Converting a 3208 truck engine to a marine version

[Cachalot]

Hi all


I am looking at purchasing a fully rebuilt caterpillar 3208 na 210 hp truck engine for our boat. Other than the obvious stuff like a heat exchanger and water cooled exh manifolds is there anything else we may need that is different on the marine engine ?
Also if anyone knows how much of the parts from a 3160 marine engine will bolt up too the 3208 like bell housing etc.
Any help is greatly appreciated

 

[petehdgs]

Based on your description, do you have a 3160 marine engine now? The two engines are right much different. The 3160 is about 160 HP and the 3208 is 210, so even if it fits the cooling system heat exchanger will be undersized. Why not buy a 3208 NA marine engine instead? Or reman your 3160 if possible.

 

[Lepke]

You might be able to buy a blown 3208 marine engine and take all the marine parts for the new truck engine.
Truck engines are usually derated compared to an equivalent marine engine because trucks have less cooling.
Someone from a Caterpillar Marine dealer should know if the bell housing, etc. is the same. Cats usually have several power settings in the same engine just by changing the injector settings. But Cat has to make the change and they don't do it for small change.

 

[Cachalot]

Based on your description, do you have a 3160 marine engine now? The two engines are right much different. The 3160 is about 160 HP and the 3208 is 210, so even if it fits the cooling system heat exchanger will be undersized. Why not buy a 3208 NA marine engine instead? Or reman your 3160 if possible.

We have a 3160 marine engine now rated at 210hp that has a hole in the bore. We can purchase a fully rebuilt 3208 truck engine for a very good price. We would just buy a marine version but in New Zealand there is very limited options

 

[KnotYet]

Disregard

 

[Taras]

Additionally: Be aware of the requirements for ignition prevention to be compliant with your insurance company and marine surveyor.