HomeEnginesCaterpillar 3406C

Caterpillar 3406C Engine Engine

The Caterpillar 3406C is a 14.6 L 6-cylinder petroleum engine rated at 2100 rpm, producing up to 362 kW. It powers generator sets from Caterpillar, including the 3406 and 3406C Industrial Engine. It holds 34.1 L (9.0 gal) of oil and 20.8 L (5.5 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Caterpillar 3406C

Part of the Caterpillar 3406C engine family — 2 variants share parts & fitment.

14.6 L
Displacement
6
Cylinders
2100 rpm
Rated speed
362 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Oil capacity34.1 L
Coolant capacity20.8 L
Displacement14.6 L
Cylinders6
AspirationPetroleum
Rated speed2100 rpm
Gross power362 kW

Generator sets powered by this engine

2
Caterpillar 3406Caterpillar 3406C Industrial Engine

This engine also powers 23 machine(s) on Power Equipment Info.

Common problems

13
  • Fault shutdown 21
  • Fault alarm 22
  • Engine overspeed i01226491
    Fix: Stop the engine by shutting off the fuel supply to the engine and/or shutting off the air supply to the engine.
  • SMCS Code: 1000 i01197515
    Fix: • Check the crankcase oil level. Maintain the oil level between the “ADD” mark and the “FULL” mark on the oil level gauge. • If necessary, perform minor adjustments. Repair any leaks and tighten any loose bolts. • Note the service hour meter reading. Perform the maintenance that is in the Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Maintenance Interval Schedule”.
  • Low power or poor performance in the winter i01190421
    Fix: Before troubleshooting for low power or for poor performance in the winter, check the type of fuel that is being used. When No. 2 diesel fuel is used the following components provide a means of minimizing problems in cold weather: • Starting aids • Engine oil pan heaters • Engine coolant heaters • Fuel heaters • Fuel line insulation
  • Low oil pressure or no oil pressure is indicated
    Fix: Stop the engine and determine the cause of the problem. Refer to Troubleshooting for further information or consult with your Caterpillar dealer.
  • High exhaust temperatures Power loss Excessive fan usage Reduction in fuel economy
    Cause: Airflow restriction can cause these conditions.
    Fix: If an airflow restriction device must be used, the device should have a permanent opening directly in line with the fan hub. The device must have a minimum opening dimension of at least 770 cm2 (120 in2). A centered opening that is directly in line with the fan hub is specified in order to prevent an interrupted airflow on the fan blades. Interrupted airflow on the fan blades could cause a fan failure. Caterpillar recommends a warning device for the inlet manifold temperature and/or the installation of an inlet air temperature gauge. The warning device for the inlet manifold temperature should be set at 65°C (150°F). The inlet manifold air temperature should not exceed 65°C (150°F). Temperatures that exceed this limit can cause power loss and potential engine damage.
  • Gauge readings that change even if the readings are within specifications
    Cause: Significant change in the readings
    Fix: Determine the cause of any significant change in the readings, and/or correct the cause of any significant change in the readings. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for assistance.
  • Engine operating above the normal range and steam becomes apparent.
    Fix: 1. Reduce the load and the engine speed (rpm). 2. Inspect the cooling system for leaks. 3. Determine if the engine must be shut down immediately or if the engine can be cooled by reducing the load.
  • Engine operating above the normal range and steam becomes apparent
    Fix: Reduce the load and the engine speed (rpm). Inspect the cooling system for leaks. Determine if the engine must be shut down immediately or if the engine can be cooled by reducing the load.
  • Decrease in fuel pressure.
    Fix: A decrease in fuel pressure usually indicates a plugged fuel filter.
  • Decrease in fuel pressure
    Fix: A decrease in fuel pressure usually indicates a plugged fuel filter.
  • A lower oil pressure is normal at low idle.
    Fix: If the load is stable and the gauge reading changes, perform the following procedure: 1. Remove the load. 2. Reduce engine speed to low idle. 3. Check and maintain the oil level.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Caterpillar 3406C.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterReplace air filter at each oil change and every 250 hours or as needed.612506250 hr PartsGeek $66.97
Fuel filterChange fuel filter every 1,000 hours or as needed.1000 hr find
Oil filterReplace oil filter at each oil change.250 hr find
BeltInspect belts at each oil change and replace if worn or damaged.250 hr find
CoolantChange coolant at each oil change and every 1,000 hours or as needed.1000 hr
OilChange oil and filter every 250 hours or as needed.34.1250 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 3406C family

