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Engine Specifications & Applications of the Caterpillar 3116 Engine

Introduction to the Caterpillar 3116 Engine

The Caterpillar 3116 is a highly versatile inline six-cylinder diesel engine designed for use in a wide range of on-highway, industrial, construction, and marine applications. First introduced in the late 1980s, the 3116 engine helped set the standard for mid-range diesel performance through the 1990s and early 2000s.

While the 3116 was phased out in favor of electronically controlled successors like the 3126 and C7, it remains a highly supported and popular engine in the aftermarket due to its robust mechanical foundation and broad application base. Whether you're rebuilding a marine propulsion system, maintaining a fleet of older Cat equipment, or servicing a generator, the 3116 continues to be a trusted powerplant with excellent parts availability.

Diesel Pro Power supports the Caterpillar 3116 with a full line of aftermarket components, including cylinder heads, turbochargers, injectors, rebuild kits, water pumps, and more—engineered for performance and longevity in demanding environments.


Caterpillar 3116 Engine Technical Specifications

Base Engine Configuration

Specification

Detail

Engine Model

Caterpillar 3116

Engine Type

4-Stroke Inline 6-Cylinder Diesel

Displacement

6.6 Liters (403 cubic inches)

Bore x Stroke

105 mm x 127 mm (4.13" x 5.0")

Compression Ratio

16.5:1 to 18.5:1 (varies by build)

Aspiration

Turbocharged (intercooled in some models)

Fuel System

Mechanical Unit Injection (MUI)

Valvetrain

Overhead Valve, 2 valves per cylinder

Cooling System

Water-Cooled

Dry Weight

Approx. 1,450–1,550 lbs (model-dependent)

Flywheel Rotation

Counterclockwise (viewed from flywheel)

Power & Torque Ratings

Configuration

Output Range

Industrial/Construction

170 – 250 HP @ 2,200 – 2,400 RPM

Marine Propulsion

205 – 350 HP (continuous or intermittent duty)

On-Highway (Truck)

170 – 300 HP @ 2,200 RPM

Max Torque

Up to 860 lb-ft @ 1,440 – 1,600 RPM

These figures vary by application (marine, industrial, or vehicle), turbocharging setup, and emissions tier. The marine versions often run at lower continuous duty RPMs, while industrial and truck variants emphasize torque delivery and fuel economy.


Caterpillar 3116 Engine Variants

The Caterpillar 3116 is available in multiple configurations, optimized for specific market segments:

  • 3116 DITA (Direct Injection Turbocharged Aftercooled): Found in marine, truck, and generator setups requiring greater power density.

  • Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged Industrial Models: Used in mid-size equipment and generators.

  • Marine Propulsion Versions: High-output continuous or intermittent duty versions rated up to 350 HP.

While all 3116 engines share a common block and core design, components like the turbocharger, injection timing, and cooling systems differ between applications. Diesel Pro Power offers parts cataloged by engine serial number prefix to ensure proper fitment across all variants.

 


Additional Resources


Marine CAT 3116 Coolant System Specific Component Maintenance Life

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