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Caterpillar 3412 DITA Engine

The Caterpillar 3412 DITA is an engine rated at 1800 rpm, producing up to 880 kW. It powers generator sets from Caterpillar, including the 3412.

Also known as: Caterpillar 3412 DITA

1800 rpm

Rated speed

880 kW

Gross power

On this pageService parts Specs Generator sets Maintenance Filter cross-reference FAQ Service intervals Torque & specs Fluids Procedures Wiring

Service parts for the 3412 DITA

The cheapest captured merchant offer per filter — see the full cross-reference below for every OEM/aftermarket option.

Fuel system

1 required

494145823Fuel filterfind

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Engine specifications

Rated speed	1800 rpm
Gross power	880 kW

Generator sets powered by this engine

Caterpillar 3412

How to read your Caterpillar engine serial & model number →

Common problems

Increased coolant temperature null

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Caterpillar 3412 DITA.

Maintenance schedule

Item	Part #
Air filter	7E4254	eBay
Fuel filter	8H7204	eBay FridayParts $40.77
Battery	7L7872	eBay

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

Service intervals

Item	Action	Hours	Months	Notes
System	Test	1 hr		ToCI quarterly: exercise system under full load for 1 hour
Sea Water Strainer	Clean	50 hr		When required and every 3800 L (1000 US gal) of fuel or 50 service hours
Zinc Rods	Inspect	50 hr		When required and every 3800 L (1000 US gal) of fuel or 50 service hours; replace when deteriorated
Engine oil (S-O-S oil sample)	Test	125 hr		Severe service occurs at high loads, in high temperatures, and in dusty conditions
Alternator Belt	Inspect	250 hr	12 mo	Inspect/adjust/replace; every 12 750 L (3375 US gal) of fuel or 250 h or yearly (8RG1-Up); every 19 000 L (5000 US gal) or 250 h or yearly (REA1-Up, 3JK1-Up, 7BL1-Up)
Battery Electrolyte Level	Check	250 hr	12 mo	Every 12 750 L (3375 US gal) of fuel or 250 h or yearly (8RG1-Up); every 19 000 L (5000 US gal) or 250 h or yearly (REA1-Up, 3JK1-Up, 7BL1-Up)
Coolant (S-O-S coolant analysis Level 1)	Test	250 hr		Cat ELC - Every 250 Hours; also the recommended sampling interval for all conventional heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze and for commercial coolants that meet Cat EC-1
Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 1)	Test	250 hr		Every 250 service hours
Cooling System Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)	Test	250 hr	12 mo	Test/Add; 8RG1-Up: 12 750 L (3375 US gal) or 250 h or yearly; other S/N: 19 000 L (5000 US gal) or 250 h or yearly
Engine Air Cleaner Element	Clean	250 hr	12 mo	Clean/Replace; 8RG1-Up: 12 750 L (3375 US gal) or 250 h or yearly; other S/N: 19 000 L (5000 US gal) or 250 h or yearly
Engine Crankcase Breather	Clean	250 hr	12 mo	8RG1-Up: 12 750 L (3375 US gal) or 250 h or yearly; other S/N: 19 000 L (5000 US gal) or 250 h or yearly
Engine Oil Sample	Other	250 hr	12 mo	Obtain S·O·S oil sample; 8RG1-Up: 12 750 L (3375 US gal) or 250 h or yearly; other S/N: 19 000 L (5000 US gal) or 250 h or yearly
Engine Oil and Filter	Change	250 hr	12 mo	8RG1-Up: 12 750 L (3375 US gal) or 250 h or yearly; other S/N: 19 000 L (5000 US gal) or 250 h or yearly
Engine crankcase oil (S-O-S oil sample)	Test	250 hr		Table 6 S-O-S Oil Sampling Interval; severe applications may require a more frequent oil sampling interval
Fuel System Primary Filter	Clean	250 hr	12 mo	Clean/Replace; 8RG1-Up: 12 750 L (3375 US gal) or 250 h or yearly; other S/N: 19 000 L (5000 US gal) or 250 h or yearly
Fuel System Secondary Filter	Replace	250 hr	12 mo	8RG1-Up: 12 750 L (3375 US gal) or 250 h or yearly; other S/N: 19 000 L (5000 US gal) or 250 h or yearly
