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Caterpillar C13 ACERT Engine

The Caterpillar C13 ACERT is a 12.5 L 6-cylinder turbocharged-aftercooled (ataac) engine rated at 1800 rpm, producing up to 415 kW. It powers generator sets from Caterpillar, including the C13 and XQ425. It holds 37 L (9.8 gal) of oil and 19 L (5.0 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Caterpillar C13 ACERT

Part of the Caterpillar C13 engine family — 6 variants share parts & fitment.

12.5 L
Displacement
6
Cylinders
1800 rpm
Rated speed
415 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Oil capacity37.0 L
Coolant capacity19.0 L
Displacement12.5 L
Cylinders6
AspirationTurbocharged-Aftercooled (ATAAC)
Rated speed1800 rpm
Gross power415 kW

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Coolant61.0 L—
Oil37.0 L—500 hr

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

Service intervals

14
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Engine oil (S-O-S oil sample)Test125 hrSevere service occurs at high loads, in high temperatures, and in dusty conditions
Coolant (S-O-S coolant analysis Level 1)Test250 hrCat 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
Engine crankcase oil (S-O-S oil sample)Test250 hrTable 6 S-O-S Oil Sampling Interval; severe applications may require a more frequent oil sampling interval
Primary air filter elementChange250 hrWhen changing the primary element at 250 operating hours (basis of the without-indicator filter-change comparison)
SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive) concentrationTest250 hrTest 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)Test500 hr12 moFirst 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
oilChange500 hr500-hour oil change intervals
Secondary air filter elementChange750 hrWhen changing the secondary element at 750 operating hours (basis of the without-indicator filter-change comparison)
Cat ELC Extender addition (cooling system)Other6000 hrTreat the cooling system with Cat ELC Extender at 6000 hours or one half of the coolant service life
Coolant (Cat ELC)Change12000 hr12000 service hours or six years; use the interval that occurs first
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
Coolant (S-O-S coolant analysis Level 1 and Level 2)Test12 moCat DEAC - Yearly

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

21
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
OtherGross Input Torque (TH55-E70)12 667N•m (9350 lb-ft)
OtherGross Input Torque (TH55-E90)12 677N•m (9350 lb-ft)
OtherRadiator cooling package design ambient temperature48.9°C (120° F)with 50/50 water/Extended Life Coolant mixture
OtherRadiator cooling package maximum elevation1524m (5000 ft)with 50/50 water/Extended Life Coolant mixture
OtherStall Torque Ratio (TH55-E70)2.23
OtherStall Torque Ratio (TH55-E90)2.23
PressureMaximum air pressure for cleaning purposes (deadheaded air nozzle with chip guarding and PPE)205kPa
PressureMaximum air pressure for cleaning purposes (deadheaded air nozzle with chip guarding and PPE)30psi
PressureMaximum water pressure for cleaning purposes275kPa
PressureMaximum water pressure for cleaning purposes40psi
PressureUnit injector fuel injection pressure1240bar (18 000 psi)
PressureWS255 pump plunger load238,000lb (107,960 kg)
PressureWS273XD pump plunger load275,000lb (124 738 kg)
PressureWS305XD pump plunger load250,000lb (113 398 kg)
SpeedMaximum Input Speed (TH55-E70/TH55-E90 transmissions)1970rpm
SpeedRated Input Speed (TH55-E70/TH55-E90 transmissions)1900rpm
TemperatureMaximum storage temperature for ether cylinders120°F
TemperatureMaximum storage temperature for ether cylinders49°C
TemperatureMaximum storage temperature for ether cylinders (Engine Starting section)102°F
TemperatureMaximum storage temperature for ether cylinders (Engine Starting section)39°C
TorqueAir compressor SAE "A" hydraulic pump drive maximum torque (374 L/min and 467 L/min compressors)60N•m (44 lb-ft)C7, C9 ACERT

