Caterpillar 3408 Marine Diesel Engine Heat Exchanger Plates, Gaskets & Seals
Precision-Machined Replacement Parts for CAT 3408 Marine Heat Exchangers
Caterpillar 3408 Heat Exchanger Gaskets, Plates & Seals
The Caterpillar 3408 is a legendary 18-liter V8 turbocharged diesel engine known for its power, endurance, and reliability in commercial fishing vessels, tugboats, and luxury yachts.
To maintain ideal operating temperatures, the engine relies on a properly serviced heat exchanger to transfer heat efficiently between the freshwater and raw-water circuits.
MechPro provides a full line of OEM-equivalent gaskets, plates, seals, bolts, spacers, collars, liners, and complete rebuild kits for the Caterpillar 3408 heat exchanger.
Each component is precision-engineered for corrosion resistance and thermal efficiency in the harshest marine environments.
Whether you’re performing scheduled maintenance or a full rebuild, our parts deliver long-term durability and exact fit to original Caterpillar assemblies.
To Schedule Parts & Service Today
Call 1 (800) 249-6709 or Use our RFQ Form

CAT 3408 heat exchanger shipped to MechPro for inspection and cleaning.

CAT 3408 heat exchanger parts and service.

CAT 3408 marine heat exchanger being serviced.

CAT 3408 marine diesel engine and heat exchanger.

CAT 3408 marine heat exchanger parts assembly scheme drawing.
Why Choose MechPro
- Worldwide Shipping – Fast and reliable delivery of all Cat® marine heat exchanger parts.
- Genuine & Aftermarket Options – OEM-spec compression, heat tolerance, and installation compatibility.
- Expert Support – Send us your serial number, part code, or image for instant identification help.
- Trusted Supplier – Over 15 years of heat exchanger service expertise across marine, refinery, and power generation industries.
Precision-Engineered for Reliability
Long-term durability, high fuel efficiency, simplified service, and long-life-to-overhaul — Cat® marine engines are designed for maximum productivity and minimal downtime.
A consistent maintenance schedule extends your Caterpillar engine’s lifespan and performance.
MechPro supports that mission by providing exact-fit heat exchanger components built to OEM specifications.

MechPro supplies CAT 3408 heat exchanger gaskets

Refurbished CAT 3408 heat exchanger boxed and ready for delivery.