Fuel Tank Water and Sediment	Drain	250 hr	12 mo	8RG1-Up: 12 750 L (3375 US gal) or 250 h or yearly; other S/N: 19 000 L (5000 US gal) or 250 h or yearly
Hoses and Clamps	Inspect	250 hr	12 mo	Inspect/Replace; 8RG1-Up: 12 750 L (3375 US gal) or 250 h or yearly; other S/N: 19 000 L (5000 US gal) or 250 h or yearly
SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive) concentration	Test	250 hr		Test the concentration of SCA or submit a coolant sample at 250 hour intervals or at PM Level 1 intervals; check at every oil change or every 250 hours, whichever occurs first
Coolant (S-O-S coolant analysis Level 2)	Test	500 hr	12 mo	First service — For new systems, refilled systems, and converted systems that use Cat ELC or Cat DEAC; also every year; use the interval that occurs first
Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 2)	Test	500 hr	12 mo	First service — Initial 500 hours for new systems, refilled systems, and converted systems
Aftercooler Core	Clean	1000 hr		When required; also every 76 000 L (20 000 US gal) of fuel or 1000 service hours
Heat Exchanger	Inspect	1000 hr		When required; also every 76 000 L (20 000 US gal) of fuel or 1000 service hours
Engine Speed/Timing Sensors	Check	1500 hr		Check/Clean/Calibrate; 76 500 L (20 250 US gal) of fuel or 1500 h (8RG1-Up); 114 000 L (30 000 US gal) or 1500 h (REA1-Up, 3JK1-Up, 7BL1-Up)
Engine Valve Lash	Adjust	1500 hr		First service — Inspect/Adjust; 76 500 L (20 250 US gal) of fuel or 1500 h (8RG1-Up); 114 000 L (30 000 US gal) or 1500 h (other S/N)
Engine Valve Rotators	Inspect	1500 hr		76 500 L (20 250 US gal) of fuel or 1500 h (8RG1-Up); 114 000 L (30 000 US gal) or 1500 h (other S/N)
Alternator	Inspect	3000 hr		153 500 L (40 500 US gal) of fuel or 3000 h (8RG1-Up); 228 000 L (60 000 US gal) or 3000 h (REA1-Up, 3JK1-Up, 7BL1-Up)
Auxiliary Water Pump	Inspect	3000 hr		153 500 L (40 500 US gal) of fuel or 3000 h (8RG1-Up); 228 000 L (60 000 US gal) or 3000 h (other S/N)
Cooling System Coolant (DEAC)	Change	3000 hr		153 500 L (40 500 US gal) of fuel or 3000 h (8RG1-Up); 228 000 L (60 000 US gal) or 3000 h (other S/N)
Cooling System Water Temperature Regulator	Replace	3000 hr		153 500 L (40 500 US gal) of fuel or 3000 h (8RG1-Up); 228 000 L (60 000 US gal) or 3000 h (other S/N)
Crankshaft Vibration Damper	Inspect	3000 hr		153 500 L (40 500 US gal) of fuel or 3000 h (8RG1-Up); 228 000 L (60 000 US gal) or 3000 h (other S/N)
Engine Mounts	Inspect	3000 hr		153 500 L (40 500 US gal) of fuel or 3000 h (8RG1-Up); 228 000 L (60 000 US gal) or 3000 h (other S/N)
Fuel Injection Nozzles	Test	3000 hr		Test/Exchange; 153 500 L (40 500 US gal) of fuel or 3000 h (8RG1-Up); 228 000 L (60 000 US gal) or 3000 h (other S/N)
Starting Motor	Inspect	3000 hr		153 500 L (40 500 US gal) of fuel or 3000 h (8RG1-Up); 228 000 L (60 000 US gal) or 3000 h (other S/N)
Turbocharger	Inspect	3000 hr		153 500 L (40 500 US gal) of fuel or 3000 h (8RG1-Up); 228 000 L (60 000 US gal) or 3000 h (other S/N)
Cat ELC Extender addition (cooling system)	Other	6000 hr		Treat the cooling system with Cat ELC Extender at 6000 hours or one half of the coolant service life
Cooling System Coolant Extender (ELC)	Other	6000 hr	36 mo	Add; every 6000 service hours or 3 years
Overhaul Considerations	Other	10000 hr		570 000 L (150 000 US gal) of fuel or 10 000 h (8RG1-Up); 760 000 L (200 000 US gal) or 10 000 h (other S/N)
Coolant (Cat ELC)	Change	12000 hr		12000 service hours or six years; use the interval that occurs first
Cooling System Coolant (ELC)	Change	12000 hr	72 mo	Every 12 000 service hours or 6 years

