HomeEnginesCaterpillar C280-12

Caterpillar C280-12 Engine

The Caterpillar C280-12 is a 222 L 12-cylinder ta engine rated at 900 rpm, producing up to 3800 kW. It powers generator sets from Caterpillar. It holds 918 L (242.5 gal) of oil and 864 L (228.2 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Caterpillar C280-12

Part of the Caterpillar C280 engine family — 4 variants share parts & fitment.

222.0 L
Displacement
12
Cylinders
900 rpm
Rated speed
3800 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Oil capacity918.0 L
Coolant capacity864.0 L
Displacement222.0 L
Cylinders12
AspirationTA
Rated speed900 rpm
Gross power3800 kW

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterdual element, installed
Fuel filter
Oil filter
Coolant864.0 L
Oil918.0 L

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

Service intervals

1
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
oilChange1000 hrDeep sump oil pan — 1000 hour

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

17
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
OtherCompression Ratio13:1
OtherRated altitude @ 25°C150m25°C
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
PressureBMEP @ 100% Load2198kPa
PressureFiring Pressure, Maximum17300kPa
SpeedLow Idle Speed350rpm
SpeedMean Piston Speed10m/s
SpeedMean Piston Speed9m/s
SpeedRated Speed900rpm
SpeedRated Speed (RPM)1000rpmDiesel Engine Technical Data
SpeedRated speed1000rpm
TemperatureAftercooler Water32°C
TemperatureAftercooler water temperature32°C
TemperatureJacket Water Outlet90°C
TemperatureJacket water outlet temperature90°C

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 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 NGECNatural Gas; 16,000 Service Hours or Three Years; use interval that occurs first
Engine oilCat NGEONatural Gas
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
FuelLCV = 42700 kJ/kgMaK technical data; without engine-driven pumps, tolerance 5%
Fuel35 API distillateLower heating value 42,780 kJ/kg; used at 29°C with density 838.9 g/liter
Fuel35 degrees APILower heating value 18,390 BTU/lb (42,780 kJ/kg) when used at 84.2 F (29 C) where the density is 7.001 lb/U.S. gal (838.9 g/L)
Fuel35° 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)
FuelDistillate35 API, 16°C (60°F); LHV 42,780 kJ/kg; density 838.9 g/liter
GreaseCat Generator Set GreasePart Number 108-8611

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
6003wye6two-bearing, brushless; voltage regulator optional

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

Aftermarket parts that fit this engine

9

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

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Caterpillar C280-12?

The Caterpillar C280-12 engine has an oil capacity of 918.0 liters.

What is the displacement of the Caterpillar C280-12?

The Caterpillar C280-12 has a displacement of 222.0 liters with 12 cylinders.

Which generators use the Caterpillar C280-12 engine?

The Caterpillar C280-12 powers 1 generator set(s), including Caterpillar C280-12.