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cat 3150 vs 3208

O

osb

Member
What were the advantages of the 3208 if any on the 2255? I've got my ete on onew with a 3150 and was just wondering. Thanks for any help

Mike in Illinois
 
You need to remember that Cat used the 3208 to replace the 3145 , 3150 & 3160 engines with just the 3208. Also remember the displacement of the 3208 is larger than the 3150 engine. It also has a lot different fuel system.
 
The 3208 used the better "thick cheek" crankshaft, but did go with the sleeve metering fuel pump which had a fuel lubricated camshaft. Very late model 3208's also went with a three ring piston which was also a significant improvement. If you can keep water from entering the fuel pump with inline filtration and good storage practices, get a 3208.
 
Well now I am confused. I was always told the 3150 was the better motor. That the 3208 was a disposable throw away motor. Built cheaper and not meant to be rebuilt.
 
The only thing better on the earlier engine was the fuel system, with inline scroll fuel pump and related injectors. The sleeve metering fuel system was a cost reduction idea that eventually cost CAT more due to the on-going development than it would have been to just continue with the better but more expensive scroll fuel pump system. CAT did early experiments with dry liners, but Ford whom was originally the main user, didn't want the extra cost and the better durability. Much better to sell more repair parts. Go with the 3208 and if possible the three ring piston, but keep the fuel clean.
 
Well then! My next question is there anything really bad about the 3150? I am also looking at a 2255 with around 4000 hrs. Apears to be a fairly clean unit, but haven't jumped clear in yet.
 
He has it correct, look at rod and main bearing replacement history. If not done in 4000 hours, I would be concerned and only offer enough that the potential need for an engine replacement/rebuild wouldn't make it a huge mistake. The bearings can last that long but the engine would need to be "babied"; i.e. generally avoid high idle operation and don't lug (use the gears instead) more than a couple hundred rpm below rated. Otherwise cavitation erosion becomes an issue. The rods go first and eventually take out the mains. If you buy it, the price should still be lower than if it had the newer 3208, unless originality is the primary reason for purchase.
 
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