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

Type	Item	Value	Unit	Condition
Clearance	Coolant level below bottom of filler pipe (engines without recovery tank)	within 13	mm	0.5 inch
Clearance	Crankshaft end play	.178 to .635	mm (0.0070 to 0.0250 inch)	measured with dial indicator
Clearance	Crankshaft end play after assembly	0.178 to 0.635	mm (0.0070 to 0.0250 inch)	after assembly
Clearance	End play at heat sink after assembly	0.076 to 0.635	mm (0.0030 to 0.0250 inch)	after assembly
Clearance	Gap at 3, 6, 9, 12 o'clock positions	0.03 to 0.13	mm (0.001 to 0.005 inch)	between
Clearance	Gap between generator and flywheel housing at locations (E), (F), (G), (H)	>0.03 and <0.13	mm (0.001 inch to 0.005 inch)	more than 0.03 mm and less than 0.13 mm
Clearance	Generator forward offset from midpoint of end play	+ 0.50	mm (+ 0.0200 inch)	while generator supported by crane
Clearance	Rotor end play	3.81 to 7.62	mm (.150 to .300 inch)	approximately
Clearance	Shim thickness divisor for number of shims	0.8	mm (0.03 inch)	divide Letter L by this value
Clearance	Support deflection during bolt tightening	0.13	mm (0.005 inch)	maximum allowed movement
Clearance	Water pump leakage considered normal as engine cools	small amount		water pump seal is lubricated by coolant in the cooling system
Other	Alternator belt deflection	13 to 19	mm	110 N (25 lb) of force applied midway between the pulleys; 0.50 to 0.75 inch
Other	Caterpillar Fast Acting Cooling System Cleaner concentration	0.5	L per 15 L	1 pint per 4 US gal of cooling system capacity
Other	Chlorine content limit for heat exchanger cleaning water	more than 300	ppm	water containing more than 300 ppm of chlorine should not be used
Other	Cooling system fill rate	no faster than 19	L per minute	5 US gal per minute to avoid air locks
Other	Exercise under full load	1	hour	ToCI quarterly
Other	Full load test duration	4	hours	Once per year
Other	Load bank data recording interval	15	minutes	During load bank test
Other	Load bank test load level	80	% of generator nameplate capacity	4-hour resistive load bank test
Other	Load bank test profile	2 hours at 50%, 1 hour at 75%, 1 hour at 100%		Annual four (4) hour load bank test
Other	Paper air cleaner element reuse limit	up to six	times	replace at least one time per year regardless of number of cleanings
Other	Plate type heat exchanger cleaner concentration	maximum 4	percent by weight	cleaning solution temperature less than 60°C (140°F)
Other	Rating condition (diesel 7 L and higher)	99 kPa (29.31 in Hg) dry barometer, 25°C (77°F)		SAE J1995 inlet air standard
Other	Rating 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
Other	Rating condition (gas)	100 kPa (29.61 in Hg) and 25°C (77°F)		SAE J1349 standard
Other	Solvent contact time with heat exchanger gaskets	not more than half an hour		natural rubber, butyl rubber and EPDM gaskets swell in these solvents
Other	Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) concentration, coolant and SCA	do not exceed six	percent
Other	Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) concentration, water and SCA	do not exceed eight	percent
Pressure	Auxiliary water pump differential pressure requiring component inspection	more than 103	kPa	15 psi
Pressure	Maximum air pressure at nozzle for cleaning	less than 205	kPa	30 psi
Pressure	Maximum air pressure for cleaning purposes	205	kPa (30 psi)	must be below
Pressure	Maximum pressure of filtered, dry air for cleaning paper air cleaner elements	207	kPa	30 psi
Pressure	Maximum water pressure for cleaning purposes	275	kPa (40 psi)	must be below
Pressure	Maximum water pressure for rinsing air cleaner element	275	kPa	40 psi; do not use a spray nozzle
Pressure	Unit injector fuel injection pressure	1240	bar (18 000 psi)
Speed	Engine speed for purging air from engine block cavities during coolant fill	1500	rpm	run one minute at 1500 rpm; low idle to increase
Temperature	Coolant temperature while cleaning heavily plugged systems	minimum 82	°C	180°F; run at low idle minimum 90 minutes
Temperature	Coolant temperature while cleaning with Fast Acting Cooling System Cleaner	minimum 82	°C	180°F; run at low idle minimum 30 minutes
Temperature	Cooling system flush temperature (ELC change)	49 to 66	°C	120 to 150°F
Temperature	Ether cylinder storage temperature limit	49	°C (120 °F)	do not store in direct sunlight or at temperatures above
Temperature	Hydrosolv liquid cleaner use temperature	up to 93	°C	200°F; two to five percent concentration
Temperature	Oven drying temperature for paper air cleaner elements	maximum 82	°C	160°F
Temperature	Paper air cleaner element wash water temperature	maximum 60	°C	140°F; soak element six hours
Torque	Air cleaner service indicator	2	N·m	18 lb in
Torque	Bolts (10)	100	N-m (75 lb ft)	Tighten in pairs at 180 degree intervals in three stages
Torque	Bolts (7) for shim pack and plate assembly	525 + 45	N-m (390 + 30 lb ft)	Tighten bolts (7)
Torque	Coupling plate assembly bolts (5)	525 + 25	N-m (390 + 20 lb ft)	Tighten in 180 degree intervals in three stages
Torque	Fan mounting bolts (11)	200	N-m (150 Ib ft)	Tighten in pairs at 180 degree intervals in three stages
Torque	Fuel line nuts	40 ± 7	N·m	30 ± 5 lb ft
Torque	Fuel system primary filter housing bolt	24 ± 4	N·m	18 ± 3 lb ft
Torque	Generator mounting bolts (half of standard torque)	450	N-m (332 lb ft)	one half of standard torque
Torque	Generator support bolts (half of final torque)	450	N-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

