HomeEnginesCaterpillar G3612

Caterpillar G3612 Engine

The Caterpillar G3612 is a 254.4 L 12-cylinder ta engine rated at 750 rpm, producing up to 2383 kW. It powers generator sets from Caterpillar.

Also known as: Caterpillar G3612, G3612

Part of the Caterpillar G3612 engine family — 2 variants share parts & fitment.

254.4 L
Displacement
12
Cylinders
750 rpm
Rated speed
2383 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Displacement254.4 L
Cylinders12
AspirationTA
Rated speed750 rpm
Gross power2383 kW

Service intervals

40
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Battery Electrolyte LevelCheck250 hrAll schedules
Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 1)Other250 hrAll schedules; obtain sample
Cooling System Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)Test250 hrAll schedules; test/add
Engine Oil SampleOther250 hrNatural gas and wellhead schedules; obtain sample
oilChange500 hr3000 Series service intervals increased to 500 hours as standard (3013C, 3024C, 3054, 3056)
Actuator Control LinkageLubricate1000 hrAll schedules
Air Starting Motor Lines ScreenClean5000 hrFirst service — Initial 1000 Service Hours; all schedules
Air Starting Motor Lubricator BowlClean5000 hrFirst service — Initial 1000 Service Hours; all schedules
BeltsInspect1000 hrAll schedules; inspect/adjust/replace
Crankcase BlowbyOther5000 hrFirst service — Initial 1000 Service Hours; all schedules; measure/record
Cylinder PressureOther5000 hrFirst service — Initial 1000 Service Hours; all schedules; measure/record
Electrohydraulic System Oil FilterChange5000 hrFirst service — Initial 1000 Service Hours; all schedules
Engine Crankcase BreatherClean2000 hrFirst service — Initial 1000 Service Hours; all schedules
Engine Protective Device ConnectionsInspect5000 hrFirst service — Initial 1000 Service Hours; all schedules
Engine Valve LashInspect2000 hrFirst service — Initial 1000 Service Hours; all schedules; inspect/adjust
Engine Valve RotatorsInspect2000 hrFirst service — Initial 1000 Service Hours; all schedules
Hoses and ClampsInspect1000 hrAll schedules; inspect/replace
Magnetic PickupsClean5000 hrFirst service — Initial 1000 Service Hours; all schedules; clean/inspect
Mounting bolt torquesCheck1000 hrCheck mounting bolt torques every 1000 hours
Valve Stem ProjectionOther2000 hrFirst service — Initial 1000 Service Hours; all schedules; measure/record
Aftercooler CondensationDrain2000 hrAll schedules
Crankshaft Vibration DamperInspect2000 hrAll schedules
CylindersInspect2000 hrBio-gas schedule only
Engine MountsCheck2000 hrAll schedules
AlignmentCheck5000 hrCheck alignment every 5000 hours
Combustion SensorClean5000 hrNatural gas and wellhead schedules; clean/inspect/replace
Cooling System Level SwitchInspect5000 hrAll schedules
Driven EquipmentCheck5000 hrAll schedules
Electrohydraulic SystemCheck5000 hrAll schedules; check/adjust
Electrohydraulic System OilChange5000 hrAll schedules
Engine OilChange5000 hrNatural gas and wellhead schedules
Engine Oil FilterChange5000 hrNatural gas and wellhead schedules
Engine Protective DevicesCheck5000 hrAll schedules
Exhaust BypassOther5000 hrAll schedules; recondition
Gas Shutoff ValveInspect5000 hrAll schedules
Ignition System Spark PlugsReplace5000 hrNatural gas and wellhead schedules
Inlet Air SystemInspect5000 hrAll schedules
Inlet Gas Manifold and PipingInspect5000 hrAll schedules; inspect/replace
Prechamber Check ValvesClean5000 hrNatural gas and wellhead schedules
Starting MotorInspect5000 hrAll schedules

