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Caterpillar G3508 Engine

The Caterpillar G3508 is a 34.5 L 8-cylinder ta engine rated at 1200 rpm, producing up to 472 kW. It powers generator sets from Caterpillar. It holds 356 L (94.0 gal) of oil and 114 L (30.1 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Caterpillar G3508, G3508

34.5 L
Displacement
8
Cylinders
1200 rpm
Rated speed
472 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Oil capacity356.0 L
Coolant capacity114.0 L
Displacement34.5 L
Cylinders8
AspirationTA
Rated speed1200 rpm
Gross power472 kW

Service intervals

4
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
oilChange500 hr3000 Series service intervals increased to 500 hours as standard (3013C, 3024C, 3054, 3056)
minor overhaulOther20000 hr3600 engines designed to run 20 000 hours between minor overhauls using No. 2 fuel
major overhaulOther40000 hr3600 engines designed to run 40 000 hours between major overhauls using No. 2 fuel
cylinder liners and pistonsOther80000 hr3600 cylinder liners and pistons designed for 80 000 hours using No. 2 fuel

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Service specifications

31
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceCrankshaft end play.178 to .635mm (0.0070 to 0.0250 inch)measured with dial indicator
ClearanceCrankshaft end play after assembly0.178 to 0.635mm (0.0070 to 0.0250 inch)after assembly
ClearanceEnd play at heat sink after assembly0.076 to 0.635mm (0.0030 to 0.0250 inch)after assembly
ClearanceGap at 3, 6, 9, 12 o'clock positions0.03 to 0.13mm (0.001 to 0.005 inch)between
ClearanceGap between generator and flywheel housing at locations (E), (F), (G), (H)>0.03 and <0.13mm (0.001 inch to 0.005 inch)more than 0.03 mm and less than 0.13 mm
ClearanceGenerator forward offset from midpoint of end play+ 0.50mm (+ 0.0200 inch)while generator supported by crane
ClearanceRotor end play3.81 to 7.62mm (.150 to .300 inch)approximately
ClearanceShim thickness divisor for number of shims0.8mm (0.03 inch)divide Letter L by this value
ClearanceSupport deflection during bolt tightening0.13mm (0.005 inch)maximum allowed movement
OtherGross Input Torque (TH55-E70)12 667N•m (9350 lb-ft)
OtherGross Input Torque (TH55-E90)12 677N•m (9350 lb-ft)
OtherRating condition (diesel 7 L and higher)99 kPa (29.31 in Hg) dry barometer, 25°C (77°F)SAE J1995 inlet air standard
OtherRating condition (diesel up to 6.6 L)100 kPa (29.5 in Hg) total barometric pressure, 1 kPa (.295 in Hg) vapor pressure, 25°C (77°F)ISO/TR14396 inlet air standard
OtherRating condition (gas)100 kPa (29.61 in Hg) and 25°C (77°F)SAE J1349 standard
OtherStall Torque Ratio (TH55-E70)2.23
OtherStall Torque Ratio (TH55-E90)2.23
PressureExplosion relief valve opening pressure1.6 psi (11 kPa)psi (kPa)per valve
PressureGas Pressure35psi (242 kPa)
PressureUnit injector fuel injection pressure1240bar (18 000 psi)
PressureWS255 pump plunger load238,000lb (107,960 kg)
PressureWS273XD pump plunger load275,000lb (124 738 kg)
PressureWS305XD pump plunger load250,000lb (113 398 kg)
SpeedEngine Speed1400rpm
SpeedMaximum Input Speed (TH55-E70/TH55-E90 transmissions)1970rpm
SpeedRated Input Speed (TH55-E70/TH55-E90 transmissions)1900rpm
TorqueBolts (10)100N-m (75 lb ft)Tighten in pairs at 180 degree intervals in three stages
TorqueBolts (7) for shim pack and plate assembly525 + 45N-m (390 + 30 lb ft)Tighten bolts (7)
TorqueCoupling plate assembly bolts (5)525 + 25N-m (390 + 20 lb ft)Tighten in 180 degree intervals in three stages
TorqueFan mounting bolts (11)200N-m (150 Ib ft)Tighten in pairs at 180 degree intervals in three stages
TorqueGenerator mounting bolts (half of standard torque)450N-m (332 lb ft)one half of standard torque
TorqueGenerator support bolts (half of final torque)450N-m (332 Ib ft)half of final torque