Fluid	Grade	Standard	Ambient	Notes
Coolant	Cat DEAC			Diesel; 3,000 Service Hours or Three Years; annual S·O·SSM Level 2 coolant sampling and analysis
Coolant	Cat DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant)	Acceptable coolant; commercial heavy-duty antifreeze/coolant must meet ASTM D4985 or ASTM D6210		Conventional heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze. Caterpillar recommends a 1:1 mixture of water and glycol. Do not use a commercial coolant/antifreeze that only meets the ASTM D3306 specification. Do not use Cat SCA at the initial fill when Cat DEAC is used.
Coolant	Cat ELC			Diesel; 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
Coolant	Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant)	Caterpillar EC-1 specification (preferred); also meets ASTM D4985, ASTM D6210, and ASTM D3306		Service life of 12000 service hours or six years. Premixed ELC provides freeze protection to -37 C (-34 F); ELC Concentrate can be used to lower the freezing point to -52 C (-62 F). An Extender is the only additional maintenance needed at 6000 service hours or one half of the ELC service life. Cat ELC cooling systems can withstand contamination to a maximum of ten percent of conventional heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze and/or SCA.
Coolant	Cat ELC Extender			Add every 6000 service hours or 3 years according to requirements for cooling system capacity
Coolant	Cat NGEC			Natural Gas; 16,000 Service Hours or Three Years; use interval that occurs first
Coolant	Cat SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive) with water			SCA concentration in a cooling system that uses SCA and water should be six to eight percent by volume; do not exceed the eight percent maximum concentration. If Cat SCA is not used, the commercial SCA must provide a minimum of 2400 mg/L or 2400 ppm (140 grains/US gal) of nitrites in the final coolant mixture when used with water, and a minimum of 1400 mg/L or 1400 ppm (82 grains/US gal) with heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze.
Coolant	Glycol (ethylene glycol / propylene glycol)	Propylene glycol coolant must meet ASTM D6210-04		Ethylene glycol: 50 percent = freeze protection -37 C (-34 F), boil protection 106 C (223 F); 60 percent = -52 C (-62 F), 111 C (232 F). Propylene glycol: 50 percent = -32 C (-26 F), 106 C (223 F). Do not use propylene glycol in concentrations that exceed 50 percent; do not use ethylene glycol in concentrations that exceed 60 percent. All Caterpillar diesel engines equipped with air-to-air aftercooling (ATAAC) require a minimum of 30 percent glycol.
Engine oil		EPA 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 oil	Cat DEO (Diesel Engine Oil) 10W-30 and 15W-40	Cat ECF-1 (exceeds); API CI-4, API CI-4 PLUS, API CH-4, API CG-4, API CF (Cat DEO SAE 15W-40)		Caterpillar oils are used to fill diesel engines at the factory. Non-Caterpillar commercial oils are second choice oils. Do not use API CF-4 oils in Caterpillar diesel engines. Do not use single grade API CF oils or multigrade API CF oils in 3500 Series, C175 Series and smaller DI diesel engines.
