Model Variant:
3508 Industrial, Marine, and Generator Set configurations
Production Years Covered:
1980s through 2000s, including early and later serial number prefixes
Engine Type:
Four-stroke diesel, V8 configuration
Displacement:
38.2 liters (2,331 cubic inches)
Aspiration:
Turbocharged and aftercooled
Cooling System:
Water-cooled
Manual Title:
Caterpillar 3508 Technical Manual and Maintenance Engine
Product Type:
Digital downloadable service manual
Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, repair technicians, and maintenance personnel
Application:
Heavy-duty industrial, marine, and power generation
Competitive Advantage:
Comprehensive coverage with detailed step-by-step repair information, high-quality illustrations, diagrams, and part numbers
Key Features:
Numbered table of contents, troubleshooting guidance, maintenance procedures, and technical specifications
Coverage Areas:
Complete engine systems, maintenance, repair, and parts catalog
Manual Type:
Technical Manual and Engine Parts Catalog
Page Count:
N/A - not specified for this model
Delivery Method:
Instant download
Compatibility:
Compatible with all PDF readers on computers, tablets, and smartphones
Engine Mechanical:
Cylinder block, cylinder heads, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, bearings, camshaft, valve train
Fuel System:
Fuel injection pumps, injectors, fuel lines, filters, governor, electronic control (if equipped)
Air Intake System:
Turbocharger, aftercooler, air cleaners, intake manifold
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, turbocharger, piping
Cooling System:
Water pump, radiator, thermostat, coolant lines, oil cooler
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil cooler, lines, sump
Electrical System:
Alternator, starter, sensors, wiring, control panels
Governor and Controls:
Mechanical and electronic governors, throttle controls
Marine Transmission:
Marine gear, couplings, and related components
Step-by-Step Repair:
Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, adjustments, and servicing
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and symptom-based troubleshooting
Testing and Adjustments:
Specifications, wear limits, and adjustment procedures
Torque Specifications:
Fastener torque values and sequences
Illustrations:
High-quality drawings, diagrams, and pictures
Part Identification:
Part numbers and descriptions for easy ordering
Table of Contents:
Numbered for efficient navigation
Parts Catalog:
Included with exploded views and part numbers
Part Number Format:
Caterpillar part numbers listed for identification
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Engine Configuration:
V8, four-stroke diesel
Displacement:
38.2 L (2,331 cu in)
Bore x Stroke:
N/A - not specified for this model
Aspiration:
Turbocharged and aftercooled
Power Output Range:
Approximately 700 to 1000 horsepower
Rated Speed:
N/A - not specified for this model
Torque:
N/A - not specified for this model
Fuel System:
Direct injection
Governor:
Mechanical or electronic (depending on application)
Wheelbase:
N/A - engine, not a vehicle
Length:
N/A - not specified for this model
Width:
N/A - not specified for this model
Height:
N/A - not specified for this model
Dry Weight:
N/A - not specified for this model
Curb Weight:
N/A - engine, not a vehicle
Emissions Compliance:
N/A - not specified for this model
Safety Ratings:
N/A - not applicable for an engine
Active and Passive Features
Shutdown Systems:
Optional low oil pressure, high coolant temperature, and overspeed shutdowns
Guards:
Optional guards for rotating components
Oil Change:
Typically every 250 to 500 hours, depending on application and oil analysis
Oil Filter:
Change with every oil change
Fuel Filters:
Typically every 250 to 500 hours
Coolant:
Check daily; replace per Caterpillar guidelines or when testing indicates
Valve Lash:
Inspect and adjust at specified intervals (refer to manual)
Engine Oil:
Caterpillar diesel engine oil (API CI-4 or better) or equivalent
Coolant:
Caterpillar Extended Life Coolant (ELC) or equivalent
Fuel:
Diesel fuel meeting Caterpillar specifications
Known Issues / Wear Items
Common Wear Items:
Turbocharger, injectors, water pump, oil pump, bearings, seals, and gaskets
Known Issues:
N/A - not specified for this model