Parts for Caterpillar 3412C

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• 1
  
  Engine Overhaul Kit
• 2
  
  Engine Piston Kit
• 3
  
  Cylinder Head
• 4
  
  Injector
• 5
  
  Fuel
• 6
  
  Engine Water Pump
• 7
  
  Marine Water Pump
• 8
  
  Turbo
• 9
  
  Intercooler, Aftercooler
• 10
  
  Oil
• 11
  
  Gauges
• 12
  
  Crankshaft
• 13
  
  Camshaft
• 14
  
  Connecting Rod
• 15
  
  Exhaust
• 16
  
  Gasket
• 17
  
  Sensors & Switches
• 18
  
  Fuel Filter
• 19
  
  Oil Filter
• 20
  
  33C Marine Cable (3/16")
• 21
  
  43C Marine Cable (1/4")
• 22
  
  Industrial Cable
• 23
  
  Paint & Sealant
• 24
  
  Twin Disc
• 25
  
  Marine Parts

Engine Specifications & Applications of the Caterpillar 3412C Engine

Overview of the Caterpillar 3412C Engine

The Caterpillar 3412C is a robust, high-horsepower, V-12 diesel engine designed for demanding heavy-duty applications across marine, industrial, and power generation markets. Part of the legendary 3412 engine family, the 3412C was engineered to deliver exceptional reliability, extended service life, and world-class performance in environments where uptime is non-negotiable.

The 3412C is an advanced evolution of the original 3412, incorporating refined mechanical systems and improved thermal efficiency. It remains one of Caterpillar’s flagship models for customers seeking a durable, high-displacement engine with significant horsepower and torque capabilities.

Key Specifications of the Caterpillar 3412C Engine

Note: Specifications may vary slightly based on application and configuration (marine vs. industrial vs. genset).

Core Features of the 3412C Engine

Rugged Block Design

The 3412C utilizes a high-strength cast iron block with a deep skirt for added rigidity and longevity under extreme loads. With a 60-degree V configuration and balanced firing order, the engine runs smoothly and efficiently even at higher loads and extended durations.

Turbocharging with Aftercooling

The engine is fitted with twin turbochargers and a heavy-duty aftercooler, delivering improved air density and optimal combustion. This not only increases power output but also reduces fuel consumption and lowers exhaust temperatures, enhancing engine life.

Mechanical Unit Injector Fuel System

The 3412C uses Caterpillar’s mechanical unit injector (MUI) fuel system, known for its simplicity and ease of service. This system ensures high injection pressure and consistent fuel delivery, which is critical in maintaining optimal power output and combustion efficiency.

Flexible Cooling Configurations

Available with both heat exchanger (sea water to fresh water) and keel-cooled options, the 3412C adapts easily to marine or stationary industrial setups, especially in harsh or corrosive environments.

Long Service Intervals

With an extended oil change interval, high-capacity filters, and robust internal components, the 3412C engine is designed for fewer service interruptions, ideal for continuous-duty and mission-critical applications.

Applications of the Caterpillar 3412C Engine

The Caterpillar 3412C’s V-12 architecture, high power density, and rugged construction have made it a favorite in several high-demand industries. Below are its most common application categories:

1. Marine Propulsion Systems

The 3412C is widely used in marine propulsion setups, especially for:

• Commercial fishing vessels

• Tugboats and push boats

• Offshore supply vessels (OSVs)

• Ferries and workboats

• Crew boats and pilot vessels

Its high torque at low RPM, combined with turbocharging and aftercooling, makes it ideal for moving heavy loads efficiently over long hours at sea. In marine applications, the engine is often paired with Twin Disc or ZF marine transmissions.

2. Marine Auxiliary Power

Beyond propulsion, the 3412C also powers marine generators and auxiliary systems onboard ships and rigs. Applications include:

• Bow thrusters

• Hydraulic pumps

• Air compressors

• Onboard power generation (gensets)

Caterpillar-branded genset packages built around the 3412C are common on larger vessels and offshore platforms due to their high reliability and parts availability.

3. Oil & Gas Industry

Onshore and offshore, the 3412C powers essential systems for oilfield operations such as:

• Mud pumps

• Draw works

• Compressor drives

• Fracturing units (frac pumps)

Its robust performance in dusty, hot, or corrosive oilfield environments has made it a staple among drilling contractors and equipment manufacturers.

4. Industrial Power Generation

As a stationary engine, the 3412C is configured to drive high-capacity generators for:

• Hospitals and critical infrastructure

• Mining operations

• Remote industrial sites

• Emergency backup power

Its ability to run 24/7 under continuous load makes it ideal for prime power in regions with unstable grid access.

5. Mining and Construction Equipment

The engine has been used in large haul trucks, crushers, and portable rock plants. Its torque-rich profile enables it to move heavy equipment under demanding load conditions. Ruggedized versions of the 3412C are used in:

• Underground and open-pit mining

• Portable crushing plants

• Industrial compressors and dewatering pumps

6. Emergency Standby and Backup Power

The Caterpillar 3412C engine is widely deployed in emergency power systems across mission-critical facilities such as:

• Hospitals and healthcare centers

• Government buildings

• Data centers

• Telecommunication hubs

• Military installations

With its high horsepower rating and reliable performance under load, the 3412C ensures that essential services remain uninterrupted during utility outages. The engine’s ability to quickly ramp up to full capacity makes it especially valuable in high-demand standby power installations. In many cases, it is paired with automatic transfer switches (ATS) and remote monitoring equipment for seamless integration into building systems.

7. Rail and Locomotive Support Systems

While not commonly used as a main locomotive engine, the 3412C sees specialized use in:

• Auxiliary power units for railcars

• Hydraulic pump drives

• Onboard gensets for maintenance vehicles

Rail applications require engines that are not only reliable and powerful but also compliant with tight space constraints — an area where the V-12 layout of the 3412C excels. Its ability to deliver strong performance in a compact footprint has led to its integration in specialty equipment used for rail inspection, snow removal, and track maintenance.

8. Agricultural and Irrigation Equipment

In large-scale farming operations, especially in developing regions, the Caterpillar 3412C is utilized in:

• Irrigation pump drives

• Stationary power units for grain elevators

• Large air compressor packages

• Agricultural gensets for rural electrification

The mechanical simplicity of the engine makes it ideal for regions with limited access to electronic diagnostic tools. It can power large centrifugal pumps continuously for weeks at a time in irrigation-heavy regions, offering a rugged and fuel-efficient alternative to less durable powerplants.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

One of the 3412C engine’s most compelling advantages is its high power-to-weight ratio, offering 900 horsepower in a relatively compact frame. Despite its large displacement, it maintains solid fuel efficiency thanks to its efficient turbocharging, aftercooling, and precise mechanical injection.

Typical Fuel Consumption Rates

GPH = Gallons Per Hour. Rates may vary by configuration, altitude, and load demand.

These figures demonstrate that while the 3412C is a high-output engine, it remains competitive in terms of fuel usage — especially when servicing equipment with high torque demand over long intervals.

Maintenance Intervals and Service Recommendations

To maximize the lifespan of your Caterpillar 3412C engine, it's critical to adhere to scheduled maintenance intervals. Below is a general guideline based on standard duty cycles:

In addition to these standard intervals, users operating in harsh marine, dusty industrial, or high-altitude environments should consider more frequent service to account for elevated wear conditions.

Additional Resources

Marine CAT 3412 Component Maintenance Life

The Legacy of the Caterpillar Marine 3412 Engine

What Is The Caterpillar 3412 DITA?