HomeEnginesCaterpillar 3516C

Caterpillar 3516C Engine Engine

The Caterpillar 3516C is a 78.4 L 16-cylinder ataac engine rated at 240 rpm. It powers generator sets from Caterpillar, including the 3516C Generator Set, SR5 and XQ 2000. It holds 830 L (219.3 gal) of oil and 205 L (54.2 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Caterpillar 3516C

Part of the Caterpillar 3516C engine family — 3 variants share parts & fitment.

78.4 L
Displacement
16
Cylinders
240 rpm
Rated speed
830.0 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity830.0 L
Coolant capacity205.0 L
Displacement78.4 L
Cylinders16
AspirationATAAC
Rated speed240 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

3
Caterpillar 3516C Generator SetCaterpillar SR5Caterpillar XQ 2000

Common problems

3
  • The battery is very warm to the touch.
    Fix: Reduce the rate of charging by a significant amount. Complete the charging at the reduced rate.
  • The battery emits smoke or a dense vapor (gas).
    Fix: Reduce the rate of charging by a significant amount. Complete the charging at the reduced rate.
  • A strong odor of acid is present.
    Fix: Reduce the rate of charging by a significant amount. Complete the charging at the reduced rate.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Caterpillar 3516C.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterEngine Air Cleaner Element (Dual or Single Element)8760 hr find
Fuel filterFuel System Secondary Filter1R07631000 hr PartsGeek
Oil filterEngine Oil Filter Elements3890434500 hr PartsGeek $30.97
BeltBelts (Alternator and Fan Drive)8760 hr find
CoolantCooling System Coolant (ELC - Extended Life Coolant)630.052560 hr
OilEngine Oil and Filter401.3500 hr

Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.

Parts cataloged across the Caterpillar 3516C family

7
Part #DescriptionCategory
174-6854Hydrosolv 100 Liquid Cleanerfluid
1U-5490Hydrosolv 4165 Liquid Cleanerfluid
138-8440Component Cleanerother_service
294-7420Refill ampoules for 298-5311 Coolant Nitrite Test Kitother_service
298-5311Coolant Nitrite Test Kit for SCA (includes testing tool, 30 ampoules, instructions, and case)other_service
8T-5296Coolant Conditioner Test Kitother_service
245-5829Coolant Battery Tester Refractometersensor

Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.

Aftermarket parts that fit this engine

60

Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.

Filters for this engine

  • Fuel filter (primary): Caterpillar 1R0763 Caterpillar 3890433 Donaldson P551313 Donaldson P551316 Wix 33528 Wix 33685NP
  • Fuel filter (secondary): Caterpillar 1R0763 Donaldson P551313 Wix 33528
  • Oil filter: Caterpillar 3890434 Donaldson P551808 Wix 57792

Cross-referenced via Donaldson + OEM/engine-maker interchange — options to verify against your serial number, not confirmed for every exact variant.

Also used in

1
  • Caterpillar 789D — Dump Truck

Other equipment known to use this engine, via filter-application cross-reference — useful for sourcing parts even when your exact machine isn't listed elsewhere on this page.

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Caterpillar 3516C?

The Caterpillar 3516C engine has an oil capacity of 830.0 liters.

What is the displacement of the Caterpillar 3516C?

The Caterpillar 3516C has a displacement of 78.4 liters with 16 cylinders.

Which generators use the Caterpillar 3516C engine?

The Caterpillar 3516C powers 3 generator set(s), including Caterpillar 3516C Generator Set, Caterpillar SR5, Caterpillar XQ 2000.

What oil filter does the Caterpillar 3516C use?

The Caterpillar 3516C uses oil filter part numbers Caterpillar 3890434, Donaldson P551808, Wix 57792.

What fuel filter does the Caterpillar 3516C use?

The Caterpillar 3516C uses fuel filter part numbers Caterpillar 1R0763, Caterpillar 3890433, Donaldson P551313.

How often should you change the oil in the Caterpillar 3516C?

The Caterpillar 3516C oil change interval is every 500 hours.

What is a common problem with the Caterpillar 3516C engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Caterpillar 3516C is: The battery is very warm to the touch.. Fix: Reduce the rate of charging by a significant amount. Complete the charging at the reduced rate..