HomeEnginesCaterpillar 3412 DITA

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

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

Prices captured from merchant listings; some links are affiliate links. Verify against your serial number before ordering.

Engine specifications

Rated speed1800 rpm
Gross power880 kW

Common problems

1
  • Increased coolant temperature null

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

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter7E4254 eBay
Fuel filter8H7204 eBay FridayParts $40.77
Battery7L7872 eBay

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

Service intervals

40
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
SystemTest1 hrToCI quarterly: exercise system under full load for 1 hour
Sea Water StrainerClean50 hrWhen required and every 3800 L (1000 US gal) of fuel or 50 service hours
Zinc RodsInspect50 hrWhen required and every 3800 L (1000 US gal) of fuel or 50 service hours; replace when deteriorated
Alternator BeltInspect250 hr12 moInspect/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 LevelCheck250 hr12 moEvery 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)
Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 1)Test250 hrEvery 250 service hours
Cooling System Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)Test250 hr12 moTest/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 ElementClean250 hr12 moClean/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 BreatherClean250 hr12 mo8RG1-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 SampleOther250 hr12 moObtain 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 FilterChange250 hr12 mo8RG1-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 Primary FilterClean250 hr12 moClean/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 FilterReplace250 hr12 mo8RG1-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 SedimentDrain250 hr12 mo8RG1-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 ClampsInspect250 hr12 moInspect/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
Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 2)Test500 hr12 moFirst service — Initial 500 hours for new systems, refilled systems, and converted systems
Aftercooler CoreClean1000 hrWhen required; also every 76 000 L (20 000 US gal) of fuel or 1000 service hours
Heat ExchangerInspect1000 hrWhen required; also every 76 000 L (20 000 US gal) of fuel or 1000 service hours
Engine Speed/Timing SensorsCheck1500 hrCheck/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 LashAdjust1500 hrFirst 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 RotatorsInspect1500 hr76 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)
AlternatorInspect3000 hr153 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 PumpInspect3000 hr153 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)Change3000 hr153 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 RegulatorReplace3000 hr153 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 DamperInspect3000 hr153 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 MountsInspect3000 hr153 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 NozzlesTest3000 hrTest/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 MotorInspect3000 hr153 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)
TurbochargerInspect3000 hr153 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 Extender (ELC)Other6000 hr36 moAdd; every 6000 service hours or 3 years
Overhaul ConsiderationsOther10000 hr570 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)
Cooling System Coolant (ELC)Change12000 hr72 moEvery 12 000 service hours or 6 years
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
BatteryTest6 moLoad-test battery at each semi-annual visit
Coolant antifreezeChange12 moNCCI/RCI: antifreeze change once per year during contract term
Engine tune-upOther12 moAnnual: engine tune-up with parts
Fuel filtersChange12 moAnnual: change fuel filters

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

37
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceCoolant level below bottom of filler pipe (engines without recovery tank)within 13mm0.5 inch
ClearanceWater pump leakage considered normal as engine coolssmall amountwater pump seal is lubricated by coolant in the cooling system
OtherAlternator belt deflection13 to 19mm110 N (25 lb) of force applied midway between the pulleys; 0.50 to 0.75 inch
OtherCaterpillar Fast Acting Cooling System Cleaner concentration0.5L per 15 L1 pint per 4 US gal of cooling system capacity
OtherChlorine content limit for heat exchanger cleaning watermore than 300ppmwater containing more than 300 ppm of chlorine should not be used
OtherCooling system fill rateno faster than 19L per minute5 US gal per minute to avoid air locks
OtherExercise under full load1hourToCI quarterly
OtherFull load test duration4hoursOnce per year
OtherLoad bank data recording interval15minutesDuring load bank test
OtherLoad bank test load level80% of generator nameplate capacity4-hour resistive load bank test
OtherLoad bank test profile2 hours at 50%, 1 hour at 75%, 1 hour at 100%Annual four (4) hour load bank test
OtherPaper air cleaner element reuse limitup to sixtimesreplace at least one time per year regardless of number of cleanings
OtherPlate type heat exchanger cleaner concentrationmaximum 4percent by weightcleaning solution temperature less than 60°C (140°F)
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
OtherSolvent contact time with heat exchanger gasketsnot more than half an hournatural rubber, butyl rubber and EPDM gaskets swell in these solvents
OtherSupplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) concentration, coolant and SCAdo not exceed sixpercent
OtherSupplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) concentration, water and SCAdo not exceed eightpercent
PressureAuxiliary water pump differential pressure requiring component inspectionmore than 103kPa15 psi
PressureMaximum air pressure at nozzle for cleaningless than 205kPa30 psi
PressureMaximum air pressure for cleaning purposes205kPa (30 psi)must be below
PressureMaximum pressure of filtered, dry air for cleaning paper air cleaner elements207kPa30 psi
PressureMaximum water pressure for cleaning purposes275kPa (40 psi)must be below
PressureMaximum water pressure for rinsing air cleaner element275kPa40 psi; do not use a spray nozzle
PressureUnit injector fuel injection pressure1240bar (18 000 psi)
SpeedEngine speed for purging air from engine block cavities during coolant fill1500rpmrun one minute at 1500 rpm; low idle to increase
TemperatureCoolant temperature while cleaning heavily plugged systemsminimum 82°C180°F; run at low idle minimum 90 minutes
TemperatureCoolant temperature while cleaning with Fast Acting Cooling System Cleanerminimum 82°C180°F; run at low idle minimum 30 minutes
TemperatureCooling system flush temperature (ELC change)49 to 66°C120 to 150°F
TemperatureEther cylinder storage temperature limit49°C (120 °F)do not store in direct sunlight or at temperatures above
TemperatureHydrosolv liquid cleaner use temperatureup to 93°C200°F; two to five percent concentration
TemperatureOven drying temperature for paper air cleaner elementsmaximum 82°C160°F
TemperaturePaper air cleaner element wash water temperaturemaximum 60°C140°F; soak element six hours
TorqueAir cleaner service indicator2N·m18 lb in
TorqueFuel line nuts40 ± 7N·m30 ± 5 lb ft
TorqueFuel system primary filter housing bolt24 ± 4N·m18 ± 3 lb ft

