Cat 3116T Specifications
| Engine Model: Caterpillar 3116T |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 6-cylinder direct injection liquid-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 403 cu.in (6.6 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 150-300 Hp (112-224 kW) at 2400 rpm |
| Aspiration Type: Turbocharged |
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The Caterpillar 3116T is the turbocharged
variant of the well-known CAT 3116 diesel engine, developed for
medium-duty trucks, construction machinery, marine vessels, and
industrial power units. The turbocharging enhances power output, torque
rise, thermal efficiency, and altitude performance while maintaining the
robust durability associated with the mechanically actuated 3116
platform. Known for long service life, strong mid-range torque, and
reliable operation even under high load factors, the 3116T remains
widely used across multiple industries.
The engine employs a cast-iron block and head, mechanical unit
injectors, a gear-driven valvetrain, and a forged-steel rotating
assembly. Turbocharging transforms the naturally aspirated 3116 into a
more flexible engine suitable for higher power applications,
particularly in marine propulsion, construction equipment, and
vocational vehicles.
The Caterpillar 3116T is a four-stroke, water-cooled, turbocharged,
direct-injection inline six-cylinder diesel engine. Total displacement
is 6.6 liters (403 cubic inches). Bore is 105 mm (4.13 in) and stroke is
127 mm (5.00 in). Compression ratio typically ranges from 16.0:1 to
17.0:1 depending on configuration and turbocharging calibration.
Horsepower ratings vary widely:
– Truck/on-highway versions: 190–275 hp (142–205 kW) at 2,200–2,600 rpm
– Construction/industrial: 150–240 hp (112–179 kW)
– Marine ratings: 200–300 hp (149–224 kW) continuous/medium duty
Idle is typically 650–750 rpm. Maximum governed speed is 2,200–2,600
rpm. Firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Peak torque: 700–950 Nm (516–701
lb-ft) at 1,400–1,600 rpm.
The crankshaft is forged steel with seven main bearings. Pistons are
cast-aluminum alloy with steel-reinforced crowns and internal cooling
galleries. Connecting rods are forged with replaceable inserts. The
camshaft is gear-driven from the front gear train.
The block is cast iron with parent-bore cylinders. Thick main-bearing
saddles and a stiff crankcase design minimize vibration and distortion
under turbocharged pressures. Coolant passages fully surround the
cylinders to maintain stable operating temperature.
The cylinder head is cast iron with four valves per cylinder—two intake
and two exhaust. The valve train consists of pushrods and rocker arms
actuated by the gear-driven camshaft.
Typical cold valve lash:
– Intake: 0.38–0.43 mm (0.015–0.017 in)
– Exhaust: 0.64–0.69 mm (0.025–0.027 in).
Fuel delivery uses a mechanical unit-injector system actuated by
camshaft lobes. Injection pressures exceed 1,000 bar at the nozzle. A
mechanical governor regulates fuel delivery based on throttle input.
Fuel system features:
– Mechanical lift pump
– Primary and secondary filtration
– High-pressure unit injectors
– Mechanical inline governor
Fuel-system service:
– Filters every 250–300 hr
– Injector inspection every 1,000–1,500 hr
– Timing/calibration during major service.
A gear-driven oil pump provides full-pressure lubrication to all major
moving components.
Oil capacity: 18–22 L (19–23 qt)
Operating oil pressure: 300–450 kPa (44–65 psi)
Idle pressure: 100–150 kPa (15–22 psi).
Cooling uses a belt-driven centrifugal water pump. Coolant circulates
through block, head, oil cooler, and turbocharger cooling passages.
Thermostat:
– Opening: 82°C (180°F)
– Full open: 95°C (203°F)
Cooling capacity: 20–28 L (21–29 qt)
System pressure: 70–90 kPa (10–13 psi).
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
Turbocharging increases airflow and improves torque. Some versions
include aftercooling (air-to-air or air-to-water).
Air filtration options:
– Dry dual-element filters
– Oil-bath filters (industrial)
– Marine air-silencer/filters
Exhaust manifold is high-temperature cast iron.
| Electrical and Starting Systems |
Available in 12-V and 24-V systems.
Alternator: 55–120 amps
Starter motor: 3–5 kW
Sensors may include coolant temperature, oil pressure, and speed pickups
depending on application.
The 3116T supports:
– PTO drives
– Hydraulic pumps
– Marine gearboxes
– Generator heads
– Air compressors.
Length: 1,050–1,150 mm (41–45 in)
Width: 780–880 mm (31–35 in)
Height: 1,000–1,080 mm (39–43 in)
Dry weight: 800–900 kg (1,764–1,984 lb).
– Oil and filter: 250 hr
– Fuel filters: 250–300 hr
– Air filter: inspect every 50 hr
– Coolant: replace every 2 years
– Valve lash: adjust every 1,000 hr
– Injector service: 1,000–1,500 hr
– Turbo inspection: 2,000 hr
– Compression test: 2,000–3,000 hr.
– Cylinder head bolts: 170–190 Nm (125–140 lb-ft)
– Main bearing caps: 200–230 Nm (148–170 lb-ft)
– Connecting rods: 110–130 Nm (81–96 lb-ft)
– Flywheel bolts: 180–210 Nm (133–155 lb-ft)
– Crank pulley bolt: 350–400 Nm (258–295 lb-ft)
– Oil drain plug: 40–55 Nm (30–41 lb-ft)
– Injector hold-downs: 25–30 Nm (18–22 lb-ft).
The Caterpillar 3116T is used in:
– Freightliner and GMC medium-duty trucks
– Marine propulsion engines
– Construction machinery (loaders, excavators)
– Generators
– Municipal vehicles
– Pump/industrial equipment.
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