Used Caterpillar 3306 Cat Engine for Sale | 10.5L Inline-6 Industrial / Marine / Generator / Heavy Truck Diesel

$5,000.00

Product Overview & Specifications

In Stock, Multiple 3306 Variants Available (NA, T, B, C, PC, DI)
Free Shipping to All 50 States via Crated Freight, 7 to 14 Business Days
All 6 Cylinders Compression Tested, Results Available Before You Pay
Variant Confirmed (NA vs Turbocharged, Mechanical vs Electronic, Direct Injection vs Pre-Combustion)
Top-End Inspection (Heads, Injectors, Rocker Arms)
Mechanical Injection Pump Operation Verified Where Possible
Turbocharger Condition Inspected (on Turbocharged Variants)
Donor Application Documented (Construction, Generator, Marine, Agricultural, Truck)
100% Inspection Before Every Order Ships
15 Day Replacement Warranty on Internal Defects

100% Fitment Assistance

15 Days Replacement Warranty

Free & Fast Shipping

Category: Engine

Description
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About the 3306 Cat Engine for Sale

The used 3306 Cat engine for sale Auto Solutions has become a popular choice for many heavy-duty diesel operators thanks to its high performance, legendary durability, and extensive parts availability compared to other engines in its class. Whether you’re in construction, mining, marine, agricultural, generator service, or older Class 8 trucking, the Caterpillar 3306 engine is a trusted workhorse that has powered countless industrial and commercial applications for over three decades.

The 3306 Family Position

The Caterpillar 3306 sits in the middle of Caterpillar’s traditional industrial / marine / on-highway diesel lineup:

3304 (smaller predecessor, 7.0L Inline-6)

3306 (THIS LISTING, 10.5L Inline-6), the workhorse mid-range diesel

3406A / 3406B / 3406C (larger 14.6L Inline-6 used in Class 8 trucks like the legendary 3406B)

3406E (electronic version of 3406, predecessor to C15)

In the modern Caterpillar lineup, the 3306 was effectively succeeded by the C9 (in industrial / marine markets) and ultimately by the C13 ACERT (in on-highway truck applications, though the C13 is significantly different architecture).

Why Choose a Used 3306 Cat Engine?

Engine Configuration: Inline-six with 10.5-liter displacement. Direct injection system delivers better fuel economy and reduces cooling system load compared to pre-combustion chamber designs. Pre-combustion (3306PC) variants are also available for applications requiring that specific fuel system architecture.

Durability: Constructed with a ribbed cast iron block and top-deck cooling shelf design for improved coolant circulation, ensuring stable engine temperatures even under sustained heavy loads. High manufacturing quality includes a boron steel forged crankshaft and cast aluminum pistons for low wear and long service duration.

Maintenance and Serviceability: Mechanical fuel system with externally accessible injectors that are easily serviced. Many accessories are directly engaged with gears (water pump, oil pump), reducing belt-driven maintenance requirements and improving long-term reliability.

Performance: Single fixed-geometry turbocharger (on turbocharged variants) provides consistent power delivery. Management electronics (on 3306C and later production variants) optimize efficiency and fuel consumption while providing diagnostic capability.

Versatile Applications: Widely used across construction, mining, agricultural, marine, generator, and on-highway truck sectors due to its excellent performance and adaptability across duty cycles.

Longevity: Engineered for sustained service of approximately 1,000,000 miles or 20,000 to 30,000 operating hours before requiring a major inframe rebuild. This longevity is the foundation of the 3306’s enduring market reputation.

Cost-Effective: A used 3306 represents significant savings compared to purchasing a new or remanufactured engine while delivering comparable remaining service life when properly inspected and maintained.

Reliability: Caterpillar engines are renowned for their robust performance and longevity, and the 3306 is one of the most-respected examples in the Cat lineup.

Availability: Used 3306 engines and parts are widely available across North America, reducing lead times and parts cost for your project.

3306 Variants Available

We offer several 3306 variants depending on your application requirements:

The 3306 Engine Fits

Construction Equipment:

Caterpillar 235 / 245 hydraulic excavators

Caterpillar D6 / D7 dozers

Caterpillar 966 / 980 wheel loaders

Compactors and scrapers (various Cat models)

Agricultural Machinery:

Challenger MT800 series tractors

Claas Lexion harvesters

Various large agricultural equipment

Mining Equipment:

Large haul trucks (mid-size mining applications)

Mining excavators and loaders

Marine Applications:

Tugboats and workboats

Commercial fishing vessels

Mid-sized recreational yachts

Various marine propulsion installations

Industrial Applications:

Caterpillar 3306 generator sets (prime and standby power)

Industrial pumps (well-service, irrigation, dewatering)

Air compressors (Sullair and similar industrial compressor packages)

Transport Vehicles:

Older Class 8 trucks (Peterbilt, Kenworth, Mack with Cat 3306 option)

Dump trucks and specialty trucks

Vocational truck applications

Condition and Quality Assurance

When you purchase a used 3306 Cat engine for sale, you can rest assured about the quality and condition of the engine. Our used engines undergo rigorous testing and refurbishment to meet industry standards. Quality measures include:

Thorough Inspection: Every engine is meticulously inspected for defects or wear

Performance Testing: Engines are bench-tested where possible to verify operational efficiency

Variant Authentication: Specific 3306 variant (NA / T / B / C / PC / DI) is documented for ECM and application compatibility

Donor Application Documented: Construction equipment, generator, marine, agricultural, or on-highway truck origin verified
Hours / Mileage Documented: Where verifiable from donor records

Here, you’ll find the best quality used 3306 engine for sale at a very reasonable price. Grab onto this absolute power of an engine, the legendary million-mile Caterpillar 3306.

