CaptainKeene
Phoenix, Arizona
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Has anyone done a propane injection on a 3208 cat?? I am looking at getting this done on my Marquis would like to see if anyone on here has had any issues with this cat (or older diesel)and allison setup. Thx
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loedman1
Napa, Ca.
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Joined: 06/12/2006
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CaptainKeene wrote:Has anyone done a propane injection on a 3208 cat?? I am looking at getting this done on my Marquis would like to see if anyone on here has had any issues with this cat (or older diesel)and allison setup. Thx
It is rather hard on the engine but if you keep a good eye on your EGT you should be ok
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loedman1
Napa, Ca.
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Edit: double post
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gunny357
North Carolina
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If you want to hot rod your engine, go for it. Propane is a good way to go, if that don't do it, there's always nitrous.
Be careful of hot rodding an older engine, especially if its a little on the tired side.
Hot rodding an engine can lead to failure of other drive train components such as transmission. Been there done that. Wrung off a drive shaft with torque, made a mess.
Go carefully and do your research.
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427435
Rochester, Mn
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Joined: 11/12/2005
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I wouldn't put any more stress on that 3208 crank than it already gets. This from an engineer that used a predecessor of the 3208 in it's first ag tractor application.
Mark
2000 Itasca Suncruiser 35U on a Ford chassis
2003 Ford Explorer toad with US Gear brakes,
ReadyBrute tow bar, and Demco base plate.
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Mike Hohnstein
Germantown, Wi
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Joined: 01/04/2004
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CaptainKeene wrote:Has anyone done a propane injection on a 3208 cat?? I am looking at getting this done on my Marquis would like to see if anyone on here has had any issues with this cat (or older diesel)and allison setup. Thx
I used a Proshot 2000 to power up my toter home. The 3208 has the 3 ring piston upgrade and is based on a 250 hp arrangement. I have added 375 marine injector nozzles, a 9Y 1344 turbo charger (Cat Part number) a 350 hp charge air cooler with water spray to provide additional cooling capacity. Instrumentation includes EGT, intake pressue, engine oil temp. Propane is costly so I only turn the switch on if hilly terrain is being encountered.
In operation, the propane provides a very noticable power increase and raises the intake pressure an average of 4#s, that's a bunch in my world. It seems many people are of the opinion it's OK to run a 3208 @ 2800 rpm all day. Not so, keep the RPM around 2000 and life will be much better. My oil temps dropped from 220 to 170 by reducing cruise RPM from 2200 down to 1700. I suspect due to reduced piston skirt friction. I'm a big overdrive transmission proponet.
There are few people crazy or stubborn enough to chase all the variables I have in pursuit of power related to the 3208. I can make these suggestions, Turbo charged engines only, NAs are not going to make it. Charge air coolers are required to control EGTs and propane injection is a good value for added grade climbing capability.
Crank shaft bearings should be inspected and replaced if required before 150k miles in motor home service.
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gunny357
North Carolina
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Mike:
Good advice.
Folks run into trouble when they take 3rd or 4th party information and hot rod an engine. Someone like you who understands what they did, why and have enough sense to closely monitor the engine when squeezing some extra power out of it will do just fine. Someone who hot rods it and then uses it at maximum power without reguards of boost pressure, fuel pressure, oil temps and EGT will probably melt one down in short order.
Case in point. When I worked for Cummins I hopped up my company issue work truck, '94 6BT 5.9 and put right at 300,000 miles on it. Turned up the pump ( a lot) did some injector work, altered the timing a few degrees and did some work on the turbo. The only maintenance after that was oil and filter changes, tires, brakes and batteries. Had the original clutch, transmission, differential and front suspension. On the shop dyno it was putting 325 hp on the road. When I came off the road the next person driving it went through 2 turbos in 2 months 1 clutch and then proceeded to melt a piston. After I tried to explain to him how to use the power and make it last. Drive them with some good sense and they will last with the power.
Personally have never done much hot rodding of Cats, Cummins and Detroits, yes.
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CaptainKeene
Phoenix, Arizona
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The motor has only 74,000 miles on it. I am looking for some temporary extra power to climb steep grades, and not to run propane full time. Pulling my toad I just do not seem to have power with this 300 hp turbo. I was looking for a 20 to 30 hp gain to help out without costing me thousands in the pocket book. I already plan on adding the egt and boost gauges to monitor the changes between propane and non-propane performance.
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gunny357
North Carolina
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Should be able to get an easy 30hp without resorting to anything exotic, might be able to get that by simply turning up the fuel. What is the engine arrangement number and has it already been turned up?
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tatest
Oklahoma
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Joined: 05/14/2005
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An extra 20-30 HP on a 300 HP engine might gain 5 to 7% of whatever speed you are running that hill now. If you are looking for more gain, you should set your hotrodding sights higher.
Tom Test
Itasca Spirit 29B
2001 Ranger Edge
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