187
Part #DescriptionCategory
1W7411CLEANER GP-AIR(D)(HEAVY DUTY)air_filter
8N9759MOUNTING GP - AIR CLEANERair_filter
50-ampAlternatoralternator
6N9294CHARGING ALTERNATOR 24V 35 AMPalternator
1W4878BELT GUARD - ALTERNATOR PULLEYbelt
W200-1002Buffer Sealbuffer_seal
i01329129Coolantcoolant_filter
i01359892Coolantcoolant_filter
W200-1001Cylinder Rod Seal - Wiper Sealcylinder_rod_seal
1R-0749High Efficiency Fuel Filterfuel_filter
1R-0750High Efficiency Fuel Filterfuel_filter
1R-0751High Efficiency Fuel Filterfuel_filter
1R-0755High Efficiency Fuel Filterfuel_filter
1R-0756High Efficiency Fuel Filterfuel_filter
1R-0766High Efficiency Fuel Filterfuel_filter
1282922CATWater Pump Gasket Set - 0.4 lbs/ 0.18 kgs, 5" Length, 27mm Width, 27mm Depth, 11 Application: 3400gasket
1555619CATFlywheel Housing Gasket - 3406gasket
1609874CATSingle Cylinder Liner Gasket Set - 3406/ 3412 0.1 lbs/ 0.04 kgsgasket
2161252CATSingle Cylinder Head Gasket Set - 3406/ 3406Egasket
3N4861GASKETgasket
DM-3E3322GASKET SET, FUEL SYSTEM 3406gasket
DM-3E7474GASKET SET, FUEL SYSTEM 3406gasket
DM-3E7485GASKET SET, FUEL SYSTEM 3406gasket
DM-3E7495GASKET SET, FUEL SYSTEM 3406gasket
DM-6I3066GASKET, CYL. HD. 3406gasket
DM-8C4452GASKET SET, FUEL SYSTEM 3406gasket
DM-8C6538GASKET SET, FUEL SYSTEM 3406gasket
DM-8C6772GASKET SET, FUEL SYSTEM 3406gasket
DM-8C8490GASKET SET, FUEL SYSTEM 3406gasket
DM-8C8764GASKET SET, FUEL SYSTEM 3406gasket
M-1282922Water Pump Mounting Gasketgasket
M-1609874Gasket Set - Cylinder Liner Packinggasket
M-1P4361 Fuel Priming Pump Gasketgasket
M-3639022Gasket Set - Front Structuregasket
M-4N1151Oil Pan Gasketgasket
M-4N1151-6Oil Pan Gasketgasket
M-4N1156Gasketgasket
M-4N7253Nozzle Adapter Gasketgasket
M-5P5678-6Valve Cover Gasketgasket
M-5P5678-9Valve Cover Gasketgasket
M-7C307Gasketgasket
MCB3406031Overhaul Gasket Setgasket
MCB3406032In-Chassis Gasket Setgasket
MCB3406033Cylinder Head Setgasket
i01206414Standard Torque for Constant Torque Hose Clampshose
i01206505Standard Torque for Worm Drive Band Hose Clampshose
W200-1000Hydraulic Cylinder Reseal Service Kithydraulic_filter
3N4859IMPELLERimpeller
M-1007551Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-1007556Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-1007557Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-1007558Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-1279792Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-1279793Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-1311243Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-4W7017Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-4W7018Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-4W7022Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-7W7026Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-7W7032Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-7W7037Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-7W7040Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-7W7041Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-7W7042Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-7W7043Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-7W7044Fuel Nozzle - 7000 Seriesinjector
M-9L6884Fuel Nozzle - Capsuleinjector
M-9N3246Fuel Nozzle - Capsuleinjector
0P8708POWER PLUS RENTL FINANCE PRGMother_service
0P94840P948401JUL98PRC PROPGM641-6other_service
1031956MOUNTING GP - CONTACTORother_service
1036101CONTROL GP -Aother_service
1037284MOUNTING GP - BREAKERother_service
1047942FASTENER GPother_service
1048615BASE GP - FUEL TANK &other_service
1059710LINES GP - OIL DRAINother_service
1069931LINES GP - DRAINother_service
1080723HARNESS GP - WIRINGother_service
1095264PANEL AR - CONTROLother_service
1114219MOUNTING GP - CONTROL PANELother_service
1114421ACTUATOR AS - 524 GOVERNORother_service
1117534MOUNTING GP - ACTUATORother_service
117-0456Crankshaft Bareother_service
1172855TRANSFER GPother_service
13094153406 DITA/XQ350 RENTAL PKGother_service
1315455CONTROL ASother_service
1315544RADIATOR GPother_service
1N38763406 DITA ENGINE AR - BASICother_service
249-0433Oxidation Catalyst Assembly - Roundother_service
256-0326Oxidation Catalyst Assembly - Roundother_service
2T8141387 KW @ 1800 RPM (519 BHP)other_service
2W8198SOLENOID SHUTOFF - ETR 24 Vother_service
3N4858SHAFTother_service
3N4860CAM LINERother_service
3N4862WEAR PLATEother_service
4N3093BLOWER FANother_service
4N6540MOUNTING GP-HEATERother_service
4N9778UPPER RADIATOR CONNECTIONSother_service
4P3359COUPLINGother_service
