The Caterpillar 3512B is a 51.8 L 12-cylinder ta engine rated at 1800 rpm, producing up to 1450 kW. It powers generator sets from Caterpillar, including the 3412, 3508, 3512 and PM 1360 RENTAL. It holds 644 L (170.1 gal) of oil and 156.9 L (41.4 gal) of coolant.
Also known as: Caterpillar 3512B
Part of the Caterpillar 3512B engine family — 6 variants share parts & fitment.
The cheapest captured merchant offer per filter — see the full cross-reference below for every OEM/aftermarket option.
Prices captured from merchant listings; some links are affiliate links. Verify against your serial number before ordering.
| Oil capacity | 644.0 L |
|---|---|
| Coolant capacity | 156.9 L |
| Displacement | 51.8 L |
| Cylinders | 12 |
| Aspiration | TA |
| Rated speed | 1800 rpm |
| Gross power | 1450 kW |
Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Caterpillar 3512B.
| Item | Spec | Capacity | Part # | Interval | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air filter | — | ||||
| Fuel filter | — | 1000 hr | |||
| Oil filter | 1U-8760 | Amazon eBay | |||
| Battery | 245-5829 | Amazon eBay $98.00 | |||
| Belt | — | ||||
| Coolant | 9S-8140 | Amazon eBay | |||
| Oil | 644.0 L | — | 1000 hr | ||
| Spark plug | — |
Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.
| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling System Coolant Level | Check | 8 hr | Daily | |
| Driven Equipment | Other | 8 hr | Daily; Inspect/Replace/Lubricate | |
| Engine Air Cleaner Differential Pressure | Check | 8 hr | Daily | |
| Engine Air Precleaner | Clean | 8 hr | Daily | |
| Engine Oil Filter Differential Pressure | Check | 8 hr | Daily | |
| Engine Oil Level | Check | 8 hr | Daily | |
| Fuel System Fuel Filter Differential Pressure | Check | 8 hr | Daily | |
| Fuel System Primary Filter/Water Separator | Drain | 8 hr | Daily | |
| Fuel Tank Water and Sediment | Drain | 250 hr | 12 mo | Daily |
| Instrument Panel | Inspect | 8 hr | Daily | |
| Walk-Around Inspection | Inspect | 8 hr | Daily | |
| 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 | |
| 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) |
| Alternator and Fan Belts | Inspect | 250 hr | Every 250 Service Hours; Inspect/Adjust/Replace | |
| Battery Electrolyte Level | Check | 250 hr | 12 mo | Every 250 Service Hours |
| Belts | Adjust | 250 hr | ||
| Belts | Inspect | 250 hr | Inspect/Adjust/Replace; Every 250 Service Hours | |
| Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 1) | Other | 250 hr | Obtain; Every 250 Service Hours | |
| Cooling System Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) | Test | 250 hr | 12 mo | Test/Add; Every 250 Service Hours |
| 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 Oil Sample | Other | 250 hr | 12 mo | Obtain; Every 250 Service Hours |
| Engine Oil Sample | Test | 250 hr | Every 250 Service Hours - Obtain | |
| Engine Valve Lash | Adjust | 4000 hr | First service — Inspect/Adjust; Initial 250 Service Hours | |
| Fan Drive Bearing | Lubricate | 250 hr | Every 250 Service Hours | |
| Fuel Injector | Adjust | 4000 hr | First service — Inspect/Adjust; Initial 250 Service Hours | |
| Fuel System Primary Filter | Clean | 250 hr | 12 mo | Every 250 Service Hours; Clean/Inspect/Replace |
| Fuel System Primary Filter | Replace | 1000 hr | Every 250 Service Hours; Clean/Inspect/Replace | |
| Fuel System Secondary Filter | Replace | 1000 hr | 12 mo | Every 250 Service Hours |
| Hoses and Clamps | Inspect | 250 hr | 12 mo | Inspect/Replace; Every 250 Service Hours |
| Magnetic Pickups | Clean | 6000 hr | 72 mo | First service — Initial 250 Service Hours; Clean/Inspect |
