HomeCaterpillarCaterpillar RP3600

Caterpillar RP3600 Generator Set

The Caterpillar RP3600 is a 3.6 kW Gasoline prime generator set powered by a Caterpillar OHV engine. It is available at 120 V, single-phase and 60 Hz. It holds about 0.6 L (0.2 gal) of oil. The set produces 62 dBA. An integrated tank holds 17 L (4.5 gal), roughly 7.5 hours of runtime.

79.7 L
Displacement
0.6 L
Oil capacity
4
Document types

How to read your Caterpillar serial & model number →

Specifications

FuelGasoline
Frequency60.0 Hz
Prime power3 kW
Oil capacity0.6 L
Voltage options120 V
PhaseSingle
Sound level62.0 dBA
Fuel tank17.0 L
Tank runtime7.5 hr

Engine

Caterpillar OHV
Displacement79.7 L
AspirationOHV

Filters & service parts

model family
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterCheck and clean as needed
Oil filterInspect and clean as needed
OilCheck before each start
Spark plugGap .028 - .032 inches (0.7 - 0.8mm)

Compiled from this model's family documentation — may include parts for closely-related variants. Confirm the exact part for your serial number.

Service intervals

1
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Engine Oil LevelCheckFirst service — Before each start

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

1
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
GapSpark Plug Gap0.7 - 0.8mm

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

Procedures

7
Add oil maintenance

Tools: oil funnel

  1. Add oil to level indicated
  2. Use included oil funnel
Starting the Engine - Electric Start operation
  1. Turn fuel valve to ON position
  2. For cold engine, pull choke knob out
  3. Turn generator switch to START position
  4. Release switch when engine starts
  5. Once engine starts, slowly push choke knob in
Starting the Engine - Recoil Start operation
  1. Turn fuel valve to ON position
  2. For cold engine, pull choke knob out
  3. Turn generator switch to ON position
  4. Slowly pull starter handle until resistance felt
  5. Quickly pull the handle with full force
  6. Once engine starts, slowly push choke knob in
Starting the generator operation
  1. Open fuel valve to OPEN position
  2. Open choke
  3. Rotate start switch to START position
  4. After 10-15 seconds close choke
  5. Pull recoil cord to start
Stopping the Engine operation
  1. Turn generator switch to OFF position
  2. Turn fuel valve to OFF position
Stopping the generator operation
  1. Remove all devices connected to unit
  2. Rotate start switch to OFF position
  3. Close fuel valve
  4. Engine will stop
Using the generator operation

⚠ Do not connect to building electrical without approved device

  1. Ensure generator can supply running and starting watts needed
  2. Start generator with nothing connected
  3. Plug and turn on first load (largest first)
  4. Wait for output to stabilize
  5. Plug and turn on next load
  6. Repeat for each additional load

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

Common questions

Which engine powers the Caterpillar RP3600?

The Caterpillar RP3600 is powered by the Caterpillar OHV engine.

What fuel does the Caterpillar RP3600 use?

The Caterpillar RP3600 runs on Gasoline.

Troubleshooting

6

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Engine will not startEngine lacks power, AC receptacle does not workFill fuel tank, Drain entire system and refill with fresh fuel
Generator makes a 'spark knock' or 'pinging' noiseNo fuel, Stale gasoline or water in gasolineDrain fuel and carburetor. Refuel with fresh gasoline.
Engine Runs Rough (no load)Dirty air filterStop the engine and check the air filter. Clean if needed. Start the engine / check if it runs rough
Engine Shuts DownOut of fuel Not enough oil in the engine Dirty air filter Generator overloadedCheck the fuel. Fill the tank if necessary. Check the oil level. If low, add the recommended oil. Clean the air filter. Unplug some of the devices.
Engine Runs Rough (with load)Dirty air filter Generator overloadedStop the engine and check the air filter. Clean if needed. Start the engine / check if it runs rough. Unplug some of the devices.
Engine Runs, But Generator Does Not Provide PowerCircuit breaker is open Bad connection Defective power cord Defective device plugged inClose the circuit breaker. Stop the engine and check the connections. Replace the cord. Unplug defective device.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.

Parts

12
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
501-5293RP7500 E Service Kit1Service Amazon eBay
501-5294RP12000 E Protective Cover1Protective cover Amazon eBay
502-3692Multi-Connector Power Cord (25 ft)1Power cord Amazon eBay
502-3693Single Connector Power Cord (25 ft)1Power cord Amazon eBay
502-3702RP3600 Service Kit1Service Amazon eBay
502-3703RP5500 Service Kit1Service Amazon eBay
502-3704RP6500 E Service Kit1Service Amazon eBay
502-3705Small Protective Cover1Protective cover Amazon eBay
502-3706Large Protective Cover1Protective cover Amazon eBay
517-9207INV2000 Protective Cover1Protective cover Amazon eBay $39.99
517-9208INV2000 Service Kit1Service Amazon eBay
530-1202INV2000 Parallel Kit1Parallel kit Amazon eBay $109.00

Service, wear & replacement parts referenced for this model and its engine — confirm the exact part for your serial number. See the full parts catalog to search and cross-reference.

Available documents

Operator's manual (Caterpillar)Reference (Caterpillar)Owner's manual (Caterpillar)Parts manual — CAT Portable Catalog (Caterpillar)
Other sets with this engine