The Caterpillar C3.6 is a 3.6 L turbocharged engine rated at 2400 rpm, producing up to 82 kW. It powers generator sets from Kohler, including the 11EFKOZD, 12EFKOZD, 13EFKOZD and 13EKOZD.
Also known as: Caterpillar C3.6
| Displacement | 3.6 L |
|---|---|
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Rated speed | 2400 rpm |
| Gross power | 82 kW |
This engine also powers 1 machine(s) on Power Equipment Info.
Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Caterpillar C3.6.
| Item | Spec | Capacity | Part # | Interval | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air filter | with precleaner, automatic dust ejection and underhood intake | — | |||
| Fuel filter | — | ||||
| Oil filter | — | ||||
| Battery | heavy duty, maintenance free, 1000 CCA | — | |||
| Belt | — | ||||
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crankcase oil | Change | 250 hr | 3 mo | First service — Replace the oil in the crankcase. Break-in period service indicated. |
| Fuel/water separator | Clean | 250 hr | 3 mo | Fuel/water separator cleaning. |
| Fuel/water separator | Drain | 250 hr | 3 mo | Fuel/water separator draining. Consult local distributor/dealer for service. |
| Lube oil filter element | Replace | 250 hr | 3 mo | First service — Replace the lube oil filter element. Break-in period service indicated. |
| Seawater pump belt tension | Adjust | 250 hr | 3 mo | First service — Check/adjust the seawater pump belt tension. Break-in period service indicated. |
| Battery cables | Clean | 500 hr | 6 mo | Clean the battery cables. |
| Coolant hoses | Inspect | 500 hr | 6 mo | Check the coolant hoses. |
| Electrical connections | Check | 500 hr | 6 mo | Check and tighten the electrical connections. |
| Fuel filter | Replace | 500 hr | 6 mo | Replace the fuel filter element. |
| Generator | Clean | 500 hr | 6 mo | Blow dust out of the generator. |
| Heat exchanger anticorrosion zinc anode (if equipped) | Check | 500 hr | 6 mo | Check the zinc anode. |
| Mounting bolts/vibromounts | Check | 500 hr | 6 mo | Check the mounting bolts/vibromounts and tighten if necessary. |
| Seawater pump impeller | Inspect | 500 hr | 6 mo | Check the seawater pump impeller. |
| Siphon break (if equipped) | Check | 500 hr | 6 mo | Check the function of the siphon break, if equipped. |
| Breather pipe | Check | 1000 hr | 12 mo | Check the breather pipe for obstructions. |
| Coolant | Replace | 1000 hr | 12 mo | Replace the coolant. |
| Coolant hoses | Replace | 1000 hr | 12 mo | Replace the coolant hoses. |
| Exhaust/water mixing elbow | Clean | 1000 hr | 12 mo | Clean the exhaust/water mixing elbow. |
| Fuel injection nozzle pressure | Test | 1000 hr | 12 mo | Inspect the fuel injection nozzle pressure (Engine S/M). |
| Fuel injectors | Test | 1000 hr | 12 mo | Inspect, clean, and test the fuel injectors (Engine S/M). |
| Fuel tank sediment / fuel tank | Drain | 1000 hr | 12 mo | Remove the sediment from the fuel tank and drain the fuel tank. |
| Heat exchanger anticorrosion zinc anode (if equipped) | Replace | 1000 hr | 12 mo | Replace the zinc anode. |
| Heat exchanger tube | Clean | 1000 hr | 12 mo | Clean the heat exchanger tube (Generator S/M). |
| Intake/exhaust valve clearance | Adjust | 1000 hr | 12 mo | Adjust the intake/exhaust valve clearance (Engine S/M). |
| Seawater pump impeller | Replace | 1000 hr | 12 mo | Replace the seawater pump impeller. |
| Slip rings and brushes (6EKOD/5EFKOD models) | Clean | 1000 hr | 12 mo | 6EKOD/5EFKOD Models: Clean the slip rings and inspect the brushes (Generator S/M). |
| Crankcase breather system | Inspect | 1500 hr | Inspect the crankcase breather system (Engine S/M). | |
| Timing belt | Replace | 4000 hr | Replace the timing belt (Engine S/M). | |
| Starter motor | Check | 5000 hr | Check the starter motor. | |
| Engine | Other | 10000 hr | Total engine overhaul (Engine S/M). | |
| Complete exhaust system | Inspect | 12 mo | Inspect the complete exhaust system. | |