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
Coolant50% coolant antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor61.0 LEngine & radiator coolant capacity
Coolant50/50 mixture water/Caterpillar Extended Life Coolantbelow 48°CRadiator cooling packages designed for up to 48.9° C (120° F) ambient; coolant sump refill capacities vary by oil sump/pan (18 L to 106 L service refill with new oil filter change)
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)Acceptable coolant; commercial heavy-duty antifreeze/coolant must meet ASTM D4985 or ASTM D6210Conventional 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.
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)Caterpillar EC-1 specification (preferred); also meets ASTM D4985, ASTM D6210, and ASTM D3306Service 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.
CoolantCat NGECNatural Gas; 16,000 Service Hours or Three Years; use interval that occurs first
CoolantCat SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive) with waterSCA 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.
CoolantGlycol (ethylene glycol / propylene glycol)Propylene glycol coolant must meet ASTM D6210-04Ethylene 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 oilCat DEO (Diesel Engine Oil) 10W-30 and 15W-40Cat 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 oilCat NGEONatural Gas
Engine oilCommercial 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 oilsMinimum 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 oilCommercial 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 CFMinimum 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 oilRe-refined base stock oilsAcceptable if they meet the performance requirements specified by Caterpillar; filtering is inadequate for producing high quality re-refined base stock oils.
Engine oilSynthetic base stock oilsAcceptable 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 oilCat Arctic DEO SYN SAE 0W-30-40°C to 30°CEngine Crankcase; Industrial Engines
Engine oilSAE 0W-20-40°C to 10°CTable 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oilSAE 0W-30-40°C to 30°CTable 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oilSAE 0W-40-40°C to 40°CTable 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oilCat DEO SYN SAE 5W-40-30°C to 50°CEngine Crankcase; Industrial Engines
Engine oilSAE 5W-30-30°C to 30°CTable 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oilSAE 5W-40-30°C to 50°CTable 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oilCat DEO SAE 10W-30-18°C to 40°CEngine Crankcase; Industrial Engines
Engine oilSAE 10W-30-18°C to 40°CTable 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 oilSAE 10W-40-18°C to 50°CTable 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oilCat DEO SAE 15W-40-9°C to 50°CEngine Crankcase; Industrial Engines
Engine oilSAE 15W-40-9°C to 50°CTable 1 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures (DI diesel engines)
Engine oilCat SAEO SAE 30API CF-4 category0°C to 40°CTable 2 - 3116 and 3126 Marine Engines with mechanical unit injection; factory fill has API CF-4 category and viscosity grade of SAE 30
Engine oilSAE 300°C to 40°CTable 3 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures - PC engines only
Engine oilCat SAEO SAE 40API CF-4 category5°C to 50°CTable 2 - 3116 and 3126 Marine Engines with mechanical unit injection. Caterpillar does not recommend the use of multigrade oils in the 3116 and 3126 Marine Diesel Engines that use mechanical unit injection.

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

Procedures

3
Determining the cause of a plugged fuel filter (ice or wax) diagnostic
  1. Remove the fuel filters.
  2. Cut the fuel filters open.
  3. Inspect the fuel filter before the filter warms. The inspection will show that the filter is filled with particles of either ice or wax.
Changing to Cat ELC maintenance

⚠ Do not leave an empty SCA maintenance element on a system that is filled with ELC. The element housing may corrode and leak causing an engine failure.

⚠ Improper or incomplete rinsing of the cooling system can result in damage to copper and other metal components.

⚠ The cooling system cleaner must be thoroughly flushed from the cooling system. Cooling system cleaner that is left in the system will contaminate the coolant. The cleaner may also corrode the cooling system.

Tools: Caterpillar cleaner for cooling systems, 5P-3413 Pipe Sealant, Suitable containers to collect fluids

  1. Drain the coolant into a suitable container.
  2. Dispose of the coolant according to local regulations.
  3. If equipped, remove the empty SCA maintenance element and the element base. Plug the coolant lines or bypass the coolant lines.
  4. Flush the system with clean water in order to remove any debris.
  5. Use Caterpillar cleaner for cooling systems in order to clean the system. Follow the instructions on the label.
  6. Drain the cleaner into a suitable container. Flush the cooling system with clean water.
  7. In systems with heavy deposits, disconnect the hoses. Clean deposits and debris from the hoses and fittings. Install the hoses and tighten the hose fittings.
  8. Fill the cooling system with clean water and operate the engine until the engine is warmed to 49 C to 66 C (120 F to 151 F).
  9. Drain the cooling system into a suitable container and flush the cooling system with clean water.
  10. Repeat Steps 8 and 9 until the system is completely clean.
  11. Fill the cooling system with the Cat ELC.
  12. Operate the engine until the engine is warmed. While the engine is running, inspect the engine for leaks. Tighten hose clamps and connections in order to stop any leaks.
  13. Attach the Special Publication, PEEP5027, "Label" to the cooling system filler for the engine in order to indicate the use of Cat ELC.
Calculating the amount of lighter fuel required to modify the cloud point or the pour point operation
  1. Obtain the specification for the cloud point or the pour point of both fuels from your fuel supplier.
  2. Locate the cloud point or the pour point of the heavier fuel on the left side of the table. Mark the point on the table.
  3. Locate the cloud point or the pour point of the lighter fuel on the right side of the table. Mark the point on the table.
  4. Draw a line between the two points that were established. Label this line "A".
  5. Find the lowest outside temperature for machine operation on the left side of the table. Draw a horizontal line from this point until it intersects line "A". Label this new line "C".
  6. Mark the intersection of line "C" and line "A". Draw a vertical line to the bottom of the table. Label this line "B". The point at the bottom of line "B" reveals the percentage of lighter fuel that is