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

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceCoolant level below filler pipe13mm
ClearanceCrankshaft TIR at middle section0.08128mmtotal movement; 0.0032 in
ClearanceCrankshaft deflection+/- 0.0406mm0.0016 in
ClearanceCrankshaft endplay0.4 ±0.2mm0.016 ±0.008 in
ClearanceDistance to center of lifting eyes30mmID; applies to removal distances
ClearanceDowel hole depth80mm3.15 in
ClearanceDowel hole size25.37 ± .02mm0.999 ± 0.0008 in
ClearanceDowel size25.405 ± 0.003mm1.0002 ± 0.0001 in
ClearanceEngine front clearance600mm23.6 in
ClearanceFlywheel bore diameter733.475mm28.877 in
ClearanceFlywheel pilot diameter733.425mm28.875 in
ClearanceGap between air intake pipe and turbocharger inlet25 to 50mm1 to 2 in
ClearanceGas admission valve guide inner diameter (max)9.538mm
ClearanceGas admission valve seat angle44.75 ± 0.5degrees
ClearanceGas admission valve seat gauge diameter39.75mmwithin a maximum depth of 2.0 mm (0.079 inch) from the end of the support assembly
ClearanceHead removal distance (Vee engines)662 to 1876mm26 to 73.8 in
ClearanceMagnetic pickup to flywheel ring gear tooth0.69 ± 0.14mm
ClearanceNormal liner removal distance (Vee engines)885 to 1899mm34.8 to 74.8 in
ClearanceOil level alarm distance below oil pan gasket261mm10.3 in
ClearanceOil level regulator distance below oil pan gasket175mm6.9 in
ClearanceOil level shutdown distance below oil pan gasket341mm13.4 in
ClearancePiston and rod removal distance (Vee engines)860 to 1844mm33.9 to 72.6 in; measured from center of crankshaft
ClearanceReduced height liner removal distance (Vee engines)1220 to 1714mm44 to 67.5 in
ClearanceSoft foot maximum deflection0.0762mm0.003 in
ClearanceValve rotator projection increase for 70% of maximum limit1.6mmtotal increase
ClearanceValve stem projection increase for top end overhaul2.3mmtotal increase
ClearanceVent line maximum inner diameter12.7mm0.5 in
ClearanceVent line minimum inner diameter9.5mm0.375 in
ClearanceWater pump inlet steadying zone1500mm59 in
GapBore runout tolerance±0.127mm±0.005 in
GapFace runout tolerance±0.178mm±0.007 in
GapSpark plug electrode gap0.29 ± 0.03mm
OtherBrake specific oil consumption0.304g/bkw-hr0.00052 lb/bhp-hr
OtherDC circuit minimum current capability20A
OtherExhaust outlet diameter355mm14 in
OtherFan drive maximum static side load per unit width of belt46.4N/mm265 lbf/in
OtherFan drive total maximum static side load17793N4000 lb
OtherFlywheel teeth255
OtherLifting eye shackle size50.4mm2 in
OtherMaximum fill rate through bottom of engine112L/min30 gal/min
OtherMaximum fill rate through filler cap19L/min5 gal/min
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
OtherSCA concentration test - number of drops for recommended concentration25 to 30drops
OtherSupplemental coolant additive concentration (coolant/antifreeze)6%do not exceed
OtherSupplemental coolant additive concentration (water and SCA)8%do not exceed
PowerFan drive maximum power take-off112kW150 hp
PressureAir cleaner restriction0.25kPa
PressureAir intake minimum vacuum capability12.5kPa1.81 psi
PressureAir intake pressure loss maximum3.7kPa0.54 psi
PressureEngine oil filter differential pressure service point100kPa
PressureExhaust system backpressure maximum3kPa0.44 psi, 12 in H2O
PressureExpansion tank pressure cap above 1200 m96kPa14 psi
PressureExpansion tank pressure cap below 1200 m48kPa7 psi
PressureFuel filter change differential pressure35kPa5 psi
PressureFuel filter differential pressure service point1.7kPaat rated rpm and normal operating temperature
PressureFuel pressure at engine connection310 ±13.8kPa45 ±2 psi
PressureFuel pressure fluctuation maximum at engine inlet1.7kPa0.25 psi
PressureOil pan gauge pressure range0 to 7kPag0 to 1 psig

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
CoolantNGECCooling system coolant; change every 20 000 service hours or 3 years
CoolantTreated waterAftercooler suitable for treated water and either non-corrosive air or corrosive (salt air) environment
Engine oilSAE 40Cat NGEO (Natural Gas Engine Oil)Ash value 0.4% to 0.6%; only Cat NGEO recommended; aftermarket oil acceptable if 7000 hours documented field service in G3600 engines; refer to SEBU6400
Engine oillow sulfated ash oilRequired for U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage IV engines.
FuelUltra 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.
FuelGaseous fuel45 Methane Number minimum; 10% Inert gases maximum; 41.35 MJ/Nm3 (1050 BTU/Scf) maximum; H2S sulfur compounds below 0.43 mg/MJ (0.45 ug/BTU)
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
Grease4C-9504 Dielectric GreaseFor spark plug extension connection points
Grease8T-9020 Dielectric GreaseFor spark plug extension connection points
GreaseDow Corning 41 Extreme High Temperature Bearing GreaseFor actuator control linkage rod ends
GreaseIE2254 lubricantApply to jack-up screws
GreaseMPGMFor barring device grease fittings; also for battery terminals
OilCaterpillar 4C-6767 Synthetic OilFor barring device reducer
Other5N-5561 Silicone LubricantFor coating battery terminals and cable clamps; alternatives: petroleum jelly or MPGM
OtherAir tool oilbelow 0°CFor air starting motor lubricator; use for temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F)
OtherNondetergent SAE 10Wabove 0°CFor air starting motor lubricator; use for temperatures greater than 0 °C (32 °F)

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
Coupling Alignment adjustment

Tools: laser tool, dial indicators

  1. Perform face runout and bore runout alignment using laser tool or dial indicators.
  2. Measure face runout at 12:00-6:00 and 3:00-9:00 positions.
  3. Measure bore runout.
  4. Results must be within coupler manufacturer's recommendation or Caterpillar tolerance.
Crankshaft Deflection adjustment

Tools: deflection gauge

  1. Perform cold and hot crankshaft deflection tests.
  2. Place tool within 10 mm (0.39 in) of counterweight end.
  3. Deflection at middle section must be within +/- 0.0406 mm (0.0016 in).
  4. TIR must not exceed 0.08128 mm (0.0032 in).
  5. If exceeded, loosen mounting bolts, correct soft foot, and ensure thermal growth not constrained.
Crankshaft Endplay adjustment

⚠ Engine must be prelubed before rotating crankshaft.