Engine oil	Cat NGEO			Natural Gas
Engine oil	Commercial oils (DI engines)	Cat ECF-1 required; API CG-4 multigrade acceptable; API CH-4, API CI-4 and API CI-4 PLUS acceptable only if the requirements of Cat ECF-1 are met; do not use API CF-4 oils		Minimum TBN must be 10 times the fuel sulfur level (ASTM D2896); minimum TBN of the oil is 5 regardless of a low fuel sulfur level. API CG-4 oils: do not exceed the standard oil drain interval.
Engine oil	Commercial oils (PC engines)	Cat ECF-1; API CH-4, API CI-4, API CI-4 PLUS (if Cat ECF-1 requirements met); API CG-4 multigrade; API CF-4 multigrade; API CF		Minimum TBN of the oil that is used in PC engines must be 20 times the fuel sulfur level; minimum TBN of new oil is five. Change the oil when the TBN deteriorates to 50 percent of the original TBN.
Engine oil	Re-refined base stock oils			Acceptable if they meet the performance requirements specified by Caterpillar; filtering is inadequate for producing high quality re-refined base stock oils.
Engine oil	Synthetic base stock oils			Acceptable if they meet the performance requirements specified for the engine compartment. Caterpillar does not recommend the automatic extension of oil drain intervals for any type of oil.
Engine oil	meeting manufacturer's specs			Add crankcase oil (grade meeting manufacturer's specs) to correct level (SCI)
Engine oil	Cat Arctic DEO SYN SAE 0W-30		-40°C to 30°C	Engine Crankcase; Industrial Engines
Engine oil	SAE 0W-20		-40°C to 10°C	Table 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oil	SAE 0W-30		-40°C to 30°C	Table 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oil	SAE 0W-40		-40°C to 40°C	Table 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oil	Cat DEO SYN SAE 5W-40		-30°C to 50°C	Engine Crankcase; Industrial Engines
Engine oil	SAE 5W-30		-30°C to 30°C	Table 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oil	SAE 5W-40		-30°C to 50°C	Table 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oil	Cat DEO SAE 10W-30		-18°C to 40°C	Engine Crankcase; Industrial Engines
Engine oil	SAE 10W-30		-18°C to 40°C	Table 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines); SAE 10W-30 is the preferred viscosity grade for the 3116, 3126, C7, C-9 and C9 diesel engines between -18 C (0 F) and 40 C (104 F)
Engine oil	SAE 10W-40		-18°C to 50°C	Table 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oil	Cat DEO SAE 15W-40		-9°C to 50°C	Engine Crankcase; Industrial Engines
Engine oil	SAE 15W-40		-9°C to 50°C	Table 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oil	Cat SAEO SAE 30	API CF-4 category	0°C to 40°C	Table 2 - 3116 and 3126 Marine Engines with mechanical unit injection; factory fill has API CF-4 category and viscosity grade of SAE 30
Engine oil	SAE 30		0°C to 40°C	Table 3 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures - PC engines only

