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Perkins 403C-15G Engine

The Perkins 403C-15G is a 1.5 L 3-cylinder natural aspiration engine rated at 1500 rpm, producing up to 16.1 kW. It powers generator sets from FG Wilson and Perkins, including the P11E2S, P13.5E2, PH17.5E2S and PH22E2. It holds 5.98 L (1.6 gal) of oil and 5.98 L (1.6 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Perkins 403C-15G, 403C-15G

Part of the Perkins 403C engine family — 4 variants share parts & fitment.

1.496 L
Displacement
3
Cylinders
1500 rpm
Rated speed
16 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Oil capacity5.98 L
Coolant capacity5.98 L
Displacement1.496 L
Cylinders3
AspirationNatural aspiration
Rated speed1500 rpm
Gross power16 kW

Service intervals

4
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
oil and filterChange450 hr1300 Series EDi - oil and filter changes at 450 hours reduce down time
service intervalOther500 hr1100C range - 500 hour service intervals
Breather assembly (closed circuit turbo charged)Replace2000 hrApplicable to 404C-22T turbocharged variant.
Breather assembly (closed circuit, naturally aspirated)Replace2000 hrClean only with clean diesel fuel; if damaged or diaphragm perforated, renew the breather.

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

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceCamshaft height inlet/exhaust valves (403C-11 standard)26.955 - 27.010mm
ClearanceCamshaft height inlet/exhaust valves (service limit)26.5mm
ClearanceCamshaft height inlet/exhaust valves (service limit)33.7mm
ClearanceCamshaft height inlet/exhaust valves (standard)34.065 - 34.120mm
ClearanceCentre bearing oil clearance (403C-11 standard)0.039 - 0.106mm
ClearanceCentre bearing oil clearance (service limit)0.20mm
ClearanceCentre bearing oil clearance (standard)0.044 - 0.102mm
ClearanceConnecting rod bearing clearance (journal 3, standard)0.029 - 0.082mm
ClearanceConnecting rod bearing clearance (journals 1 and 2, standard)0.039 - 0.092mm
ClearanceConnecting rod bearing clearance (service limit)0.20mm
ClearanceConnecting rod big end bearing clearance (service limit)0.7mm
ClearanceConnecting rod big end bearing clearance (standard)0.1 - 0.3mm
ClearanceConnecting rod distortion per 100 mm (service limit)0.20mm
ClearanceConnecting rod distortion per 100 mm (standard)< 0.08mm
ClearanceConnecting rod parallel per 100 mm (service limit)0.15mm
ClearanceConnecting rod parallel per 100 mm (standard)< 0.05mm
ClearanceCrankshaft deflection (service limit)0.06mm
ClearanceCrankshaft deflection (standard)0.03 or lessmm
ClearanceCrankshaft journal diameter (403C-11 standard)47.964 - 47.975mm
ClearanceCrankshaft journal diameter (service limit)47.90mm
ClearanceCrankshaft journal diameter (service limit)67.90mm
ClearanceCrankshaft journal diameter (standard)67.957 - 67.970mm
ClearanceCrankshaft pin diameter (403C-11 standard)40.964 - 40.975mm
ClearanceCrankshaft pin diameter (service limit)40.90mm
ClearanceCrankshaft pin diameter (service limit)51.90mm
ClearanceCrankshaft pin diameter (standard)51.964 - 51.975mm
ClearanceCrankshaft stepped wear (service limit)0.05mm
ClearanceCylinder block top face (service limit)0.12mm
ClearanceCylinder block top face (standard)less than 0.05mm
ClearanceCylinder bore diameter (403C-11 service limit)77.200mm
ClearanceCylinder bore diameter (service limit)84.200mm
ClearanceCylinder bore diameter new block (403C-11)77.000 - 77.019mm
ClearanceCylinder bore diameter new block (standard)84.000 - 84.019mm
ClearanceCylinder diameter/piston clearance (403C-11 standard)0.0525 - 0.0865mm
ClearanceCylinder diameter/piston clearance (standard)0.0380 - 0.0720mm
ClearanceCylinder head distortion - maximum regrind0.15mm
ClearanceCylinder head distortion - maximum service limit0.05mm
ClearanceCylinder head to valve stem clearance (exhaust service limit)0.25mmvalve lift 15 mm
ClearanceCylinder head to valve stem clearance (exhaust, standard)0.045 - 0.072mmvalve lift 15 mm
ClearanceCylinder head to valve stem clearance (exhaust, standard)0.050 - 0.075mmvalve lift 15 mm
ClearanceCylinder head to valve stem clearance (inlet service limit)0.2mmvalve lift 15 mm
ClearanceCylinder head to valve stem clearance (inlet, standard)0.025 - 0.052mmvalve lift 15 mm
ClearanceCylinder head to valve stem clearance (inlet, standard)0.030 - 0.060mmvalve lift 15 mm
ClearanceExhaust valve stem diameter (service limit)6.84mm
ClearanceExhaust valve stem diameter (standard)6.940 - 6.950mm
ClearanceFlywheel face run-out0.20mmtotal indicator reading
ClearanceFlywheel housing bore run-out SAE 40.23mm
ClearanceFlywheel housing bore run-out SAE 50.20mm
ClearanceFront crankshaft bush oil clearance (403C-11 standard)0.039 - 0.106mm
ClearanceFront crankshaft bush oil clearance (service limit)0.20mm
ClearanceFront crankshaft bush oil clearance (standard)0.044 - 0.116mm
ClearanceGudgeon pin outside diameter (403C-11 standard)20.996 - 21.002mm
ClearanceGudgeon pin outside diameter (service limit)20.98mm
ClearanceGudgeon pin outside diameter (service limit)27.98mm
ClearanceGudgeon pin outside diameter (standard)27.996 - 28.000mm
ClearanceInlet valve stem diameter (service limit)6.89mm
ClearanceInlet valve stem diameter (standard)6.955 - 6.970mm
ClearanceMain bearing end float (403C-11 standard)0.10 - 0.30mm
ClearanceMain bearing end float (service limit)0.50mm
ClearanceMain bearing end float (standard)0.10 - 0.40mm

