Parts for Caterpillar 3516

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Engine Specifications & Applications of the Caterpillar 3516 Engine Series

Overview of the Caterpillar 3516 Engine Series

The Caterpillar 3516 engine series is one of the most powerful and durable diesel platforms ever built by CAT. As the flagship 16-cylinder configuration in the 3500 family, the 3516 is designed to deliver maximum horsepower, continuous-duty capability, and superior uptime in the most demanding environments on earth.

With its massive 78-liter displacement, V16 layout, and horsepower ratings ranging from 1,500 to over 3,300 HP, the 3516 family powers tugboats, drilling rigs, megawatt-class generators, mining trucks, and more. Spanning several generations — 3516, 3516B, 3516C, and 3516E — this platform continues to evolve with advances in emissions compliance, electronic controls, and fuel efficiency.

Whether you operate an early mechanical 3516 or a Tier 4-compliant 3516E with ACERT™, Diesel Pro Power supplies the aftermarket support you need to keep your engine running at peak performance.

Caterpillar 3516 Engine Series Comparison

Feature	3516	3516B	3516C	3516E
Displacement	78.1 L	78.1 L	78.1 L	78.1 L
Configuration	V16, 4-Stroke	V16, 4-Stroke	V16, 4-Stroke	V16, 4-Stroke
Power Output Range	1,500–2,300 HP	1,800–3,000 HP	2,000–3,300+ HP	2,100–3,500+ HP
Fuel System	Mechanical	Electronic Unit Injection (EUI)	EUI + SCAC	ACERT + ADEM 4
Cooling System	Jacket Water	Jacket + SCAC	Jacket + SCAC	SCAC + Dual Turbo
Control System	Mechanical	ADEM II/III	ADEM III/IV	ADEM IV
Emissions Compliance	Non-certified	Tier 1 / IMO I	Tier 2 / IMO II	Tier 4 Final / IMO III

Core Specifications (All Variants)

Specification	Value
Total Displacement	78.1 liters (4,765 cubic inches)
Bore x Stroke	170 mm x 215 mm (6.69" x 8.46")
Cylinders	16 (V16 Configuration)
Aspiration	Turbocharged and Aftercooled (SCAC)
Compression Ratio	~13.5:1 (varies by variant)
Rated RPM Range	1200–1900 RPM
Oil Capacity	~260–290 liters depending on model/config
Dry Weight	~13,000 to 15,000 kg

Differences Between 3516 Models

Original 3516 (Mechanical)

Mechanical unit injectors, no electronics
Robust and simple, ideal for remote installations
Long service life with standard overhaul intervals
Still widely used in marine and mining sectors

3516B

Electronic Unit Injection (EUI) introduced
Improved fuel atomization and combustion efficiency
ADEM II/III control for programmable fuel maps and load response
Tier 1 and IMO I emissions capability

3516C

Upgraded aftercooling (SCAC) and turbocharging
Fully ADEM III or IV controlled
Lower NOx and PM for Tier 2 / IMO II compliance
Expanded power range up to 3,300 HP

3516E

ACERT™ Technology + ADEM 4 ECM
Supports Tier 4 Final and IMO III emissions
Dual turbochargers, precise fuel-air control
Real-time diagnostics, advanced governor options, remote monitoring

Applications of the Caterpillar 3516 Engine

1. Marine Propulsion and Auxiliary Power

The 3516 is the engine of choice for high-displacement marine vessels where reliable, continuous power is essential. Its high torque and efficient fuel delivery make it ideal for:

Tugboats and towboats
Offshore supply vessels (OSVs)
Large dredgers
Roll-on/Roll-off cargo ships
Commercial trawlers

Marine genset versions of the 3516 supply auxiliary power for lighting, cranes, HVAC, and hotel load management aboard large ships. Keel-cooled and heat exchanger setups are available, along with class society certifications.

2. Power Generation (Prime, Standby, Continuous)

The 3516 powers megawatt-scale diesel generators in mission-critical infrastructure:

Hospitals, data centers, and airports
Government/military installations
Oil platforms and remote camps
Peak shaving and load-sharing plants

3516C and 3516E models offer clean-burning, electronically governed performance that integrates with load management and SCADA systems.

3. Oil & Gas Drilling and Production

The 3516 is widely used in land-based and offshore drilling operations:

Fracturing units and mud pumps
Cementing trucks
Portable power modules on rig floors
Compression systems for gas injection

Its ability to run at high load 24/7, combined with modular fuel and cooling options, makes it a staple in shale plays and oilfields globally.

4. Mining and Earthmoving Equipment

In the mining sector, the 3516 has powered:

Haul trucks such as CAT 793 series
Electric drive loaders and drills
Industrial conveyors, crushers, and stackers

Its V16 configuration ensures massive low-end torque, essential for steep grades and heavy payloads. Many legacy mining fleets still maintain original 3516 engines due to part availability and rebuild viability.

Why the CAT 3516 Is Still the Global Standard

Proven Across 4 Decades – Supported by millions of service hours globally
Flexible Emissions Compliance – Operators can match engine models to jurisdiction
Scalable Horsepower – Supports powerplants up to 3.5 MW or propulsion over 3,000 HP
Ease of Rebuild – All models support in-frame servicing, with parts widely available
Electronic Control When Needed – Digital variants with ADEM ECMs offer advanced diagnostics, load sharing, and fuel control

Aftermarket Support from Diesel Pro Power

Diesel Pro Power offers comprehensive parts support for all Caterpillar 3516 models, including:

Fuel Injectors (Mechanical & Electronic)
Overhaul Kits (In-Frame & Out-of-Frame)
Turbochargers & Wastegates
Oil & Water Pumps
Cylinder Heads, Liners, & Rings
ADEM Controllers & Electronic Sensors
Cooling & Aftercooling System Parts
Exhaust Manifolds & Gasket Sets

With fast worldwide shipping and over 40,000 satisfied customers, Diesel Pro Power is your trusted partner for CAT 3516 engine parts — whether you’re running a 3516B-powered rig or overhauling a 3516E genset.