Refurbished and remounted heat exchanger on CAT 3408 marine diesel engine.
To Schedule Parts & Service Today
Call 1 (800) 249-6709 or Use our RFQ Form
CAT 3408 Heat Exchanger Parts List (Representative Selection)
| Part Name | Caterpillar Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Plate – Heat Exchanger | 9S-8743 | Stainless-steel or titanium heat-transfer plate for raw/fresh-water separation |
| Gasket – Plate Seal | 8N-0417 | Rubber/NBR sealing gasket between heat-exchanger plates |
| Seal – End Cover | 4N-1784 | Primary end-cap sealing ring preventing coolant loss |
| Bolt – Assembly Stud | 7S-5732 | Secures plate stack and end covers |
| Spacer – Plate Stack | 5N-3429 | Maintains compression and alignment of plate pack |
| Collar – Retainer Sleeve | 6V-7081 | Aligns and centers exchanger rods |
| Liner – Housing Sleeve | 7E-2394 | Protective sleeve for inner casing against corrosion |
| O-Ring – End Cap | 8M-5603 | High-temperature coolant O-ring seal |
| Gasket Kit – Complete C3408 | 9X-3408KIT | Comprehensive kit including plates, seals, and fasteners |
Part numbers are representative; verify against your engine serial number or assembly drawing prior to ordering.
Product Overview
Heat Exchanger Gaskets
Create a tight, leak-free seal between exchanger plates. Essential for efficient operation and fluid isolation.
Heat Exchanger Plates
Precision-engineered titanium plates maximize heat transfer efficiency, ensuring consistent cooling for C30 engines.
Heat Exchanger Seals
Durable elastomeric seals prevent leaks at joints and maintain proper pressure within the system.
Together, these components sustain optimal engine cooling performance, prevent overheating, and extend engine life.
Caterpillar 3408 Marine Engine Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Configuration | V8 – 4 Stroke Diesel |
| Displacement | 18 L (1,098 cu in) |
| Bore × Stroke | 137 mm × 152 mm (5.4 in × 6.0 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 14.1 : 1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged / Aftercooled (DITA) |
| Horsepower Range | 480 – 800 HP (358 – 597 kW) |
| Max Torque | ~2,000 lb-ft (2,700 N·m) |
| Rated Speed | 1,800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel – Direct Injection |
| Cooling System | Fresh-water to Raw-water Heat Exchanger |
| Weight (Dry) | ≈ 1,814 kg (4,000 lb) |
| Oil Capacity | ≈ 12 gal (45 L) |
| Rotation (from flywheel end) | Counter-clockwise |
Request a Quote
Whether you need a single gasket or a full heat exchanger rebuild kit, MechPro can help.
📞 Call: 1 800 249-6709
📧 Email: [email protected]
Or simply use our Request for Quote form to send us your engine model and photos of the exchanger — we’ll handle the rest.
Typical Applications
- Commercial fishing boats & trawlers
- Tugboats & workboats
- Offshore supply vessels
- Power generation & industrial equipment
- Luxury yachts and retrofit propulsion systems
Signs of Heat Exchanger Wear or Failure
- Coolant or seawater leakage near end caps or plate joints
- Engine overheating or unstable operating temperatures
- Corrosion / pitting on plates or housing
- Cross-contamination between coolant and seawater circuits
Routine inspection and timely gasket or plate replacement can prevent downtime and safeguard the longevity of your C3408 engine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the common applications for the Caterpillar 3408 Marine Engine?
The CAT 3408 is widely used in marine propulsion, auxiliary power, and industrial applications due to its high horsepower and long service life.
Q: How often should the CAT 3408 heat exchanger be serviced or rebuilt?
Inspect annually or every 2,000 operating hours. Replace gaskets and plates at signs of leakage, corrosion, or reduced cooling efficiency.
Q: Are replacement kits from MechPro compatible with OEM Caterpillar parts?
Yes – our kits match OEM specifications for fit, material composition, and thermal performance, ensuring reliable operation and easy installation.
Q: Do most Caterpillar 3408 Marine Diesel Engines use a shell and tube heat exchanger or a plate heat exchanger?
Most Caterpillar 3408 Marine Diesel Engines use a shell and tube heat exchanger, as this type of exchanger is a traditional and common choice for marine applications to cool engine oil and water. While plate heat exchangers are also used in some Caterpillar engines, shell and tube models are more frequently associated with the 3408’s design and typical marine setup.
Shell and tube: This type is a traditional and very common setup for marine engines like the 3408. In this design, one fluid passes through a bundle of tubes, while the other fluid flows around the outside of the tubes within a shell. They are known for their reliability in marine environments and can be rated for higher pressures.
Plate heat exchanger: While some Caterpillar engines may use this type, it is not the most common for the 3408. Plate heat exchangers consist of a series of stacked metal plates, which are very efficient but can be more prone to fouling and clogging in certain marine conditions.
Disclaimer
All manufacturer names, part numbers, and product descriptions are provided for reference and identification purposes only. Caterpillar®, CAT®, and associated model names and numbers are registered trademarks of Caterpillar Inc.
MechPro is not an authorized dealer for Caterpillar Inc. and is not affiliated with the company. Our inventory is constantly changing and may include both genuine OEM parts and high-quality aftermarket replacements. Unless explicitly stated, we do not guarantee that a listed item is manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer.
Product images, diagrams, and specifications are for reference only and may not exactly match the item shipped. Customers should use original part numbers to verify compatibility and determine the most suitable replacement for their needs.