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Recommended fluids

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
CoolantCat DEACDiesel; 3,000 Service Hours or Three Years; annual S·O·SSM Level 2 coolant sampling and analysis
CoolantCat ELCDiesel; 12,000 Service Hours or Six Years; add Cat ELC Extender at 6,000 service hours or one half of service life; annual S·O·SSM Level 2 coolant sampling and analysis
CoolantCat NGECNatural Gas; 16,000 Service Hours or Three Years; use interval that occurs first
Engine oilEPA 2D 89.330-96 (fuel reference, Diesel <6.6 L, density 0,845-0,850 kg/L a 15 °C)Reference condition only, not a lubricant recommendation
Engine oilCat NGEONatural Gas
Engine oillow sulfated ash oilRequired for U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage IV engines.
Engine oilCat Arctic DEO SYN SAE 0W-30-40°C to 30°CEngine Crankcase; Industrial Engines
Engine oilCat DEO SYN SAE 5W-40-30°C to 50°CEngine Crankcase; Industrial Engines
Engine oilCat DEO SAE 10W-30-18°C to 40°CEngine Crankcase; Industrial Engines
Engine oilCat DEO SAE 15W-40-9°C to 50°CEngine Crankcase; Industrial Engines
FuelUltra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)Contains less than or equal to 15 parts per million sulfur (mg/kg); required for U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage IV engines. B20 biodiesel capability available.
Fuel35° API gravity, LHV 42 780 kJ/kg (18,390 btu/lb)SAE J1995Diesel engines 7 liter and higher; used at 29°C (84.2°F) with density 838.9 g/L
FuelEPA 2D 89.330-96EPA 2D 89.330-96Diesel engines up to 6.6 liter; density 0.845-0.850 kg/L @ 15°C (59°F); fuel inlet temperature 40°C (104°F)
FuelNo. 2 fuel3600 engines designed for 80 000 hours on No. 2 fuel; ratings based on API gravity of 35 at 15 C (60 F), LHV of 42 780 kJ/kg used at 29 C (84 F) with a density of 838.9 g/L
Fueldry natural gas, LHV 35.54 MJ/Nm3 (905 btu/ft3)Gas ratings based on SAE J1349 standard conditions of 100 kPa (29.61 in Hg) and 25°C (77°F)
Fuelnatural gasLHV 35.54 MJ/Nm3 (905 Btu/cu-ft); pipeline natural gas HHV 39.7 MJ/Nm3 (1010 Btu/cu-ft); HD-5 propane HHV 104.0 MJ/Nm3 (2645 Btu/cu-ft)
GreaseCat Generator Set GreasePart Number 108-8611

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Procedures

5
Alignment Of Electric Sets With Supports At The Flywheel Housing / Installation Of A New Generator Or Flexible Plates adjustment

Tools: crane, dial indicator, shims, torque wrench

  1. Loosen all bolts connecting base to foundation; loosen all bolts fastening engine supports and generator supports to base.
  2. Ensure enough clearance between bolts and bolt holes in base, engine supports, generator supports at all locations.
  3. Check clearance between base and foundation at all mounting locations; use shims to prevent deflection; tighten base-to-foundation bolts to final torque.
  4. While generator supported by crane, loosen all bolts (2) fastening generator to flywheel housing; tighten alternate bolts to final torque; check clearance between base and engine and generator support
  5. Tighten all bolts fastening engine supports and generator supports to base to half of final torque; loosen all bolts (2); measure gap between generator and flywheel housing; ensure bolts centered in c
  6. Gaps at (E), (F), (G), (H) should be more than 0.03 mm (0.001 inch) and less than 0.13 mm (0.005 inch); adjust shims or move rear of generator right or left.
  7. After shim correction, tighten generator support bolts to half of final torque 450 N-m (332 Ib ft); check gaps; repeat until 0.13 mm (0.005 inch) or less; begin with Step 5.
  8. Install dial indicator on base with tip next to support mounting bolt (4); put tip on support (3); check while tightening bolt to final torque; if indicator moves more than 0.13 mm (0.005 inch), insta
Alignment Of Electric Sets Without Supports At The Flywheel Housing adjustment

Tools: shims, torque wrench

  1. Loosen all bolts connecting base to foundation; loosen all bolts fastening generator supports and engine supports to base.
  2. Ensure clearance between bolts and bolt holes in base, engine supports, generator supports at all locations.
  3. Check clearance between base and foundation at all mounting locations; use shims to prevent base deflection; tighten base-to-foundation bolts to final torque.
  4. Check clearance between base and engine, base and engine supports, base and generator supports over entire length; use shims to prevent support deflection; tighten all mounting bolts to final torque.
Rechecking The Alignment adjustment

Tools: torque wrench, shims

  1. Loosen the sixteen close coupled adapter bolts (2); visually ensure they are centered in clearance holes.
  2. Check gaps at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions; use 2, 4, 8, and 10 o'clock if 12 and 6 are inaccessible.
  3. If gaps are between 0.03 mm (0.001 inch) and 0.13 mm (0.005 inch), tighten all bolts; alignment check complete. If not, loosen bolts fastening generator to base frame; adjust shims; move rear of gener
  4. After adjustment, tighten generator mounting bolts to one half of standard torque 450 N-m (332 lb ft); repeat procedure starting with Step 1.
Installation Of The Generator For Generator Sets That Are Equipped With A 3500 Engine installation

⚠ Damage to engine and generator can result if electric set is operated with a plate assembly that does not have proper clearance.