| Remote start panel (if equipped) | Check | First service — Check the remote start panel operation. Break-in period service indicated. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gap | Anticorrosion zinc anode dimensions | 10 (0.39) x 17 (0.67) | mm (in.) | diameter x length |
| Gap | Seawater pump belt deflection | 10 | mm (0.4 in.) | pressing with approx. 10 kg (22 lbs.) force at midpoint of longest span; recheck new belt after 10 minutes of operation |
| Other | Anticorrosion zinc anode replacement threshold | <50 | % of length/diameter | replace when percent of zinc remaining is below 50% |
| Pressure | Crank oil pressure (locked rotor) | 69 | kPa | locked rotor condition |
| Pressure | Low oil pressure shutdown trip point | 117 | kPa | at or below |
| Pressure | Low oil pressure warning trip point | 138 | kPa | at or below |
| Speed | Engine over speed shutdown trip point | 115 | % of rated speed | engine speed exceeds |
| Speed | Engine under speed shutdown trip point | 85 | % of rated speed | engine speed falls below |
| Speed | Overfrequency default setting | 110 | % of nominal | setting range 102%-140% of nominal; time delay 10 sec |
| Speed | Underfrequency default setting | 90 | % of nominal | inhibit time 10 sec; delay time 5 sec |
| Temperature | Coolant freeze protection (50% ethylene glycol) | -37 | °C (-34 °F) | 50% ethylene glycol solution |
| Temperature | Coolant overheating protection (50% ethylene glycol) | 129 | °C (265 °F) | 50% ethylene glycol solution |
| Temperature | High coolant temperature shutdown trip point | 110 | °C (230 °F) | trip point |
| Temperature | High coolant temperature warning trip point | 105 | °C (221 °F) | trip point |
| Voltage | High battery voltage default setting (12 V system) | 15 | V | range 13.2-16.2 |
| Voltage | Low battery voltage default setting (12 V system) | 12 | V | range 9.6-12.6 |
| Voltage | Overvoltage default setting | 120 | % of nominal | inhibit time 10 sec; delay time 2 sec |
| Voltage | Undervoltage default setting | 80 | % of nominal at 10 sec | inhibit time 10 sec; delay time 10 sec |
| Voltage | Voltage adjust range | ±10 | % of system voltage | upper limit +10%, lower limit -10% |
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 | 50% ethylene glycol and 50% clean, softened water | above -37°C | Provides freezing protection to -37 °C (-34 °F) and overheating protection to 129 °C (265 °F). Coolant capacities (including 0.24 L (8 oz.) recovery tank): 6EKOD/5EFKOD 3.0 L (3.2 Qts.); 9EKOZD/7EFKOZD 3.0 L (3.2 Qts.); 11EKOZD/9EFKOZD (1 Phase) 4.3 L (4.5 Qts.); 11EKOZD/9EFKOZD (3 Phase) 4.3 L (4.5 Qts.). Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze. | ||
| Engine oil | API classification CD or CF | See SAE viscosity selection chart (SAE 20W, 30, 40 mineral base; SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 10W-60, 15W-40, 20W-60 semi-synthetic base; SAE 5W-30, 0W-30, 10W, 5W-40 synthetic base) | Oil capacities: 6EKOD and 5EFKOD 2.5 L (2.6 Qts.); 9EKOZD and 7EFKOZD 2.5 L (2.6 Qts.); 11EKOZD and 9EFKOZD (1 Phase) 3.4 L (3.6 Qts.); 11EKOZD and 9EFKOZD (3 Phase) 3.4 L (3.6 Qts.). Maintain level between Min and Max marks on dipstick. | ||
| Fuel | Diesel fuel oil | Cetane number minimum 51; viscosity 2.0/4.5 centistokes at 40 °C; density 0.835/0.855 kg/litre; distillation 85% at 350; sulphur maximum 0.05% of weight | Fuel with low sulphur content: API CF4, CG4. Fuel with high sulphur content: API CF, CD, CE. Never store diesel fuel in galvanized containers. Avoid storing fuel for more than one month. |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Code | Name | Meaning | Severity | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Sens Loss Low Shutdwn | AC Sensing Loss (Shutdown) | Loss of AC voltage shutdown occurs when the controller does not detect the nominal generator AC output voltage for more than 3 seconds after crank disconnect. | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| AC Sens Loss Warning | AC Sensing Loss Warning | Loss of AC voltage warning occurs when the controller does not detect the nominal generator set AC output voltage after crank disconnect. | Warning | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Aux Input Shutdwn | Auxiliary Input Shutdown | Auxiliary fault input shutdown; input from a customer-supplied switch that closes when the fault is active. | Shutdown | Check the cause of the auxiliary fault. |