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 DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant)Conventional heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze; commercial long life coolants meeting Caterpillar EC-1Level 1 coolant sample every 250 hours; Level 2 yearly; DEAC change every 3000 service hours
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 ELC (Extended Life Coolant)Does not require frequent SCA additions; Level 1 sample optional, Level 2 yearly; ELC change every 12 000 service hours or 6 years
CoolantCat ELC ExtenderAdd every 6000 service hours or 3 years according to requirements for cooling system capacity
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 oilmeeting manufacturer's specsAdd crankcase oil (grade meeting manufacturer's specs) to correct level (SCI)
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
Fuel35° API, LHV 42 780 kJ/kg (18,390 Btu/lb), density 838,9 g/L (Diesel ≥7 L rating condition)Reference fuel for Diesel rating conditions
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)
GreaseCat Generator Set GreasePart Number 108-8611
OtherCaterpillar Fast Acting Cooling System Cleaner0.5 L per 15 L0.5 L (1 pint) of cleaner per 15 L (4 US gal) of cooling system capacity; use only cooling system cleaners approved for Caterpillar engines

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

Procedures

12
Alternator Belt - Inspect/Adjust/Replace adjustment

⚠ Replace belts for multiple groove pulleys in matched sets.

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

  1. Remove the belt guard.
  2. Loosen mounting bolt (2) and adjusting nuts (1).
  3. Turn adjusting nuts to increase or decrease belt tension.
  4. Check deflection is 13 to 19 mm with 110 N applied midway.
  5. Tighten the adjusting nuts; tighten the mounting bolt.
  6. Reinstall the belt guard.
  7. Check adjustment again after 30 minutes at rated rpm if new belts.
Load Bank Test diagnostic
  1. Warm Up
  2. Start
  3. 15 Min
  4. 30 Min
  5. 45 Min
  6. 1 Hour
  7. Cool Down
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)

  1. Remove the core. Refer to the Service Manual for the procedure.
  2. Turn the aftercooler core upside-down in order to remove debris.
  3. Back flush the core with cleaner (1U-5490 or 174-6854 Hydrosolv).
  4. Steam clean the core to remove residue; flush the fins.
  5. Wash the core with hot, soapy water; rinse thoroughly with clean water.
  6. Dry the core with compressed air in the reverse direction of normal flow.
  7. Inspect the core for cleanliness; pressure test; repair if necessary.
  8. Install the core. Refer to the Service Manual for the procedure.
Automatic Transfer Switch Semi-Annual Service maintenance
  1. Verify proper operation of exerciser clock; adjust if necessary.
  2. Provide visual inspection of all contacts and connection points.
  3. Perform building load test if practical and inspect for proper transfer and re-transfer.
  4. 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

