Parts for Caterpillar 3516B

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Engine Specifications & Applications of the Caterpillar 3516B Engine

Introduction

The Caterpillar 3516B engine is a V16, four-stroke, turbocharged diesel engine built for serious horsepower and long-term reliability. As an evolution of the original 3516 platform, the 3516B is tailored for demanding commercial and industrial applications, especially in marine propulsion, power generation, mining, and oil and gas. It delivers enhanced performance, improved electronics via the ADEM™ III system, and reduced emissions over its predecessor—while preserving the legendary durability of the 3500 engine family.

At Diesel Pro Power, we specialize in premium aftermarket parts that match or exceed OEM specifications for the 3516B engine. Our offerings help operators extend the lifecycle of their engines, reduce downtime, and avoid OEM markup pricing. This section provides a detailed technical overview and outlines the practical, real-world uses of the 3516B engine—all optimized to drive search visibility and value to your customers.

Engine Specifications

Base Engine Configuration

Engine Model: Caterpillar 3516B
Type: V-16, 4-stroke diesel
Displacement: 69 liters (4,210 cubic inches)
Bore: 170 mm (6.69 inches)
Stroke: 215 mm (8.46 inches)
Compression Ratio: 14.0:1
Aspiration: Turbocharged and aftercooled
Fuel System: Electronic Unit Injection (EUI)
Control System: ADEM™ III (Advanced Diesel Engine Management)
Flywheel Rotation: Counterclockwise (viewed from flywheel end)

Rated Power Output

Horsepower Range: 1,650 to 2,525 hp depending on configuration
Maximum Torque: Exceeds 8,000 lb-ft
Rated Speed: 1,200–1,800 RPM (varies by duty cycle)
Fuel Consumption: 0.33–0.37 lbs/hp/hr typical under load

Dimensions & Weight

Length: ~135–142 inches (3,430–3,600 mm)
Width: ~84 inches (2,130 mm)
Height: ~87–93 inches (2,210–2,360 mm)
Dry Weight: 15,000 to 16,250 lbs (6,800–7,370 kg)

Fluid Capacities

Oil Capacity: ~70 liters (18.5 gallons)
Coolant Capacity: ~85–90 liters (22.5–23.8 gallons)
Recommended Oil Viscosity: SAE 15W-40 (Caterpillar ECF-2/ECF-3 approved)

Caterpillar 3516B Applications

The 3516B’s combination of massive torque, electronic engine management, and consistent performance across RPM bands makes it ideal for industries where continuous operation and power stability are mission-critical. Its real-world reliability has made it a trusted power source across commercial fleets, drilling rigs, and remote generator systems.

1. Marine Applications

Commercial Marine Propulsion

The Caterpillar 3516B is widely deployed in:

Tugboats
Cargo vessels
Crew supply boats
Ferries
Pilot boats
Dredgers

Its high horsepower output allows for rapid acceleration, precise maneuvering, and reliable low-RPM performance in harbors and open waters alike. The ADEM III system ensures precise fuel delivery and improved throttle response, which enhances safety and operational efficiency in confined waters.

Aftermarket parts such as raw water pumps, gasket kits, injectors, and throttle control cables are essential to keeping marine applications running with minimal downtime.

Marine Auxiliary Systems

Beyond propulsion, many vessels use 3516B engines to power auxiliary systems:

Electrical power (generator sets)
Fire pumps
Hydraulic cranes
Refrigeration compressors

Diesel Pro’s inventory includes key aftermarket components like oil coolers, thermostats, and sensor kits to keep auxiliary systems online during long voyages.

2. Power Generation

The 3516B is engineered for heavy-duty generator applications, from continuous prime power to standby systems for critical infrastructure.

Standby Power

The engine is often installed in:

Data centers
Hospitals
Airports
Financial institutions
Government facilities

With horsepower ratings between 1,650 and 2,500+, the 3516B easily handles sudden load surges while maintaining frequency stability. Backup power operators trust this platform for its:

Instant startup capability
Reliable cold weather performance
Longevity under infrequent use

Aftermarket support includes starter motors, sensor harnesses, and fuel solenoid valves, which are vital for ensuring reliability during emergency power transitions.

Prime and Continuous Duty

The 3516B is also used in:

Remote mining camps
Oil field installations
Remote island or microgrid communities

These installations often rely on the 3516B to run non-stop for months at a time. Key aftermarket parts needed for continuous duty include:

Extended-life piston kits
Heavy-duty water pumps
Long-duration oil filtration systems
Rebuild kits for top and bottom ends

3. Oil & Gas Industry

The 3516B is a high-performance workhorse in oil and gas drilling and well service applications.

Drilling Rigs and Mud Pumps

The 3516B powers rotary drilling rigs and triplex mud pumps. Its torque stability at low RPM helps maintain downhole pressure, and the ADEM system allows for precise load balancing across multiple engines.

Diesel Pro Power supports this application with:

Cylinder heads
Camshafts
Governor parts
Heavy-duty exhaust manifolds

Frac Pumps and Coil Tubing

In pressure pumping operations, such as hydraulic fracturing, the 3516B runs high-horsepower pumps under cyclic load. Aftermarket turbochargers, piston ring sets, and fuel injectors are commonly replaced in these demanding environments.

4. Mining and Construction

The 3516B is a proven powerhouse in surface mining, underground excavation, and aggregate processing operations. It's trusted in equipment such as:

Haul trucks: Especially 200- to 400-ton capacity trucks in large open-pit mines.
Electric rope shovels: Requiring constant torque and high RPM consistency.
Mobile crushers: That pulverize rock at massive scale for concrete and road base.

In construction, it appears in high-capacity cranes, horizontal drills, and even in portable batch plants. These engines are often exposed to:

Abrasive dust
Prolonged idling
Steep load cycles
Limited access to OEM service technicians

That’s why Diesel Pro Power customers rely on piston and liner kits, oil filters, air intake parts, and sensor replacements that are available on-demand. Keeping heavy machinery online without waiting for factory shipments is a major reason contractors turn to high-quality aftermarket support.

5. Industrial and Stationary Equipment

In industrial environments, 3516B engines are used to power:

Industrial compressors
High-capacity water pumps
Waste management turbines
Bulk materials handling systems

These engines are often the backbone of material production, water treatment, and manufacturing facilities. Reliability during long operating windows—often 10,000+ hours between rebuilds—is critical.

Because these engines typically operate indoors or in enclosed housings, aftermarket parts must be durable and heat-tolerant. Common requests in this sector include:

Cooling system rebuilds
Oil pumps
Gasket kits
High-performance seals

Diesel Pro Power ensures these critical components are in-stock and ready for immediate global delivery.

Summary

The Caterpillar 3516B engine is trusted worldwide for its strength, stability, and smart electronic management. It has carved out a dominant role in marine propulsion, oilfield service, power generation, mining, construction, and heavy industrial operations. Because many of these engines are still in daily operation years or decades after installation, maintaining them with high-performance aftermarket parts is not just an option—it’s essential.

At Diesel Pro Power, our mission is to keep these engines running longer and more efficiently, whether you're in a port, a mine, or a power plant. With global shipping, expert support, and parts built to OEM-grade specs, we provide the support your 3516B engine needs to stay in the field, not the repair shop.