| Backup Pars Status | Backup Parameters Loaded | Backup parameter firmware is now loaded on the controller. | Info | |
| Battery High Warning | High Battery Voltage Warning | High battery voltage warning; the fault condition clears when the battery voltage returns within limits (above 125% of nominal 12 V). | Warning | Check the battery rating and condition. |
| Battery Low Warning | Low Battery Voltage Warning | Low battery voltage warning; the fault condition clears when the battery voltage returns within limits (at or below 100% of nominal 12 V). | Warning | Check the battery rating and condition. Charge or replace the battery. |
| Coolnt Temp High Shutdwn | High Coolant Temperature Shutdown | Occurs if the engine coolant temperature exceeds the default setting (at or above 110 °C / 230 °F). | Shutdown | Check for a low engine coolant level. Check seawater pump impeller, strainers, and seacock. |
| Coolnt Temp High Warning | High Coolant Temperature Warning | High coolant temperature warning (at or above 105 °C / 221 °F). | Warning | Check for a low engine coolant level. Check seawater system for reduced flow. Allow the generator set to cool down before checking. |
| Eng Speed High Shutdwn | Engine Over Speed Shutdown | Occurs if the engine speed exceeds the default setting (above 115% of rated speed). | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues. |
| Eng Speed Low Shutdwn | Engine Under Speed Shutdown | Occurs if the engine speed falls below the default setting (below 85% of rated speed). | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Engine Start Status | Engine Started | Generator set start circuit is closed allowing the engine to crank and run. | Info | |
| Engine Stop Status | Engine Stopped | Generator set start circuit is open causing the engine to shut down. | Info | |
| Exh Temp High Shutdwn | High Exhaust Temperature Shutdown | Occurs if the engine exhaust temperature exceeds the default setting. | Shutdown | Check the wiring to the sensor. Check for a clogged seawater intake or sea strainer. Check for a damaged seawater pump impeller. Check the exhaust system. |
| Frequency High Shutdwn | Overfrequency Shutdown | Occurs when the governed frequency exceeds the default setting of the system's frequency setpoint (above 110% of nominal). | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues. |
| Frequency Low Shutdwn | Underfrequency Shutdown | Occurs when the governed frequency falls below the default setting of the system's frequency setpoint (below 90% of nominal). | Shutdown | Reduce the load and restart the generator set. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer if problem continues. |
| Gen Running Notice | Generator Running | Generator set has started and is running. | Info | |
| Lo Crank Vlt Warning | Low Cranking Voltage Warning | Low cranking voltage warning (battery voltage drops below 60% of nominal 12 V). | Warning | Check the battery rating and condition. Charge or replace the battery. |
| Locked Rotor Shutdwn | Locked Rotor (Overcrank) Shutdown | Overcrank (locked rotor) shutdown; engine speed below 10 rpm and oil pressure below crank oil pressure (69 kPa). | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues. |
| Oil Pres Low Shutdwn | Low Oil Pressure Shutdown | Occurs if a low oil pressure condition exists (at or below 117 kPa). Note: does not protect against low oil level. | Shutdown | Check for leaks in the lubrication system. Check the oil level and add oil if the level is low. |
| Oil Pres Low Warning | Low Oil Pressure Warning | Low engine oil pressure warning (at or below 138 kPa). | Warning | Check for leaks in the lubrication system. Check the oil level and add oil if the level is low. |