| Magnetic Pickups | Inspect | 6000 hr | 72 mo | First service — Initial 250 Service Hours (or at first oil change); Clean/Inspect |
| Radiator | Clean | 250 hr | Every 250 Service Hours | |
| Speed Sensor | Clean | 6000 hr | 72 mo | First service — Initial 250 Service Hours; Clean/Inspect |
| Air Shutoff | Test | 500 hr | Every 500 Service Hours (Prime Power) | |
| Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 1) | Test | 500 hr | Every 500 Service Hours (Prime Power) | |
| Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 2) | Test | 500 hr | 12 mo | First service — Initial 500 hours for new systems, refilled systems, and converted systems |
| Engine Oil and Filter | Change | 1000 hr | 12 mo | Every 500 Service Hours - standard sump; deep sump every 1000 hours |
| oil | Change | 500 hr | 3000 Series service intervals increased to 500 hours as standard (3013C, 3024C, 3054, 3056) | |
| Aftercooler Core | Clean | 1000 hr | When required; also every 76 000 L (20 000 US gal) of fuel or 1000 service hours |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Type | Item | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearance | Air shutoff damper plunger distance A (minimum) | 18.3 | mm | 0.72 inch; replace plunger if less |
| Clearance | Air shutoff damper plunger distance A (replace if less than) | 18.3 | mm | |
| Clearance | Coolant level below bottom of filler pipe | 13 | mm | no sight gauge |
| Clearance | Coolant level below bottom of filler pipe (engines without recovery tank) | within 13 | mm | 0.5 inch |
| Clearance | Coolant level below filler pipe bottom (no sight gauge) | 13 | mm (0.5 in) | |
| Clearance | Crankshaft vibration damper plunger - minimum wear dimension A | 18.3 | mm (0.72 in) | |
| Clearance | Speed/timing sensor sliphead extension | 4 | mm | minimum |
| Clearance | Water pump leakage considered normal as engine cools | small amount | water pump seal is lubricated by coolant in the cooling system | |
| Gap | Air shutoff damper plunger distance A (replace if less) | 18.3 | mm | |
| Gap | Coolant level below bottom of filler pipe (no sight gauge) | within 13 | mm (.5 inch) | |
| Other | Air cleaner element cleaning limit | six times | replace at least once per year regardless | |
| Other | Air starting motor lubricator oil release rate | two drops per 30 seconds | constant rate of air flow | |
| 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 | Altitude capability without derate | 1525 | m | |
| Other | Altitude capability without derate | 800 | m | |
| 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 | Coolant Sample (Level 1) interval for Cat DEAC | 250 | hours | |
| Other | Cooling system cleaner amount (heavy deposits) | 0.5 | L per 3.8 to 7.6 L capacity | 1 pint per 1 to 2 US gal |
| Other | Cooling system cleaner amount (normal deposits) | 0.5 | L per 15 L capacity | 1 pint per 4 US gal |
| Other | Cooling system cleaner dosage - heavy deposits or plugging | 0.5 L per 3.8 to 7.6 L | (1 pint per 1 to 2 US gal) | |
| Other | Cooling system cleaner dosage - normal | 0.5 L per 15 L | (1 pint per 4 US gal) | |
| Other | Cooling system cleaning duration (heavy deposits) | 90 | minutes | minimum, coolant at least 82 C (180 F) |
| Other | Cooling system cleaning duration (normal deposits) | 30 | minutes | minimum, coolant at least 82 C (180 F) |
| Other | Cooling system fill rate | 19 | L/min | maximum |
| Other | Cooling system fill rate | no faster than 19 | L per minute | 5 US gal per minute to avoid air locks |
