How much does a 3306 cylinder head weigh?
A Caterpillar 3306 cylinder head typically weighs about 60 to 110 kilograms (approximately 130 to 240 pounds) per head, depending on the specific variant, material, and attached components. For exact figures, consult the OEM specifications for your engine variant.
Understanding the 3306 engine family
The 3306 is part of Caterpillar’s 3300-series diesel family, widely used in industrial equipment, on‑highway applications, and generator sets. In most configurations, the engine uses a single cylinder head that covers all six cylinders (an inline-6 design). Weight variations arise from the head casting material, valve gear, and whether additional features or accessories are integrated with the head.
Typical weight ranges
The following ranges reflect common figures reported in service data and parts catalogs for the 3306 cylinder head. They refer to a single head and exclude any attached manifolds or external hardware.
- Inline-6 head (six cylinders under one head): roughly 60–110 kg (130–240 lb).
- Heavier-duty or later variants with reinforced features: up to about 110–140 kg (240–310 lb).
- Lightweight or specialized variants (if used): generally 10–20 kg lighter than standard ranges.
Notes: actual weight can vary based on the exact head casting, presence of coolant passages, valve gear, and any aftermarket modifications or replacements.
Factors that influence head weight
The weight of a 3306 cylinder head is influenced by material (cast iron vs potential aluminum variants), the number of integral passages for coolant and oil, valve train complexity, and whether the head ships with attached components. These factors can shift the weight by a noticeable margin within the ranges above.
How to verify the exact weight for your head
To determine the precise weight for your specific 3306 head, consult the engine’s official parts catalog or service manual for the exact head casting and variant (for example, a particular 3306 model year or configuration). If you have the head in hand, weigh it on a calibrated scale and subtract any attached manifolds or accessories to obtain the bare head weight.
Practical considerations
When removing or installing a cylinder head, consider safe lifting practices and the weight range above to select appropriate equipment. If you’re ordering a replacement, verify the weight specification in the official Caterpillar literature to ensure compatibility with lifting limits and transport constraints.
Summary
A single Caterpillar 3306 cylinder head typically weighs about 60–110 kg (130–240 lb), with variations depending on the exact variant and construction. For precise numbers, refer to the OEM specifications for your engine model and year, or weigh the head and attached hardware on a certified scale.
How heavy are cylinder heads?
A cylinder head's weight varies significantly by material and engine type, but typical weights range from about 23.5 lbs for a modern aluminum head to over 70 lbs for a large cast iron head. Cast iron heads are heavier but offer durability, while aluminum heads are lighter, potentially improving efficiency and performance.
Examples of cylinder head weights
- Modern aluminum: A Chevrolet Performance LS3 cylinder head weighs about 23.5 lbs. A bare aluminum head for a smaller engine can weigh as little as 9 lbs.
- Older/heavy-duty cast iron: A traditional cast iron cylinder head can weigh between 40 and 60 lbs, with some heavy-duty diesel heads, such as a 6.7L Cummins, weighing around 176 to 180 lbs.
- Other examples: A Lotus Twin Cam head weighed about 22 kg (around 48.5 lbs).
Key factors influencing weight
- Material: Aluminum is significantly lighter than cast iron.
- Engine size: Larger engines typically require larger and heavier cylinder heads.
- Type and design: A complete head with valves, springs, and other components will be heavier than a bare head.
How much does a 3306 caterpillar engine weigh?
CAT 3306 Engine History
| Caterpillar 3306 Specs | Engine Data |
|---|---|
| Aspiration | Turbocharged, Turbocharged and Aftercooled, Naturally Aspirated (depending on application) |
| Valve Train | OHV, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Weight | 2265 lbs (Dry) |
| Oil Capacity | 10.25 Gallons |
What is the difference between a 3306 and a 3406?
The main differences are that the 3306 is a smaller, less powerful engine, while the 3406 is a larger, more powerful one with a bigger displacement. Visually, the 3306 has a single valve cover, whereas the 3406 has two, and the 3406 is also physically bigger overall.
| Feature | 3306 | 3406 |
|---|---|---|
| Size/Displacement | 641 cubic inches | 893 cubic inches |
| Valve Covers | Single | Two |
| Bore and Stroke | 4.754.754.75'' bore x 6.06.06.0'' stroke | 5.45.45.4'' bore x 6.56.56.5'' stroke |
| Cylinder Head | One cylinder head | One cylinder head |
| Fuel Pump Location | Exhaust side | Intake side |
| Starter Location | Exhaust side | Intake side |
| Power/Torque | Lower horsepower and torque than the 3406 | Higher horsepower and torque than the 3306 |
| Applications | Used in a wide range of applications, including dozers, motor graders, and vocational trucks | Used in heavier applications like large trucks, marine vessels, and industrial equipment |
| Serviceability | Often considered easier to service, particularly for fuel system repairs | Can be more complex to work on due to its larger size and different component placement |
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How many hours is a cat 3306 good for?
Marine CAT 3306 Component Maintenance Life
| Component | Maintenance Interval (Hours) |
|---|---|
| Cylinder Head Overhaul | 4,000-5,000 hours |
| Piston Rings | 6,000 hours |
| Crankshaft Bearings | 6,000-8,000 hours |
| Complete Engine Overhaul | 10,000-12,000 hours |