4P6247PICK UP GP - MAGNETICother_service
4P7610PICK UP GP - MAGNETICother_service
4P9687SR4 GENERATOR AR-POWER (60HZ)other_service
4W1727COVER GPother_service
4W5828AIR INLET HOODother_service
5P2506LITERATURE GP - ENGLISHother_service
5P2586OIL - BULK - ONE LITERother_service
6I0371ENCLOSURE GPother_service
6L2927DRY ELBOWother_service
6N8878FUEL PRESSURE GAUGEother_service
7E5996Connecting rodother_service
7E6247JACKET WATER HEATERother_service
7N8840FAN DRIVE 0.800 RATIOother_service
7W1340MOUNTING GP - ALTERNATORother_service
8N1726Connecting rodother_service
9G4231BATTERY - 12 VOLTother_service
9N3368Coolant Conditioner Element—If Equippedother_service
BER0005BEARINGother_service
CAMSET0018CAM LINERother_service
DZ111166(3402) (3404) (3408) (3409) (974G)other_service
JSK002601SERVICE KITother_service
M-24855131 Regulator - 180ºCother_service
P-36Engine Brake Housing Assembly Group Frontother_service
PEHP3036Cat Reman Short and Long Blocksother_service
PEHP3036-01Cat Reman Short and Long Blocksother_service
SHA0046SHAFTother_service
WER0010WEAR PLATEother_service
g00104545Illustration 4other_service
g00107406Illustration 1: Safety message for the clutch located on the clutch housing (if equipped).other_service
g00107407Illustration 2: Safety message for rotating gears that can cause entanglement of the fingers and hands.other_service
g00291056Illustration 20 (Electronic Overspeed Switch with Cranking Termination)other_service
g00293335Illustration 19 (Magnetic pickup, Flywheel housing)other_service
g00367054Engine Liftingother_service
g00455028Improper jumper cable connections can cause an explosion resulting in personal injury.other_service
g00524010Typical location of the batteries in the battery compartmentother_service
g00524148Lift eyes or tank can fail when lifting tank containing fluids resulting in possible personal injury. Drain tank of all fluids before lifting.other_service
g00687600Always use a board or cardboard when you check for a leak. Leaking fluid that is under pressure can penetrate body tissue. Fluid penetration can cause serious injury and possible death. A pin hole leak can cause severe injury. If fluid is injected into your skin, you must get treatment immediately. Seek treatment from a doctor that is familiar with this type of injury.other_service
g00702020Wear a hard hat, protective glasses, and other protective equipment, as required.other_service
g00702022Illustration 5: Asbestos Informationother_service
g00704000Illustration 11other_service
g00706404Improperly disposing of waste can threaten the environment. Potentially harmful fluids should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations.other_service
g00722253Illustration 12other_service
i00061495Information Plateother_service
i00062369Engine Stoppingother_service
i00610276Reference Numbersother_service
i00621349Standard Torque for Inch Fastenersother_service
i00621350Standard Torque for Metric Fastenersother_service
i00777190Drain tank of all fluids before lifting.other_service
i00826199Engine Identificationother_service
i01072501Before Starting Engineother_service
i01103904Engine Startingother_service
i01193826Emissions Certification Filmother_service
i01359622Mounting and Dismountingother_service
i01359666Crushing Prevention and Cutting Preventionother_service
i01359759General Hazard Informationother_service
i01368857Safety Signs and Labelsother_service
i01369271Model View Illustrationsother_service
i01369284Engine Descriptionother_service
i01369380Serial Number Plateother_service
i01369505Gauges and Indicatorsother_service
i01369587Engine Features and Controlsother_service
1313533PUMP GP - GOVERNORpump
5N4852PUMP ASSYpump
JPR-CT3406PUMP ASSYpump
M-10525081 Fuel Priming Pumppump
M-1354926Water Pumppump
M-1375541Fuel Priming Pumppump
M-1W1700Fuel Transfer Pumppump
M-4N733Oil Pumppump
3N4863OIL SEALseal
3N5632M-SEALseal
M-1090077Seal O-Ringseal
M-1425867Front Crankshaft Sealseal
M-1425868Rear Crankshaft Sealseal
M-16324786 6 Valve Stem Seal - Exhaustseal
M-2S2251Nozzle Adapter Seal Ringseal
M-3S9643Regulator Sealseal
M-5H7153Nozzle Adapter Seal Ringseal
M-5S2106Fan Hub Sealseal
M-7F2122Fan Hub O-Ring Sealseal
M-8M5249Nozzle Adapter Seal Ringseal
MCBKT7000Nozzle Seal Kit - 7000 Seriesseal
MCSSET0007M-SEAL(WITH SNAP-RING)seal
ESD5526Speed Controllerspeed_controller
4N1062ELECTRIC STARTING MOTOR LH 24Vstarter
M-1209453Regulator - 170°thermostat
M-2477133Regulator - 190°thermostat
W200-1003U-cup Sealu_cup_seal