| Over Crank Shutdwn | Overcrank Shutdown | Occurs after 3 unsuccessful starting attempts. | Shutdown | Check the fuel supply and battery. Also check for loose connections. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer if problem continues. |
| Preheat | Engine Start Aid Active | Start aid is active and will energize an engine equipped preheat or ether system during the crank cycle. | Info | |
| Remote Start Status | Remote Start | Generator set start circuit was closed from a remote location allowing the engine to crank and run. | Info | |
| RunRelCoil Shutdwn | Run Relay Coil Shutdown | Overload or perceived overload on the DC circuits provided through the controller (70 Run, 71 Crank, FP/FN Flash). | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues. |
| Sea Pressure Low Shutdwn | Low Seawater Pressure Shutdown | Occurs after a loss of seawater pressure is detected (5 seconds after detection). | Shutdown | Check for a clogged seawater intake or sea strainer. Check for a damaged seawater pump impeller. |
| Start Delay Notice | Engine Start Delay Active | The delay for engine start is active; the unit will start cranking after the time delay times out. | Info | |
| System Ready Status | System Ready | Generator set is in the AUTO mode and available to start if the start circuit is closed. | Info | |
| Timer Error Notice | System Timer Failed | Controller timer logic has failed to time out a designated function. | Info | |
| Volts xx-xx High Shutdwn | Overvoltage Shutdown | Occurs if the voltage exceeds the default setting of the voltage regulator setpoint (exceeds 120% of the AC system voltage). | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service if problem continues. |
| Volts xx-xx Low Shutdwn | Undervoltage Shutdown | Occurs if the voltage falls below the default setting of the voltage regulator setpoint (below 80% of the AC system voltage). | Shutdown | Reduce the load and restart the generator set. Check the F1 fuse. Contact an authorized distributor/dealer if problem continues. |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
⚠ Hazardous voltage. Moving parts. Operate the generator set only when all guards and electrical enclosures are in place.
Tools: Wire brush
⚠ Hot coolant and steam. Before removing the pressure cap, stop the generator set and allow it to cool.
⚠ Wash hands after any contact with fuel oil. Dispose of the fuel filter in an approved manner.
Tools: Rags
⚠ Wipe up any spilled diesel fuel. Wash hands after any contact with fuel.
Tools: Rag
⚠ To prevent damage to the starter motor, do not crank the engine to prime the fuel system.
⚠ Do not allow coolant mixture to flow into waterways. Use antifreeze capable of withstanding the lowest possible temperatures.
⚠ Dispose of all waste materials (engine oil, fuel, filter, etc.) in an environmentally safe manner.
Tools: Oil filter wrench, Oil collection container
⚠ Ensure that the siphon break's cap is tight before operating the generator set.
Tools: Mild detergent
⚠ Accidental starting. Disconnect the battery cables before working on the generator set. Remove the negative (-) lead first.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 NPT Female | Fuel Supply Connection | |||
| M12x1.75 | Negative (-) Battery Connection | Thread pitch 1.75 mm | ||
| M8x1.25 | Positive (+) Battery Connection | Thread pitch 1.25 mm |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.
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 C3.6 has a displacement of 3.6 liters.
The Caterpillar C3.6 powers 18 generator set(s), including Kohler 11EFKOZD, Kohler 12EFKOZD, Kohler 13EFKOZD, Kohler 13EKOZD, Kohler 14EKOZD.
A commonly reported issue on generators using the Caterpillar C3.6 is: Accidental starting. Fix: Disconnect the battery cables before working on the generator set. Remove the negative (--) lead first when disconnecting the battery. Reconnect the negative (--) lead last when reconnecting the battery..