HomeEnginesCaterpillar C27 TA

Caterpillar C27 TA Engine Engine

The Caterpillar C27 TA is a 27.03 L 12-cylinder ta engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Caterpillar, including the DM9070, DM9073, DM9078 and SR4B. It holds 68 L (18.0 gal) of oil and 160 L (42.3 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: CAT C27 TA

Part of the Caterpillar C27 engine family — 4 variants share parts & fitment.

27.03 L
Displacement
12
Cylinders
1800 rpm
Rated speed
68.0 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity68.0 L
Coolant capacity160.0 L
Displacement27.03 L
Cylinders12
AspirationTA
Rated speed1800 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

4
Caterpillar DM9070Caterpillar DM9073Caterpillar DM9078Caterpillar SR4B

Common problems

15
  • When the engine oil pressure is increased beyond the low oil pressure setpoint, the GSC will inform the governor that the engine speed should be increased from IDLE to RATED rpm. 2301A Control
  • The GSC+ detects an alarm fault
    Fix: Fault alarm indicator (26) is accompanied by an alarm fault code that is shown on the upper display (29) when the alarm codes key (30) is pressed.
  • The GSC+ detects a shutdown fault
    Fix: The engine will shut down if the engine is running. The engine will not be allowed to start.
  • The fault alarm indicator (3) flashes when the GSC detects an alarm fault. g00604607
  • Overcrank
    Cause: Engine does not start within the setpoint for overcrank.
  • Low oil pressure indicator flashes, and the engine is shut down.
    Cause: The engine oil pressure drops below the setpoints for low oil pressure shutdown that are programmed into the GSC. There are two low oil pressure setpoints. One setpoint is used when the engine is at idle speed. The other setpoint is used when the engine is at rated speed.
  • Low oil pressure
    Cause: Engine oil pressure drops below the setpoints for low oil pressure shutdown that are programmed into the GSC+.
    Fix: The tow oil pressure indicator FLASHES, and the engine is shut down. The engine is not allowed to start until the fault is corrected.
  • High water temperature indicator flashes, and the engine is shut down.
    Cause: The engine coolant temperature rises above the setpoint for high water temperature shutdown that is programmed into the GSC.
  • High water temperature
    Cause: Engine coolant temperature rises above the setpoint for high water temperature shutdown that is programmed into the GSC+.
    Fix: The engine is shutdown and the engine is not allowed to start until the fault is corrected.
  • Generator parameters are not matched to the bus
    Fix: If the generator and bus voltages, frequencies and phases are in sync, the lamps will light continuously. If not, the associated lamp will flash.
  • Fault shutdown 21
  • Fault alarm 22
  • Engine overspeed indicator flashes, and the engine is shut down.
    Cause: The engine speed exceeds a certain threshold set in the GSC+.
    Fix: Correct the condition by addressing any issues that caused the engine to overspeed.
  • Engine overspeed
    Cause: Engine speed exceeds the setpoint for engine overspeed that is programmed into the GSC+.
    Fix: The engine is shutdown and the engine is not allowed to start until the fault is corrected.
  • Engine overcrank indicator flashes, and the engine is shut down.
    Cause: The engine has been cranked for an extended period without starting.
    Fix: Correct the condition by ensuring proper start-up procedures are followed.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Caterpillar C27 TA.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter6125063650 hr PartsGeek $66.97
Fuel filter38904331250 hr PartsGeek
Oil filter38904341250 hr PartsGeek $30.97
Belt1250 hr find
Coolant160.0 L
Oil68.0 L

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 C27 family

20
Part #DescriptionCategory
2323232Connecting rodother_service
R-20R2284C15/C18/C27/C32 ACERT Trim file (12-digit serial)other_service
R-20R2285C15/C18/C27/C32 ACERT Trim file (12-digit serial)other_service
g00634036Illustration 37: The Location of the GSC+ on the EMCP II+P Control Panelother_service
g00639524Illustration 35: Electronic Modular Control Panel II+ With Paralleling (EMCP II+P)other_service
g00692931Illustration 36: The Synchronization Mode Switchother_service
i01359666Crushing Prevention and Cutting Preventionother_service
i01372247Mounting and Dismountingother_service
i01462046Engine Stoppingother_service
i01480768Burn Preventionother_service
i01496776Fire Prevention and Explosion Preventionother_service
i01553111Generator Lead Connectionsother_service
i01593543Generator Isolating for Maintenanceother_service
i01658146Important Safety Informationother_service
i01805780Before Starting Engineother_service
i01830750Engine Maintenance Informationother_service
i02106213Electrical Systemother_service
i02136012Engine Startingother_service
i02363871Electronic Modular Control Panel II+ with Paralleling (EMCP II+P)other_service
i02879636Safety Messagesother_service

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

Filters for this engine

  • Air filter: Caterpillar 612506 Donaldson P532506 Wix 46589 Ac Delco A1586C
  • Fuel filter: Caterpillar 3890433 Donaldson P551316 Wix 33685NP
  • 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

9
  • Caterpillar 24 — Grader
  • Caterpillar 773F — Dump Truck
  • Caterpillar 773G — Haul Truck
  • Caterpillar 775F — Dump Truck
  • Caterpillar 775G — Dump Truck
  • Caterpillar 844H — Dozer Wheeled
  • Caterpillar 990H — Loader Wheeled
  • Caterpillar MD6250 — Drilling Equipment
  • Caterpillar MD6290 — Drilling Equipment

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 C27 TA?

The Caterpillar C27 TA engine has an oil capacity of 68.0 liters.

What is the displacement of the Caterpillar C27 TA?

The Caterpillar C27 TA has a displacement of 27.03 liters with 12 cylinders.

Which generators use the Caterpillar C27 TA engine?

The Caterpillar C27 TA powers 4 generator set(s), including Caterpillar DM9070, Caterpillar DM9073, Caterpillar DM9078, Caterpillar SR4B.

What oil filter does the Caterpillar C27 TA use?

The Caterpillar C27 TA uses oil filter part numbers Caterpillar 3890434, Donaldson P551808, Wix 57792.

What fuel filter does the Caterpillar C27 TA use?

The Caterpillar C27 TA uses fuel filter part numbers Caterpillar 3890433, Donaldson P551316, Wix 33685NP.

What air filter does the Caterpillar C27 TA use?

The Caterpillar C27 TA uses air filter part numbers Caterpillar 612506, Donaldson P532506, Wix 46589.

What is a common problem with the Caterpillar C27 TA engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Caterpillar C27 TA is: When the engine oil pressure is increased beyond the low oil pressure setpoint, the GSC will inform the governor that the engine speed should be increased from IDLE to RATED rpm..