1989/08/21 Caterpillar

Connecting Rod Bearing Maintenance{0372,1203,1219}

Usage:

3406, 3406B, 3406B (PEEC) Truck Engines

Reference: See preceding article, "New Connecting Rod Bearing Used".

Reference: Operation And Maintenance Manual, SEBU6312, for 3406B Truck Engines (7FB, 4MG), Pages 53, 55, 50. Operation And Maintenance Manual, SEBU6313, for 3406B (PEEC) Truck Engines (8TC), Pages 65, 67, 61.

The level of maintenance an engine receives is crucial to the life of crankshaft bearings. Other major factors affecting crankshaft bearing life are operating rpm and bearing loads.

Since the levels of maintenance and operating conditions experienced by the wide spectrum of owners is so varied, our recommendations for crankshaft bearing maintenance on the 3406B Truck Engine are as follows.

Connecting Rod Bearing Inspection And Replacement

... Engines should be inspected between 402 500 and 483 000 km (250,000 and 300,000 miles). This inspection consists of removing connecting rodbearings ONLY, and inspecting them for any sign of dirt and debris passed from the main bearings.

... If connecting rod bearings do not show any of these signs, Caterpillar recommends that the main bearings be left alone and ONLY connecting rod bearings be replaced.

Caterpillar believes that crankshaft bearing maintenance as outlined above, and offered by many dealers, is relatively inexpensive and a good value. In addition, the connecting rod bearings have a one year parts warranty.

Caterpillar Information System:

1989/08/21 New Connecting Rod Bearing Used{0372,1203,1219}

1989/08/21 Improved Head Gasket Used; Summary Of Earlier Gaskets And Service Tips{1124,1216,1221}

1989/08/14 New Watercooled Exhaust Manifolds{1059}

1989/08/14 New Oil Change Recommendations For Severe Applications{0374,1302}

1989/08/14 New Coolant Conditioner Elements Available{1352}

1989/08/14 Worldwide Service Directories Available For Marine, Petroleum, Power Generation Products{0354,0370,0374,0375,1022,4450}

1989/08/07 Do Not Reuse Clutch Housing Bolts {3360,3305,3306}

1989/08/07 Temperature Sensor Pocket Kit Available For Danfoss® Temperature Contactors {1350,7403}

1989/08/07 Improvements To Attachment Altronic® Ignition Systems {1550,1555,1558,1567}

1989/08/07 Pedal-Mounted Throttle Sensor Requires New Personality Module {1265,1705,1707}

1989/08/07 Replacement Parts For Magnetos Discontinued On Gasoline Starting Engines {1530,1500}

1989/07/24 New Cylinder Head Gasket Kit Available{1101,1216}

1989/08/21 Use New Operation And Maintenance Manuals{0374,0375,1000}

1989/08/21 Additional Clamp Added To Aftercooler Water Line{1380}

1989/08/21 Lube System Screen Assembly Available For Use During Dynamometer Testing{1307}

1989/08/21 New Engine Oil Cooler Core Groups With Rubber End Sheets Used{1378}

1989/08/28 Recommendations For Lubrication Oils In Powershift Transmissions{0645,3150,3179}

1989/08/28 New Fuel Injectors Available For Parts Service{1290}

1989/09/11 Be Sure To Tighten Fuel Injection Line Clamps To The Correct Torque{1252}

1989/09/11 Plasma Top Piston Rings Replace Chrome Rings{1215,1214}

1989/09/18 Radio Interference With Electronic Control Systems{7338}

1989/09/18 Tightening Procedure For Turbocharger Compressor Nut{1052,1060}

1989/09/18 New Design Alternator Belt Used{1405,1406}

1989/09/18 New Collar Used In Fuel Injection Control Groups{1298}