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

Procedures

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

Loosen all bolts connecting base to foundation; loosen all bolts fastening engine supports and generator supports to base.
Ensure enough clearance between bolts and bolt holes in base, engine supports, generator supports at all locations.
Check clearance between base and foundation at all mounting locations; use shims to prevent deflection; tighten base-to-foundation bolts to final torque.
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
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
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.
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.
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

Loosen all bolts connecting base to foundation; loosen all bolts fastening generator supports and engine supports to base.
Ensure clearance between bolts and bolt holes in base, engine supports, generator supports at all locations.
Check clearance between base and foundation at all mounting locations; use shims to prevent base deflection; tighten base-to-foundation bolts to final torque.
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.

Alternator Belt - Inspect/Adjust/Replace adjustment

⚠ Replace belts for multiple groove pulleys in matched sets.

Tools: Belt tension gauge (110 N / 25 lb force)

Remove the belt guard.
Loosen mounting bolt (2) and adjusting nuts (1).
Turn adjusting nuts to increase or decrease belt tension.
Check deflection is 13 to 19 mm with 110 N applied midway.
Tighten the adjusting nuts; tighten the mounting bolt.
Reinstall the belt guard.
Check adjustment again after 30 minutes at rated rpm if new belts.

Rechecking The Alignment adjustment

Tools: torque wrench, shims

Loosen the sixteen close coupled adapter bolts (2); visually ensure they are centered in clearance holes.
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.
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
After adjustment, tighten generator mounting bolts to one half of standard torque 450 N-m (332 lb ft); repeat procedure starting with Step 1.

Determining the cause of a plugged fuel filter (ice or wax) diagnostic

Remove the fuel filters.
Cut the fuel filters open.
Inspect the fuel filter before the filter warms. The inspection will show that the filter is filled with particles of either ice or wax.

Load Bank Test diagnostic

Warm Up
Start
15 Min
30 Min
45 Min
1 Hour
Cool Down

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

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.
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.
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.
Remove coupling bolts and washers; remove plates, shims, and exhaust fan; lift rotor; locate rotor so air gap equal; move rotor to extreme rear.
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.
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.
Bolt a standard set of 17 5N-4478 Plates together; measure thickness in two locations along contour; average as K.
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.
Put coupling plate in flywheel bore; check clearance between coupling plate outside diameter and flywheel bore inside diameter.
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).
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.
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.
Install fan mounting bolts (11) into flywheel; tighten to 200 N-m (150 Ib ft) in pairs at 180 degree intervals in three stages.
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.
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

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

Aftercooler Core - Clean/Test maintenance

⚠ Do not use a high concentration of caustic cleaner to clean the core.

⚠ Maximum air pressure at the nozzle must be less than 205 kPa (30 psi).

Tools: Pressure air supply (maximum 205 kPa / 30 psi at nozzle)

Remove the core. Refer to the Service Manual for the procedure.
Turn the aftercooler core upside-down in order to remove debris.
Back flush the core with cleaner (1U-5490 or 174-6854 Hydrosolv).
Steam clean the core to remove residue; flush the fins.
Wash the core with hot, soapy water; rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Dry the core with compressed air in the reverse direction of normal flow.
Inspect the core for cleanliness; pressure test; repair if necessary.
Install the core. Refer to the Service Manual for the procedure.

Automatic Transfer Switch Semi-Annual Service maintenance

Verify proper operation of exerciser clock; adjust if necessary.
Provide visual inspection of all contacts and connection points.
Perform building load test if practical and inspect for proper transfer and re-transfer.
Verify operation of all control lamps.

Battery Electrolyte Level - Check maintenance

⚠ All lead-acid batteries contain sulfuric acid; wear face shield and protective clothing.

Tools: 245-5829 Coolant Battery Tester Refractometer

Remove the filler caps; maintain the electrolyte to the FULL mark.
Add distilled water if necessary; avoid artificially softened water.
Check electrolyte condition with the 245-5829 Coolant Battery Tester Refractometer.
Clean battery case with baking soda/water or ammonia/water solution; rinse.
Clean terminals and cable clamps with fine grade sandpaper.
Coat clamps and terminals with 5N-5561 Silicone Lubricant, petroleum jelly or MPGM.
Clean the battery case; keep the batteries clean.

Battery and Battery Charger System Semi-Annual Service maintenance

Clean all battery terminals; verify integrity of cables and connectors.
Load-test battery.
Measure specific gravity of each battery cell.
Inspect electrolyte level and add fluid if necessary.
Verify proper operation and float voltage of external battery charger.
Verify and record output of engine alternator.

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

Voltage	Phase	Connection	Leads	Notes
480V	3		12 lead reconnectable	Generator end is 12 lead reconnectable: Yes

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

Filters for this engine

Fuel filter: Caterpillar 494145823 Donaldson P555823 Wix 33384 Ac Delco TP920

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

Also used in

Caterpillar 992C — Loader Wheeled
Caterpillar 992D — Loader Wheeled
Caterpillar D10N — Tractor Tracked
Caterpillar D9L — Tractor Tracked
Demag H 121 — Excavator Tracked
Manitowoc 4599 SERIES 4 — Dragline
Wirtgen 2600SM — Finisher Road
Wirtgen SF2200VC — Finisher Road

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

Which generators use the Caterpillar 3412 DITA engine?

The Caterpillar 3412 DITA powers 1 generator set(s), including Caterpillar 3412.

What fuel filter does the Caterpillar 3412 DITA use?

The Caterpillar 3412 DITA uses fuel filter part numbers Caterpillar 494145823, Donaldson P555823, Wix 33384.

What is a common problem with the Caterpillar 3412 DITA engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Caterpillar 3412 DITA is: Increased coolant temperature.