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

  • Air filter: Caterpillar 612506 Donaldson P532506 Wix 46589 Ac Delco A1586C
  • Oil filter: Caterpillar 3890434 Caterpillar 2P4005 Donaldson P551808 Donaldson P554005 Wix 57792 Wix 51792 Ac Delco PF879L

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

Also used in

12
  • Case/Case Ih LION — Tractor
  • Case/Case Ih PANTHER — Tractor
  • Caterpillar 587R — Pipe Layer
  • Caterpillar 980G II — Loader Wheeled
  • Caterpillar R2900 — Loader Wheeled
  • Caterpillar RM250C — Road Stabilizer
  • Caterpillar RM350 — Road Stabilizer
  • Caterpillar RR250B — Road Stabilizer
  • Caterpillar SS250B — Road Stabilizer
  • Driltech D40K — Drilling Equipment
  • Ford CL-9000 — Truck
  • Ford CLT-9000 — 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 3406C?

The Caterpillar 3406C engine has an oil capacity of 34.1 liters.

What is the displacement of the Caterpillar 3406C?

The Caterpillar 3406C has a displacement of 14.6 liters with 6 cylinders.

Which generators use the Caterpillar 3406C engine?

The Caterpillar 3406C powers 2 generator set(s), including Caterpillar 3406, Caterpillar 3406C Industrial Engine.

What oil filter does the Caterpillar 3406C use?

The Caterpillar 3406C uses oil filter part numbers Caterpillar 3890434, Caterpillar 2P4005, Donaldson P551808.

What air filter does the Caterpillar 3406C use?

The Caterpillar 3406C uses air filter part numbers Caterpillar 612506, Donaldson P532506, Wix 46589.

How often should you change the oil in the Caterpillar 3406C?

The Caterpillar 3406C oil change interval is every 250 hours.

What is a common problem with the Caterpillar 3406C engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Caterpillar 3406C is: Fault shutdown.