  1. Remove the filler caps; maintain the electrolyte to the FULL mark.
  2. Add distilled water if necessary; avoid artificially softened water.
  3. Check electrolyte condition with the 245-5829 Coolant Battery Tester Refractometer.
  4. Clean battery case with baking soda/water or ammonia/water solution; rinse.
  5. Clean terminals and cable clamps with fine grade sandpaper.
  6. Coat clamps and terminals with 5N-5561 Silicone Lubricant, petroleum jelly or MPGM.
  7. Clean the battery case; keep the batteries clean.
Battery and Battery Charger System Semi-Annual Service maintenance
  1. Clean all battery terminals; verify integrity of cables and connectors.
  2. Load-test battery.
  3. Measure specific gravity of each battery cell.
  4. Inspect electrolyte level and add fluid if necessary.
  5. Verify proper operation and float voltage of external battery charger.
  6. Verify and record output of engine alternator.
Controls Semi-Annual Service maintenance
  1. Verify and record output voltage and adjust voltage regulator, if necessary.
  2. Calibrate control meters.
  3. Verify and record output frequency and adjust governor, if necessary.
  4. Verify operation of all control panel lamps.
  5. Inspect for any loose connections, terminals or discoloration.
Coolant System Semi-Annual Service maintenance
  1. Inspect all clamps, verify condition of all hoses and identify any leaks.
  2. Verify proper operation of engine water jacket heater.
  3. Test coolant freeze point and verify coolant level.
  4. Test coolant additive package for proper corrosion inhibitors.
  5. Inspect belt condition and tension; correct as required.
  6. Inspect radiator core for visual blockage or obstructions.
  7. Inspect for proper operation of intake louvers.
  8. Verify proper operation of remote radiator and belt condition.
Cooling System Coolant Level - Check maintenance

⚠ Pressurized System: Hot coolant can cause serious burns.

⚠ Stop the engine and wait until cooling system components are cool.

Tools: 9S-8140 Pressurized Pump Group (filler cap pressure test)

  1. Observe coolant level in recovery tank; maintain to COLD FULL mark.
  2. Loosen filler cap slowly to relieve pressure; remove the filler cap.
  3. Pour proper coolant mixture into tank; do not fill above COLD FULL.
  4. Clean filler cap and receptacle; reinstall; inspect system for leaks.
  5. Without a recovery tank, maintain level within 13 mm of filler pipe bottom.
  6. Clean and inspect filler cap gaskets; replace damaged cap.
Cooling System Semi-Annual Service (SCI) maintenance
  1. Visual inspection of Radiator/Heat exchanger for leaks, damage and obstructions.
  2. Add coolant to correct level.
  3. Inspect radiator cap, gasket and sealing surface.
  4. Visual inspection of water pump and cooling system gaskets for leaks.
  5. Inspect belts for cracking and fraying.
  6. Check water jacket heater for proper operation and adjust thermostat setting as needed.
  7. Check belt tension.
  8. Inspect flexible water connections for cracking, leaks and pliability.
  9. Inspect pulleys for excessive wear.
  10. Analyze coolant for proper antifreeze percentage.
  11. Analyze coolant conditioner level and add supplemental coolant additive as needed.
  12. Tighten hose clamps as needed.
  13. Lubricate fan drive with bearing lubricant.
Engine Crankcase Breather - Clean maintenance

⚠ Perform this maintenance with the engine stopped.

⚠ A plugged crankcase breather will cause excessive crankcase pressure.

  1. Loosen hose clamp (1) and remove the hose from breather assembly (2).
  2. Loosen retaining clamp (3); remove the breather assembly and seal (4).
  3. Wash the breather element in clean, nonflammable solvent.
  4. Allow the breather element to dry before installation.
  5. Install a clean, dry element, the seal, the breather assembly, and the clamp.
  6. Install the hose and the hose clamp; refer to SENR3130 for torques.
Engine Oil and Filter - Change maintenance

⚠ Hot oil and hot components can cause personal injury.

⚠ Do not fill the oil filters with oil before installing them.

⚠ Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds.

Tools: 1U-8760 Chain Wrench, 175-7546 Oil Filter Cutter Gp

  1. Run the engine at normal operating temperature, then stop the engine.
  2. Drain the crankcase through the drain valve or the oil drain plugs.
  3. Remove the oil filter with a 1U-8760 Chain Wrench.
  4. Cut the filter open with a 175-7546 Oil Filter Cutter Gp; inspect for debris.
  5. Clean the filter mounting base sealing surface; remove all old gasket.
  6. Apply clean engine oil to new filter gasket; install filter hand tight.
  7. Fill crankcase between the ADD mark and the FULL mark on the gauge.
  8. Run engine at low idle two minutes; inspect filter for leaks; check level.

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
480V312 lead reconnectableGenerator 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

8
  • 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.