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
CoolantPOWERPART AntifreezeProtects the cooling system against frost and corrosion. Part number 21825166.
Engine oilAPI CH4/ACEA E51100 Series (1103C/1104C)
Engine oil15W40ACEA E3 or API CG41300 Series EDi
Engine oilmulti-grade oilAPI-CH4/CI41106D-E66TAG
Engine oilsingle or multigrade oilACEA E1 E2 or CD/SD1000 Series
FuelBS 2869 Part 2 1998 Class A2 or ASTM D975 D21000/1300 Series

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

Procedures

7
To check the timing of the fuel injection pump adjustment

⚠ The maximum no load speed must be set by an approved Perkins distributor.

Tools: Spill pipe 21825680

  1. Set the piston for number one cylinder to TDC on the compression stroke. Turn the crankshaft counter clockwise a quarter of a revolution.
  2. Remove the ESOS, high pressure fuel pipes and low pressure fuel pipes from the fuel injection pump.
  3. Ensure that the fuel pump rack is in the maximum fuel position.
  4. Remove the delivery valve holder for number 1 cylinder and remove the delivery valve; store in clean fuel until assembly.
  5. Connect the fuel pump spill pipe to the delivery valve holder for number 1 cylinder.
  6. Connect a clean fuel reservoir (approx. 0.2 litres clean fuel) to the fuel injection pump inlet.
  7. Put a waste fuel container below the pipe neck and open the tap.
  8. Turn the crankshaft slowly until the fuel flow reduces to a drop which falls every 7 - 10 seconds; this is the timing point.
  9. Use the value shown by the timing mark with the injection timing tables.
  10. If the engine timing is incorrect adjust the thickness of the fuel injection pump shim.
  11. Fit the delivery valve and tighten the delivery valve holder.
  12. The engine must be tested on an engine test brake to check the maximum no load speed and engine settings after assembly.
To select the correct thickness of cylinder head gasket adjustment

⚠ If the correct piston height above or below the cylinder block is not obtained, damage to the engine can occur.