| Other | Cooling system fill rate maximum | 19 | L/min | |
| Other | Crankshaft vibration damper max temperature | 93 | °C (200°F) | during operation, infrared thermometer check |
| Other | Crankshaft vibration damper without sampling port - max life | 20000 | hours | |
| Other | Damper fluid viscosity degradation limit | 20 | percent | majority of applications |
| Other | Damper fluid viscosity degradation limit (Hasse & Wrede) | 20 | percent | majority of applications |
| Other | Damper operating hours before rebuild/replace (damper without sampling port) | 20000 | hours | |
| Other | Damper without sampling port - rebuild/replace interval | 20000 | hours | or at major overhaul |
| Other | Fast Acting Cooling System Cleaner amount | 0.5 L per 15 L | L | cooling system capacity, normal deposits |
| Other | Fast Acting Cooling System Cleaner amount | 0.5 L per 3.8 to 7.6 L | L | cooling system capacity, heavy deposits |
| Other | Fuel (secondary) filter tightening after gasket contacts base | one full turn | by hand, do not overtighten | |
| Other | Hydrosolv cleaner concentration | 2 to 5 | percent | temperatures up to 93 C (200 F) |
| Other | Major Overhaul interval (fuel consumption basis) | 1575000 | L (416,070 US gal) | at approximately 60 percent load factor, 3512B engines |
| Other | Max cooling system fill rate (avoid air locks) | 19 | L per minute (5 US gal per minute) | |
| Other | Max supplemental coolant additive (SCA) concentration - coolant/antifreeze and SCA | 6 | percent | |
| Other | Max supplemental coolant additive (SCA) concentration - water and SCA | 8 | percent | |
| Other | Maximum air pressure at nozzle for cleaning purposes | 205 | kPa | 30 psi |
| Other | New drive belt tension recheck after operation | 30 | minutes | rated rpm |
| 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 | Speed/timing sensor sliphead tension force | 22 | N | minimum; to push in sliphead from the extended position |
| Other | Starting motor cool-down between cranking periods | 2 | minutes | |
| 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 | |
| Other | Supplemental coolant additive concentration maximum (conventional coolant) | 6 | percent | |
| Other | Supplemental coolant additive concentration maximum (water and SCA) | 8 | percent | |
| Other | Thread lock cure time minimum before air shutoff use | 1 | hour | |
| Other | Top End Overhaul interval (fuel consumption basis) | 787500 | L (208,030 US gal) | at approximately 60 percent load factor, 3512B engines |
| Other | Vibration damper replacement interval (no sampling port) | 20000 | hours | |
| Pressure | Air cleaner service indicator restriction | 6 | kPa (25 inches of H2O) | clean/replace air cleaner element |
| Pressure | Air cleaner service indicator restriction (clean/replace) | 6 | kPa | 25 inches of H2O |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Fluid | Grade | Standard | Ambient | Capacity | 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) | Conventional coolant; SCA required; see SEBU6251 | |||
| Coolant | Cat DEAC or Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant) | Caterpillar EC-1 | 50/50 mixture recommended, ELC requires only clean water flush | ||
| 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) | Add Cat ELC Extender once; do not use conventional SCA with Cat ELC | |||
| Coolant | Cat ELC Extender | Add once; use only with Cat ELC | |||
| Coolant | Cat NGEC | Natural Gas; 16,000 Service Hours or Three Years; use interval that occurs first | |||
| Coolant | Clean water | Use only clean water to flush the cooling system when Extended Life Coolant (ELC) is drained and replaced | |||