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
240/139V3Link board (low)12-leadCan be adjusted down to 208/120V 3-phase
480/277V3Link board (high)12-leadMovable link board for high/low voltage output reconnection; includes switch providing voltage setting input to the EMCP 4.2

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

Parts cataloged across the Caterpillar C13 family

144
Part #DescriptionCategory
AP70121Diesel particulate filter (DPF)Dpf
AP70123Diesel particulate filter (DPF)Dpf
106-3973Air filter innerAir filter
211-2660Air filter assyAir filter
PEHJ0170Air Inlet ShutoffAir filter
230-7198V-beltBelt
7M4705V-beltBelt
111-2369Maintenance ElementCoolant filter
101-28441 gallon (3.8L)Fluid
119-5152Cat Engine Oil (quart bottle)Fluid
1R0749Filter fuelFuel filter
1R0755Filter fuelFuel filter
326-1641Axial seal FWSFuel filter
326-1643Filter water separatorFuel filter
3S3875Filter fuelFuel filter
8N0205Filter water separatorFuel filter
AP70122DPF gasketGasket
AP70313DPF gasketGasket
AP70314DPF gasketGasket
M-1P0436Fuel Priming Pump GasketGasket
M-2246361Regulator Housing GasketGasket
M-2266620Rear Structure SetGasket
M-2275075Regulator Housing GasketGasket
M-2655324Oil Cooler SetGasket
M-2655326Oil Pump Set - ExternalGasket
M-3136846Central & Lower SetGasket
M-3136847Fuel System SetGasket
M-3136898Front Structure SetGasket
M-3142771Water Pump Installation SetGasket
M-3149899Air Compressor SetGasket
M-3348404Rear Structure SetGasket
M-3348407Water Pump Installation SetGasket
M-4367102Turbocharger Installation SetGasket
M-4388606Front Structure SetGasket
M-4390524Turbocharger Installation SetGasket
M-4394077Central & Lower SetGasket
M-4394451Oil Cooler SetGasket
M-4513316Gasket Set - Central & LowerGasket
M-4532206Gasket Set - Front StructureGasket
M-4696623Gasket Set - Oil CoolerGasket
M-4698465Gasket Set - Oil CoolerGasket
M-4732196Gasket Set - TurbochargerGasket
M-4732197Gasket Set - Water PumpGasket
M-4758997Gasket Set - Oil CoolerGasket
M-4940654Gasket Set - Oil CoolerGasket
M-4941095Gasket Set - Oil CoolerGasket
M-4999229Gasket Set - Oil CoolerGasket
M-5025189Gasket Set - Oil CoolerGasket
MCBC13013Cylinder Head Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13021Overhaul Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13022In-Chassis Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13031Overhaul Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13032In-Chassis Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13033Cylinder Head Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13041Major O/H Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13041GCMajor O/H Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13042In-Chassis Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13042GCIn-Chassis Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13043Cyl. Head Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13043GCCyl. Head Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13051Major O/H Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13051GCMajor O/H Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13061Major O/H Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13061GCMajor O/H Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13071Major O/H Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13071GCMajor O/H Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13072In-Chassis Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13072GCIn-Chassis Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13073Cyl. Head Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13073GCCyl. Head Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13081Major O/H Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13081GCMajor O/H Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13082In-Chassis Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13082GCIn-Chassis Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13083Cyl. Head Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13083GCCyl. Head Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13091Major O/H Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13091GCMajor O/H Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13111Major O/H Gasket SetGasket
