Parts for Caterpillar 3512

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3512
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Engine Specifications & Applications of the Caterpillar 3512 Engine Series

Overview of the Caterpillar 3512 Engine Line

The Caterpillar 3512 engine series is one of the most successful high-horsepower diesel platforms in industrial history. With its rugged V-12 configuration, large displacement, and proven adaptability, the 3512 has become a global workhorse across marine, oil & gas, electric power generation, and industrial sectors.

Spanning four generations — 3512, 3512B, 3512C, and 3512E — this engine family balances raw durability, technological advancement, and emissions compliance, all within a framework designed for long service life and in-frame rebuildability. From older mechanical engines to electronically controlled, Tier-certified models, every 3512 variant benefits from a robust aftermarket ecosystem that makes maintenance predictable and cost-effective.

Caterpillar 3512 Engine Series Comparison Chart

Feature	3512	3512B	3512C	3512E
Displacement	51.8 L	51.8 L	51.8 L	51.8 L
Configuration	V12, 4-Stroke	V12, 4-Stroke	V12, 4-Stroke	V12, 4-Stroke
Power Output Range	1000–2000 HP	1250–2250 HP	1300–2550 HP	1400–2700+ HP
RPM Range	1200–1800	1200–1800	1200–1800	1200–1900
Fuel System	Mechanical Injectors	Electronic Unit Injection (EUI)	EUI + SCAC	ACERT + ADEM 3/4
Control System	Mechanical	ADEM II / III	ADEM III	ADEM IV (fully digital)
Emissions	Non-certified	Tier 1 / IMO I	Tier 2 / IMO II	Tier 3 / IMO III
Cooling	Jacket Water	Jacket + SCAC	Jacket + SCAC	SCAC + ACERT

Key Differences Between 3512 Variants

Original 3512 (Mechanical)

Simple and rugged mechanical unit injection
Ideal for remote, unregulated environments
Minimal electronics, easy to troubleshoot
Strong aftermarket rebuild base for marine, mining, and genset use

3512B (EUI + ADEM II/III)

Introduced Electronic Unit Injection (EUI) for better fuel efficiency
Added early versions of the ADEM electronic control module
Increased power ratings and reduced fuel consumption
First step toward emissions compliance (Tier 1 / IMO I)

3512C (Advanced EUI + SCAC)

Introduced Separate Circuit Aftercooling (SCAC) for lower combustion temps and cleaner exhaust
Emissions compliant to Tier 2 / IMO II
Increased output, particularly in marine and power gen variants
Improved digital diagnostics and fuel mapping via ADEM III

3512E (ACERT + ADEM IV)

Full ACERT technology integration for precise air/fuel ratio control
Meets Tier 3 / IMO III emissions
Optimized for high-performance marine, oil & gas, and critical backup power use
Fully digital, with real-time data logging, load balancing, and emissions monitoring

Core Technical Specifications (All Models)

Specification	Value
Displacement	51.8 Liters (3,159 cubic inches)
Configuration	V-12, 4-Stroke, Turbocharged
Bore x Stroke	170 mm x 190 mm (6.69 in x 7.48 in)
Cooling	Jacket Water + Aftercooler (SCAC/ACERT)
Aspiration	Turbocharged, Aftercooled
Oil Capacity	~140 to 150 liters (varies by model)
Weight (dry)	~10,000–12,000 kg depending on config
Fuel System	Mechanical → EUI → ACERT
Control	Mechanical → ADEM II → ADEM IV

Common Applications of the CAT 3512 Engine Series

The 3512 engine platform powers mission-critical operations globally, with each generation designed to serve specific roles and regulatory demands.

1. Marine Propulsion and Auxiliary Engines

The 3512 family has long been a trusted choice in both main propulsion and auxiliary genset applications for:

Tugboats and push boats
Ferries and passenger vessels
Supply ships and dredges
Commercial fishing boats
Maritime emergency services

Each version supports various classification societies (ABS, DNV, BV), and newer models meet IMO II and III emissions for international waters. Raw water and keel-cooled configurations are available across all variants.

2. Power Generation Systems (Standby, Prime, Continuous)

From data centers to hospitals and mining facilities, the CAT 3512 is relied upon for:

Backup power during outages
Prime power in remote, off-grid zones
Continuous-duty power for 24/7 industrial operations

Gensets powered by the 3512B, 3512C, and 3512E often include advanced features like:

Load sharing
Auto-start/stop controls
Emissions tuning
Integrated SCADA or building management systems

Diesel Pro Power supports genset operators with overhaul kits, fuel pumps, injectors, and cooling system parts tailored for extended runtimes.

3. Oil & Gas Applications

The 3512 series is heavily used in land-based drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and compressor stations:

Frac pumps and blenders (especially 3512B)
Skid-mounted portable power for rig operation
Pipeline compression units
Drilling fluid circulation and draw works systems

Its torque curve and rebuild-friendly design have made it a mainstay in North American shale and offshore platforms worldwide.

4. Mining and Construction

While newer CAT engines now dominate OEM installations, 3512 engines remain active in legacy fleets and heavy-duty machinery including:

Off-highway mining trucks (early CAT 789/793)
Industrial rock crushers and conveyors
Tunnel boring machines
Dewatering and material handling plants

The aftermarket support for the 3512 is one of the strongest in the industry — making it cost-effective to keep these engines running well past initial service life.

Why Operators Still Choose the CAT 3512

Unmatched Power-to-Size Ratio – Delivers over 2,500 HP in a relatively compact package
Field-Proven Reliability – Trusted in thousands of vessels, power plants, and industrial sites worldwide
Tiered Technology Options – From mechanical simplicity (3512) to digital integration (3512E)
Serviceability – In-frame rebuilds, wet liners, individual heads = lower long-term maintenance costs
Global Parts Availability – Supported by decades of field use and an established aftermarket

Support and Parts from Diesel Pro Power

Whether you’re servicing a 3512 powering a standby genset or a 3512E driving a Tier 3-compliant tugboat, Diesel Pro Power offers:

Fuel Injectors & EUI Modules
Complete Gasket Sets & Overhaul Kits
Turbochargers & Wastegate Actuators
Cooling System Components (Pumps, Thermostats)
ADEM Control Modules & Sensors
Cylinder Heads, Liners & Ring Sets

We’ve served over 40,000 customers worldwide, with fast shipping, knowledgeable staff, and one of the largest inventories of 3512-compatible parts online.