Tools: Piston height tool

  1. Put the piston height tool (A) on the face of the cylinder block and rotate the gauge dial to the zero position.
  2. Rotate the crankshaft until the piston crown is approximately at top dead centre (TDC).
  3. Carefully put the tool over the top of the piston with the plunger of the gauge in contact with the piston above the axis of the gudgeon pin.
  4. Rotate the crankshaft to ensure that the piston is at the highest position and make a note of the gauge indication.
How to do a compression test diagnostic

⚠ Do not remove the stop solenoid as this will allow the engine to start.

Tools: Compression gauge

  1. Ensure that the valve tip clearances are set correctly.
  2. Remove the atomisers.
  3. Fit a suitable gauge into the atomiser hole of the cylinder to be tested.
  4. Disconnect the stop solenoid or put the stop solenoid in the no fuel position. Operate the starter motor and record the pressure indicated on the gauge.
  5. Repeat for each cylinder.
To test and to inspect the thermostat diagnostic
  1. Put the thermostat into the water.
  2. Raise the temperature of the water gradually.
  3. Record the valve opening temperature and the valve lift.
Closed circuit breather (naturally aspirated) - to clean and to renew maintenance

⚠ Ensure components are fitted in their correct position; incorrect fitting may damage the engine.

⚠ It is important that the area around the vent hole is clean.

  1. Release the four setscrews and remove the breather cover, the spring and the diaphragm assembly.
  2. Clean the breather cavity in the rocker cover.
  3. Clean the breather in clean diesel fuel.
  4. Fit the breather assembly into the cavity in the rocker cover, ensuring the breather cover, diaphragm and spring are assembled correctly and the vent hole faces towards the flywheel.
  5. Tighten the four setscrews.
Connecting rod bearing clearance - to check maintenance

Tools: Plastigauge

  1. Clean the bearing surfaces and the exposed half of the crankshaft journal.
  2. Fit the bearing caps and tighten the bearing cap to torque.
  3. Remove the bearing cap of the clearance to be checked.
  4. Place a piece of Plastigauge across the full width of the bearing surface on the crankshaft journal, fit the bearing cap and tighten the bearing cap setscrew to the specified torque.
  5. Remove the bearing cap but do not move the Plastigauge.
  6. Use the Plastigauge envelope to measure the widest point of the Plastigauge; this reading indicates the bearing clearance.
  7. If the bearing clearance is not within the specifications the crankshaft must be reground and undersize bearings fitted.
To eliminate air from the fuel system maintenance

⚠ Connections should be blanked off until assembly.

  1. Loosen the vent screw on the fuel filter.
  2. Operate the hand primer until fuel, free of air, flows from the vent screw. Tighten the vent screw.
  3. Loosen the vent screw on the fuel injection pump. Operate the hand primer until fuel, free of air, flows. Tighten the vent screw.
  4. Attempt to start the engine using the starter motor for a maximum of 15 seconds, wait for 30 seconds before trying again.

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

Voltage reconnection

VoltagePhaseConnectionLeadsNotes
Coolant temperature switch5 (Blue)Automatic shutdown connector pin 5
Ground (Earth)6 (Black)Automatic shutdown connector pin 6
Key switch - 502 (Orange)Automatic shutdown connector pin 2
Key switch - AC1 (Red)Automatic shutdown connector pin 1
Oil pressure switch4 (Brown)Automatic shutdown connector pin 4
Solenoid3 (Red / Black)Automatic shutdown connector pin 3

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

Parts cataloged across the Perkins 403C family

1
Part #DescriptionCategory
955-806Black zinc die cast hinges tested and proven to withstand extremely corrosive conditionsService part / kit

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

Also used in

1
  • Sunward SWE40U — Excavator Tracked

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 Perkins 403C-15G?

The Perkins 403C-15G engine has an oil capacity of 5.98 liters.

What is the displacement of the Perkins 403C-15G?

The Perkins 403C-15G has a displacement of 1.496 liters with 3 cylinders.

Which generators use the Perkins 403C-15G engine?

The Perkins 403C-15G powers 5 generator set(s), including FG Wilson P11E2S, FG Wilson P13.5E2, FG Wilson PH17.5E2S, FG Wilson PH22E2, Perkins 403C-15.