| Coolant | Commercial long life / heavy-duty coolant meeting Caterpillar EC-1 | Caterpillar Engine Coolant Specification -1 (EC-1) | Obtain Level 1 coolant sample | ||
| Coolant | Commercial long life coolant meeting Caterpillar EC-1 | Caterpillar Engine Coolant Specification -1 (EC-1) | |||
| Coolant | DEAC (conventional coolant/antifreeze) | Requires Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA); do not exceed 6 percent SCA concentration with coolant/antifreeze, 8 percent with water and SCA | |||
| Coolant | Extended Life Coolant (ELC) | Caterpillar ELC | Requires only one addition of Extender; fill no faster than 19 L (5 US gal) per minute | ||
| Coolant | Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) | Max 6 percent with conventional coolant; max 8 percent with water and SCA | |||
| Engine oil | See Operation and Maintenance Manual, Refill Capacities and Recommendations | 227.0 L | 3508B standard sump capacity; oil change interval 500 service hours | ||
| Engine oil | Cat NGEO | Natural Gas | |||
| Engine oil | air tool oil | below 0°C | Air starting motor lubricator; temperatures below 0 C (32 F) | ||
| Engine oil | low sulfated ash oil | Required for U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage IV engines. | |||
| Engine oil | Cat Arctic DEO SYN SAE 0W-30 | -40°C to 30°C | Engine Crankcase; Industrial Engines | ||
| Engine oil | Cat DEO SYN SAE 5W-40 | -30°C to 50°C | Engine Crankcase; Industrial Engines | ||
| Engine oil | Cat DEO SAE 10W-30 | -18°C to 40°C | Engine Crankcase; Industrial Engines | ||
| Engine oil | Cat DEO SAE 15W-40 | -9°C to 50°C | Engine Crankcase; Industrial Engines | ||
| Engine oil | 10W (nondetergent) | above 0°C | Air starting motor lubricator bowl oil for temperatures greater than 0°C (32°F) | ||
| Engine oil | nondetergent SAE 10W | above 0°C | Air starting motor lubricator; temperatures greater than 0 C (32 F) | ||
| Fuel | Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) | Contains less than or equal to 15 parts per million sulfur (mg/kg); required for U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage IV engines. B20 biodiesel capability available. | |||
| Fuel | 35° API gravity at 60°F (16°C) | LHV 18,390 Btu/lb (42 780 kJ/kg) | Fuel at 85°F (29°C) weighing 7.001 lbs/U.S. gal (838.9 g/liter) | ||
| Fuel | No. 2 fuel | 3600 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 | |||
| Grease | Cat Generator Set Grease | Part Number 108-8611 | |||
| Grease | MPGM | Lubricate the actuator control linkage grease fittings with a hand grease gun; also used to coat battery terminals/clamps | |||
| Grease | EA6 | -40°C to 80°C | Non-regreasable bearings 311-0843/311-0844 | ||
| Grease | Mobilith SHC220 | -40°C to 80°C | 2.8 g | Roller bearings 139-0349/139-0350; every 250 service hours |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
⚠ Replace belts for multiple groove pulleys in matched sets.
Tools: Belt tension gauge (110 N / 25 lb force)
⚠ Slippage of loose belts can reduce efficiency of driven components
⚠ Too tight belts place unnecessary stress on components
⚠ Ensure engine cannot be started during maintenance
⚠ Allow engine to cool before measuring/adjusting valve lash
⚠ Damage to cylinder block can result if timing pins are not removed before turning crankshaft
⚠ Do not start the engine during the test
⚠ Ensure the engine control is in the OFF position
⚠ Check the wiring for the air shutoff switches, and for the solenoids
⚠ High voltage can cause electrocution. Discharge instrument leads and generator windings.