⚠ If N or O is less than initial A, disassemble and check coupling plate for bowing; replace if bowed.

Tools: dial indicator, straight edge, magnetic bases, crane, torque wrench, 17 5N-4478 Plates

  1. Ensure generator is disengaged from engine; clean generator support and base contact surfaces; remove protective material from flywheel pilot bearing bore and coupling contact surface.
  2. Remove two engine side covers; rotate engine until no. 1 crankshaft throw is perpendicular; measure crankshaft end play with dial indicator; record as A and divide by two for B.
  3. With crankshaft at extreme forward position, measure distance from straight edge to flywheel housing mounting surface (C) and flywheel pilot surface (D); subtract D from C for E.
  4. Remove coupling bolts and washers; remove plates, shims, and exhaust fan; lift rotor; locate rotor so air gap equal; move rotor to extreme rear.
  5. Place dial indicator on vertical surface of heat sink at rear of rotor shaft; measure rotor end play (approximately 3.81 to 7.62 mm); record F and divide by two for G.
  6. Move rotor to extreme rear; position straight edge across mounting ring diameter; measure distance to mounting ring surface (H) and hub mounting surface (I); subtract H from I for J.
  7. Bolt a standard set of 17 5N-4478 Plates together; measure thickness in two locations along contour; average as K.
  8. Determine number of shims: subtract B, E, G, K from J for L; divide L by 0.8 mm (0.03 inch) for M; round up.
  9. Put coupling plate in flywheel bore; check clearance between coupling plate outside diameter and flywheel bore inside diameter.
  10. Install coupling plate assembly, bolts (6) and calculated shims; tighten bolts (5) in 180 degree intervals in three stages to 525 + 25 N-m (390 + 20 lb ft).
  11. Install guide bolts in flywheel; put generator on engine; install bolts (10); tighten to 100 N-m (75 lb ft) in pairs at 180 degree intervals in three stages.
  12. While crane supports generator, place dial indicator on heat sink vertical surface; push generator forward within + 0.50 mm (+ 0.0200 inch) of midpoint of end play.
  13. Install fan mounting bolts (11) into flywheel; tighten to 200 N-m (150 Ib ft) in pairs at 180 degree intervals in three stages.
  14. Place dial indicators on no. 1 crankshaft throw and heat sink; push crankshaft forward; check crankshaft end play 0.178 to 0.635 mm and heat sink end play 0.076 to 0.635 mm; record N and O.
  15. If N or O is less than initial A, disassemble; check coupling plate for bowing; replace if bowed; check calculations; install generator and repeat steps 13 and 15.
Installation Of The Generator For Generator Sets That Are Not Equipped With A 3500 Engine installation

⚠ Damage to engine and generator can result if electric set is operated with a plate assembly that does not have proper clearance.

Tools: dial indicator, indicator assembly, bar, torque wrench, guide bolt, crane

  1. Remove dirt, burrs, paint from generator support and base contact surfaces; remove protective material from flywheel pilot bearing bore and coupling contact surface.
  2. Remove timing pointer cover; install indicator assembly on front of engine; tip contacts crankshaft pulley face.
  3. Position plate assembly in flywheel bore; check clearance between plate outside diameter and bore inside diameter.
  4. Install full shim pack and plate assembly on generator with bolts; tighten bolts to 525 + 45 N-m (390 + 30 lb ft).
  5. Install guide bolt in flywheel; put generator on engine; install bolts (9) and (10); tighten but do not bend locks under bolts (8).
  6. Use dial indicator to check crankshaft end play; if reading differs from initial, remove generator and enough shims to get original end play.
  7. Install generator again and check crankshaft end play; after correct shims, bend locks under bolts (8).

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Aftermarket parts that fit this engine

26

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

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Caterpillar G3508?

The Caterpillar G3508 engine has an oil capacity of 356.0 liters.

What is the displacement of the Caterpillar G3508?

The Caterpillar G3508 has a displacement of 34.5 liters with 8 cylinders.

Which generators use the Caterpillar G3508 engine?

The Caterpillar G3508 powers 1 generator set(s), including Caterpillar G3508.