. I have installed a boost or intake air pressure guage on this truck myself although i have never witnessed it read more than 7 psi ever..... is this normal for the truck application i do believe i reach my 2600 rpm and have checked out my afc diaphram and played with the fuel screw.
I am curious still tho if i am getting full power out of this engine because it is an absolute slug on any hill or sight of a hill! yet i cant complain as the truck empty weighs right near 20,000 lbs ( heavy steel deck and hiab crane). I would really love someones opinion that is familiar with these engines to tell me if theres any way to check my injection pump is delivering full fuel pressure etc. or that my turbo pressure is inadequate at 7psi max... i really cant complain tho as i can run this truck 10-12 hours and only put in 130 liters of fuel. I also have driven a similiar single axle truck with a 5.9 cummins (24 valve) at an empty weight of 28000 lbs and felt that this truck would out run my cat easily at that heavier tare weight even though i thought they were similar hp and torque specs?! anyones thoughts here?

 

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard. You might try boatdiesel.com. They are dedicated to diesel engines.

 

[Ski in NC]

Find your engine serial number and contact a Cat dealer. They keep on record the original dyno data for when your engine was built. It will include charge air pressure.

If charge air pressure was low for some reason, I would expect to see soot in the exhaust, although AFRC might compensate for some of that.

In the marine world, 3208T and TA versions do not run a whole lot of boost compared to others.

 

[hfoster]

Find your engine serial number and contact a Cat dealer. They keep on record the original dyno data for when your engine was built. It will include charge air pressure.

If charge air pressure was low for some reason, I would expect to see soot in the exhaust, although AFRC might compensate for some of that.

In the marine world, 3208T and TA versions do not run a whole lot of boost compared to others.

Plus 1

With the serial number a Cat dealer will help all they can. That is one reason why I love Cats.

Best of luck Mate.

Cheers

H.

 

[Mischief Managed]

220 HP is not going to accomplish a whole lot of work against 20,000 lbs. Guessing it's running normally. My last truck has 360 HP and when loaded was moving 15000+ lbs. It felt adequately powered. With 39% less power and 30% more weight to move it would surely be a slug.

 

[roddy]

Lots of long steep grades in Kamloops! Truck is going to be slow. Cheap on fuel is your reward for going slow. These are not high tech engines, they will run forever if treated correctly.
3208T's are good engines if not overloaded or abused.
Fuel pumps are good by in large, no worries. No fuel pump or injector tolerates water period. Good filtration is requirement to successful operation, change filters often. Always use finest micron rating you can get. 2 to 5 micron would be excellent.
Check air filter element for cleanliness, tares or holes in element and piping to engine for leaks.
8 lbs of boost is good.
Don't play with fuel screw, over fueling will shorten engine life dramatically.
Dial fuel back so you get less than 10 lbs of boost. 8 lbs to be safe. If you insist on more power don't use 10 lbs boost for more than 5 minutes, 15 lbs 2 minutes. You have been forewarned.
Lots of updates to blocks, heads, injectors, cams, pistons over the years. Serial number will tell what internal components engine has. Only safe way to increase power safely is to know how engine was assembled. Yours is a late build and may have piston cooling nozzles in block. If so, your path to more power is easier. Only serial number and experienced 3208 mechanic will tell...
Keep 50/50 coolant clean. 3208's have 2 thermostats, if in doubt replace them. 3208's do NOT tolerate overheating.
If your going to keep the truck, investing in set of injectors and valve lash adjustment is wise investment.
Idle her 3 to 5 minutes to cool heads and turbo before shutdown.
Rule of thumb is pull long grades 1 gear lower than truck will pull it. This allows engine reach governed rpm and keep its coolant, oil and exhaust to safe temperatures.
3208's have wide operating range similar to electronic engines so its not always required to be at governed speed. Its OK to pull her down to 1800 - 2200 on short grades where downshift is not required.
3208's in continuous duty applications like generator sets and pumps go 20,000 or more hours before overhaul.
While marine 3208T's might go 4000 hours before overhaul if used anywhere near 375 hp on regular basis. Engine life is all in how much fuel is used and care received. Look around for experienced 3208 mechanic. Although they are not high tech there are a few tricks. Last engines were built in mid 1990's so mechanics that are skilled in them are in their 60's you may find younger.
Good luck