Tools: 300-8648 Insulation Testing Gp
Tools: Hand grease gun
⚠ 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)
⚠ Do not use a high concentration of caustic cleaner
⚠ Do not use high pressure when the fins are cleaned
Tools: Pressure test equipment
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Voltage | Phase | Connection | Leads | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600 | 3 | wye (10 wire) | 10 wire | Brushless SR4B generator; 0.7 pf; voltage regulator optional; space heater and 100 ohm platinum temperature detectors standard |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Part # | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 8N6309 | Air filter outer | air_filter |
| 105-amp | Alternator | alternator |
| 141-7116 | V-belt | belt |
| 174-6854 | Hydrosolv 100 liquid cleaner, 19 L (5 US gallon) | fluid |
| 1U-5490 | Hydrosolv 4165 liquid cleaner, 19 L (5 US gallon) | fluid |
| 1U-5492 | Hydrosolv 100 Liquid Cleaner, 19 L (5 US gal) | fluid |
| 1U-8804 | Hydrosolv 100 Liquid Cleaner, 4 L (1 US gal) | fluid |
| 1U-8812 | Hydrosolv 4165 Liquid Cleaner, 4 L (1 US gal) | fluid |
| 5N-5561 | Silicone Lubricant | fluid |
| 8T-5571 | Hydrosolv 100 Liquid Cleaner, 208 L (55 US gal) | fluid |
| 8T-7570 | Hydrosolv 4165 Liquid Cleaner, 208 L (55 US gal) | fluid |
| 133-5673 | Fuel/Water Separator | fuel_filter |
| 1R-0749 | Fuel Secondary - ADV | fuel_filter |
| 1R-0755 | High Efficiency Fuel Filter | fuel_filter |
| 1R0750 | Filter fuel | fuel_filter |
| 1R0755 | Filter fuel | fuel_filter |
| 1R0756 | Filter fuel | fuel_filter |
| 3S3875 | Filter fuel | fuel_filter |
| 10R9951 | Head Gaskets | gasket |
| 1744947 | Aftercooler and Lines Gaskets | gasket |
| 2322507 | Manifold Gaskets | gasket |
| 2322521 | Turbocharger Gaskets | gasket |
| 2342795 | Injector Seals/Gaskets | gasket |
| 1R0741 | Filter hydraulic | hydraulic_filter |
| 2322522 | Reman Injectors | injector |
| 1R-0716 | Engine Oil | oil_filter |
| 1R-1808 | Engine Oil - ADV | oil_filter |
| 1R0719 | Filter oil | oil_filter |
| 1R0726 | Filter oil | oil_filter |
| 138-8440 | Component cleaner | other_service |
| 1440725 | Connecting rod | other_service |
| 169-8373 | Fluid Sampling Bottle | other_service |
| 1743191 | Reman Cylinder Heads | other_service |
| 249-0437 | Component 249-0437 | other_service |
| 4C-5597 | Anti-Seize Compound | other_service |
| 4C-9301 | Coolant Conditioner Test Kit | other_service |
| 5P-3413 | Pipe Sealant for external threads of the zinc rod plug | other_service |
| 8T-5296 | Coolant Conditioner Test Kit | other_service |
| 9S-3263 | Compound for the shoulder of a new zinc rod | other_service |
| 9S-4030 | Thread Lock | other_service |
| PEHJ0271 | Cat® Emissions Upgrade Kits for Select 3500 Marine Engines | other_service |
| PEHJ0287 | Cat® Performance Upgrade Kits for Select 3508, 3512, and 3516 Marine Engines | other_service |
| 1U-5718 | Vacuum Pump | pump |
| 222-5152 | Water pump repair kit | pump |
| 9S-8140 | Pressurizing Pump | pump |
| 113-8432 | Front seal | seal |
| 4W3864 | Water pump seal | seal |
| 9G8010 | Switch | sensor |
| ESD5526 | Speed Controller | speed_controller |
| 248-5513 | Thermostat | thermostat |
Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.
Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.
Cross-referenced via Donaldson + OEM/engine-maker interchange — options to verify against your serial number, not confirmed for every exact variant.
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.
The Caterpillar 3512B engine has an oil capacity of 644.0 liters.
The Caterpillar 3512B has a displacement of 51.8 liters with 12 cylinders.
The Caterpillar 3512B powers 4 generator set(s), including Caterpillar 3412, Caterpillar 3508, Caterpillar 3512, Caterpillar PM 1360 RENTAL.
The Caterpillar 3512B uses oil filter part numbers Caterpillar 3890434, Donaldson P551808, Wix 57792.
The Caterpillar 3512B uses fuel filter part numbers Caterpillar 1R0763, Caterpillar 3890433, Caterpillar 1110716.
The Caterpillar 3512B uses air filter part numbers Caterpillar 1W3636, Caterpillar 1327171, Donaldson P117781.
The Caterpillar 3512B oil change interval is every 1000 hours.
A commonly reported issue on generators using the Caterpillar 3512B is: Warning tag attached to the engine start switch or controls. Fix: Do NOT start the engine or move the controls. Consult with the person that attached the warning tag before starting..