MCBC13111GCMajor O/H Gasket SetGasket
M-4446485Gasket Set - C13-C15-C18 Front StructureGasket set
MCBC13HBKHead Bolt Kit - MCBC13HBKHead bolt kit
230-2781HoseHose
230-2782HoseHose
230-2854HoseHose
093-7521Filter hydraulicHydraulic filter
328-3655Filter hydraulic/transmissionHydraulic filter
R-10R0725Injector - RebuiltInjector
R-10R0961Injector - RebuiltInjector
R-10R0966Injector - RebuiltInjector
R-10R0968Injector - RebuiltInjector
R-10R2977Injector - RebuiltInjector
126-2081Filter oilOil filter
1R1808Filter oilOil filter
10R-8830Oil Pan / Sump Turbo MountService part / kit
10R-8831Oil Pan / Sump Turbo MountService part / kit
10R-8832Oil Pan / Sump Turbo MountService part / kit
10R-8833Oil Pan / Sump Turbo MountService part / kit
10R-8834Oil Pan / Sump Turbo MountService part / kit
128-4124Kit without ConditionerService part / kit
163-1128Kit with LiquidService part / kit
163-1129Kit with ElementService part / kit
2239150Connecting rodService part / kit
888-983-7847ENGINE BLOCK CRANKSHAFTService part / kit
8T1589Maintenance ChargeService part / kit
8T9190Refill ChargeService part / kit
9753300442Oil sample kitService part / kit
M-2237467CamshaftService part / kit
M-24771331 Regulator - 190ºCService part / kit
M-3882310PistonService part / kit
M-CK3882310PCylinder KitService part / kit
MCBC13ESKExhaust Stud Kit - MCBC13ESKService part / kit
MCIF3882310Inframe KitService part / kit
MCIF3882310-1Inframe KitService part / kit
MCOH3882310Overhaul KitService part / kit
MCOH3882310-1Overhaul KitService part / kit
384-8611Lift/transfer pumpPump
384-8612Lift/transfer pumpPump
M-13755411 Fuel Priming Pump TallPump
M-2231608Oil PumpPump
M-3520206Water PumpPump
M-3848611Pump - TransferPump
M-2395581Remanufactured Fuel Injector - M-2395581Remanufactured fuel injector
M-2847707Remanufactured Fuel Injector - M-2847707Remanufactured fuel injector
M-RSC13ERing Set C13Ring set
142-5867Front sealSeal
M-1043560Cylinder Liner Seal RingSeal
M-1095308Oil Pan SealSeal
M-2173673Oil Pan SealSeal
M-2274239ORKInjector Sleeve O-Ring KitSeal
M-2303728Injector Seal Ring IntermediateSeal
M-2303775Injector Seal Ring UpperSeal
M-2481394Injector O-Ring KitSeal
M-3S96431 Regulator SealSeal
M-6D7146Seal Ring - Body to CoverSeal
M-6V7350Water Pump Mounting SealSeal
M-7L6580By Pass Tube SealSeal
M-9X7317Injector Seal Ring LowerSeal
9CT002NOx Control SystemSensor
M-1946722Sensor - PressureSensor
M-1946724Sensor - PressureSensor
M-1946725Sensor - PressureSensor
M-2644297Sensor - TemperatureSensor
247-7133ThermostatThermostat

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

2

Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.

Also used in

12
  • Caterpillar 345C — Excavator Tracked
  • Caterpillar 345CL — Excavator Tracked
  • Claas LEXION 560 — Combine
  • Claas LEXION 560 MONTANA — Combine
  • Claas LEXION 570 — Combine
  • Claas LEXION 570 MONTANA — Combine
  • Claas LEXION 570C — Combine
  • Freightliner CENTURY CLASS — Truck
  • Freightliner CENTURY CLASS CST112 — Truck
  • Freightliner COLUMBIA — Truck
  • Freightliner CONDOR — Truck
  • International 9200I — 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 C13 ACERT?

The Caterpillar C13 ACERT engine has an oil capacity of 37.0 liters.

What is the displacement of the Caterpillar C13 ACERT?

The Caterpillar C13 ACERT has a displacement of 12.5 liters with 6 cylinders.

Which generators use the Caterpillar C13 ACERT engine?

The Caterpillar C13 ACERT powers 2 generator set(s), including Caterpillar C13, Caterpillar XQ425.

How often should you change the oil in the Caterpillar C13 ACERT?

The Caterpillar C13 ACERT oil change interval is every 500 hours.