Tools: dial indicator

  1. Perform cold and hot crankshaft endplay checks.
  2. Follow REHS0423 section 3 procedure.
  3. Endplay shall be 0.4 ±0.2 mm (0.016 ±0.008 in).
  4. Ensure driven equipment endplay is within manufacturer's recommendation.
Soft Foot Test adjustment

⚠ Do not use partial shims.

Tools: dial indicator, shims

  1. Place dial indicator support on base and tip against upper flat section of engine foot.
  2. Ensure all jack-up bolts are raised.
  3. Loosen engine foot while observing dial indicator.
  4. Measured deflection must not exceed 0.0762 mm (0.003 in).
  5. Add shims if necessary; repeat for all feet.
Pressure Checks diagnostic

Tools: pressure gauges, pressure fittings

  1. Perform static pressure checks with engine stopped at water pump inlet and auxiliary water pump inlet.
  2. Perform dynamic pressure checks with temperature regulators fully open at locations A through H.
  3. Record all results.
Doweling installation

⚠ Both engine and driven equipment should be doweled closest to coupler and on same side.

Tools: drill, reamer

  1. Dowel designated engine and driven equipment mounting feet after hot alignment is within spec.
  2. Drill dowel hole to 25.37 ± .02 mm at depth 80 mm.
  3. Ream holes to 25.405 mm diameter.
  4. Insert dowels and drive until contact with bottom.
Grouted Mounting Plate Method installation

Tools: jack-up bolts, IE2254 lubricant, sleeves, dam material, grout

  1. Attach mounting plates to engine feet; set engine on base.
  2. Apply IE2254 lubricant to jack-up screws and turn until they touch base.
  3. Place sleeves around jack-up bolts and mounting bolts.
  4. Adjust jack-up bolts to level engine; perform cold coupler alignment and crankshaft endplay test.
  5. Build dam around each mounting plate for grout.
  6. Fill each dam with grout until 1/4 plate thickness is exposed.
  7. Allow grout to cure per manufacturer.
  8. Remove jack-up bolts and tighten mounting bolts to Table 7 torques.
  9. Start engine and perform hot alignment.
Lifting installation

⚠ Oil pan is not designed to withstand engine load in operation.

  1. Use designated lifting eyes only.
  2. Ensure oil pan rests on level surface if temporarily supporting engine.
  3. Never support engine from oil pan in permanent setup.
Welded Mounting Plate Method installation

⚠ Significant experience required to maintain alignment during welding.

Tools: jack-up screws, shims, welder

  1. Attach mounting plates to engine feet; set engine on base so sole plates contact base.
  2. Level engine using jack-up screws and shims.
  3. Perform cold coupler alignment and crankshaft endplay test.
  4. Weld all mounting plates to base.
  5. Remove jack-up screws and tighten mounting bolts to Table 7 torques.
Actuator Control Linkage - Lubricate maintenance

⚠ The linkage can move and form a pinch point which can cause personal injury. Keep hands away from the linkage.

  1. Ensure linkage is meant to be lubricated. Applies to air choke, fuel control, and exhaust bypass actuators.
  2. Apply Dow Corning 41 Extreme High Temperature Bearing Grease to the rod ends of the control linkage.
Aftercooler Condensation - Drain maintenance
  1. Ensure that the engine is not running.
  2. Remove plugs (1) and (2).
  3. Drain the moisture into suitable containers.
  4. Install the plugs.
Air Starting Motor Lines Screen - Clean maintenance
  1. Ensure that the air supply to the air lines is OFF.
  2. Remove plug (1).
  3. Carefully remove screen (2). Clean with nonflammable solvent. Inspect for damage.
  4. Install clean, dry screen (2). Clean plug (1). Install the plug.

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 G3612 family

7
Part #DescriptionCategory
4C-6767Synthetic Oilfluid
4C-9504Dielectric Greasefluid
5N-5561Silicone Lubricantfluid
8T-9020Dielectric Greasefluid
108-3515Gasketgasket
PL1000ECaterpillar PL1000E translator configured for Modbus 232other_service
9Y-6792Gasket (spark plug)spark_plug

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

7

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 displacement of the Caterpillar G3612?

The Caterpillar G3612 has a displacement of 254.4 liters with 12 cylinders.

Which generators use the Caterpillar G3612 engine?

The Caterpillar G3612 powers 1 generator set(s), including Caterpillar G3612.