Signs You Need a Replacement 3306

Loss of compression on one or more cylinders

Mechanical injection pump or injector failure

Turbocharger failure (on turbocharged variants)

Cylinder head crack symptoms (coolant in oil, white smoke, overheating)

Connecting rod or main bearing knock under load

Excessive blow-by or oil consumption

Donor equipment retired and the 3306 is being moved to another chassis or application

Generator or industrial repower project requiring proven Cat reliability

Marine repower (commercial fishing, tug, yacht) requiring 3306-specific engine bed dimensions

Common 3306 Maintenance Considerations

Oil and filter changes: Every 250 to 500 operating hours for industrial / marine / construction applications, or every 25,000 to 50,000 miles for on-highway truck applications

Fuel filters: Critical for mechanical injection pump longevity, change at every oil interval

Cooling system: Use Cat-approved coolant or compatible heavy-duty extended life coolant; service every 2-3 years

Valve adjustment: Periodic valve clearance check per Cat operating manual

Injector service: Have injectors flow-tested at major service intervals; replace as needed

Turbocharger inspection: Check shaft play and exhaust housing condition periodically (turbocharged variants)

aspiration	depending on the model, Naturally aspirated or turbocharged
bore-x-stroke	120.7 mm x 152.4 mm (4.75 in x 6.0 in)
configuration	4-stroke, Inline 6-cylinder
cooling-system	Liquid-cooled with top-deck cooling shelf
displacement	10.5 liters (640 cubic inches)
fuel-system	Mechanical direct injection (with pre-combustion chamber on 3306PC variant)
valvetrain	2 valves per cylinder, OHV (Overhead Valve)
block-material	Ribbed cast iron
head-material	Cast iron
crankshaft	Boron steel forged
pistons	Cast aluminum
horsepower	218 to 270 hp (variant-dependent)
torque	563 to 967 lb-ft (variant-dependent)
production-years	Approximately 1972 to mid-2000s
successor	Caterpillar C9 (industrial / marine markets)
service-life	000, 000 miles or 20, 000 operating hours before major overhaul, 000 to 30, Approximately 1
compatibility	1970 CAT 3306 Engine
price	$5, 000.00

FAQs

Availability of 3306 CAT Engine?

Yes, we have multiple Caterpillar 3306 engines in stock across major variants (3306 NA, 3306T, 3306B, 3306C, 3306PC, 3306DI). Sourced from construction equipment, generator sets, marine vessels, agricultural equipment, and older Class 8 truck donor applications.

Price of 3306 CAT Engine?

$5,000.00 for this listing (SKU 95). Genuine Caterpillar reman 3306 runs $14,000 to $22,000. Independent reman runs $9,500 to $15,500. Our used 3306 with full inspection and variant identification represents excellent value for industrial, marine, generator, and Class 8 truck repower projects.

What is the typical lifespan of a CAT 3306 engine before a major overhaul is needed?

With proper maintenance, the CAT 3306 engine can reach approximately 1,000,000 miles or 20,000 to 30,000 operating hours before a major overhaul is required. Many examples in fleet and industrial service have logged considerably more before requiring rebuild. The 3306’s longevity is the foundation of its enduring market reputation.

How does the direct injection system benefit the CAT 3306 engine?

The direct injection system in the CAT 3306 engine injects fuel directly into the piston’s combustion bowl at high pressure, resulting in better fuel efficiency, lower cooling requirements, and improved cold-starting performance compared to pre-combustion chamber systems. The 3306DI variant specifically emphasizes this fuel system architecture.

What types of fuel can the CAT 3306 engine run on?

The CAT 3306 engine primarily runs on diesel fuel (#2 diesel for normal operation, #1 diesel or blended fuel for cold-weather operation). For older 3306 variants without modern emissions hardware, the engine is generally tolerant of varying fuel quality, though clean fuel and regular fuel filter changes significantly extend mechanical injection pump and injector life.

How does the CAT 3306 engine’s turbocharging system improve its performance?

The turbocharging system on 3306T, 3306B, 3306C, and 3306DI variants forces more air into the combustion chamber, increasing power output and efficiency. Turbocharged 3306 variants typically produce 245-270 hp compared to the naturally aspirated 3306 NA at 218 hp. The fixed-geometry turbocharger on most 3306 variants is simple, durable, and easily serviced.

What maintenance practices are recommended for the CAT 3306 engine?

Regular maintenance practices for the CAT 3306 engine include: regular oil and filter changes (every 250-500 hours for industrial / 25,000-50,000 miles for on-highway), checking and replacing air and fuel filters, inspecting and maintaining the cooling system, periodic valve adjustments, regular inspection of the turbocharger (where equipped), and use of Cat-approved 15W-40 or compatible heavy-duty diesel-spec engine oil.

What is the fuel efficiency of the CAT 3306 engine?

The fuel efficiency of the CAT 3306 engine varies depending on the application and operating conditions but is generally considered excellent for its class, especially the direct injection (3306DI) variant. The combination of proven mechanical fuel injection, conservative engine speed range, and well-engineered combustion chamber design contributes to the 3306’s reputation for fuel efficiency in industrial, marine, and on-highway applications.