I have a 78 f250 with a 3160 Cat V8. Now, before anybody starts hating on the Cat engine, let me explain. I know its a "throw away motor" and a lot of guys out there don't like it, but this is how I bought the truck. I know a lot of you are thinking right now that I should go with a Cummins or something else, but I already have had trucks with cummins, internationals and detroits in them. I like this truck because its "different". So please, don't hate on it. Heres the story on the truck, It is a 3160 Cat, possibly a marine engine, but im leaning toward an old 225 Cat excavator engine since it does not have any of the marine excessories (water cooled exhaust, fresh water pump, etc..) Its bolted up to a Spicer 5-speed out of an old 6000 ford im guessing. NP 205 remote t-case, and dana 60's front and rear. Has two frames welded together. Whoever built the truck did a remarkable job. From the looks of it he did the conversion was done long ago, id say 25 years ago at least according to the rust. Truck runs "decent". When I start it up it has the typical smoke you would expect out of a Cat V8.

Heres my problem, the engine seems like it is not advancing, or something else going on in the injection pump. It seems like it should have more power and run more freely. Its in a light duty truck, it should have no problem running up hills with a 636cu inch diesel engine. Engine seems "boggy" This engine is different than the later 3208 cat. It has the inline injection pump. I have ran a lot of 3208's in various types of equipment, and they sound different, run smoother, more power and everything else. Even in non turbo low horsepower 3208's they still seemed to run better. The truck does not over heat, (very rarely even gets up to operating temp) ive replaced all filters numerous times. I have heard storys of the advancing lever getting stuck, and not letting the injector timing advance. Any help on this old truck would be more than appreciated. Please check out the pics