Cat 3116TA Specifications
| Engine Model: Caterpillar 3116TA |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 6-cylinder turbocharged and aftercooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 402 cu.in (6.6 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 161-177 Hp (120-132 kW) at 2400 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Direct fuel injection |
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The Caterpillar 3116TA is an inline
six-cylinder, 6.6-liter turbocharged and aftercooled diesel engine
designed for heavy-duty applications demanding a compact yet powerful
powerplant. As part of the Cat 3100 series, it is engineered to deliver
high power density and robust performance in both mobile and stationary
roles. The engine incorporates a direct injection fuel system,
replaceable wet cylinder liners, and a gear-driven camshaft.
Its turbocharged-aftercooled (TA) configuration provides a significant
increase in power and torque over naturally aspirated models, while
maintaining fuel efficiency and throttle response. The 3116TA is
recognized for its durable construction and serviceable design, with
components arranged for accessible maintenance. It serves as a prime
power source in a wide spectrum of equipment, from construction
machinery to marine vessels.
Engine Type: Inline 6-Cylinder, Four-Stroke Cycle Diesel.
Aspiration: Turbocharged and Aftercooled (TA).
Displacement: 6.6 Liters (402 cubic inches).
Bore: 105 mm (4.13 inches).
Stroke: 127 mm (5.00 inches).
Engine Power (Industrial/Construction): 161-177 HP (120-132 kW) at 2400
rpm.
Engine Power (Marine): 300-350 HP (224-261 kW) at 2800 rpm.
Compression Ratio: 16.0:1.
Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4.
Rotation (Viewed from Flywheel End): Counterclockwise.
Governor Type: Mechanical or Electronic, dependent on model year and
application.
Emission Certification: Manufactured in configurations meeting pre-Tier,
Tier 1, and Tier 2 standards, based on production date.
The cylinder block is a high-strength cast iron structure with deep
skirts for maximum rigidity. It is designed with replaceable wet-type
cylinder liners. The liners are pressed into the block and sealed at the
top with a copper or composite gasket under a precision-machined flange.
The block features cross-bolted main bearing caps; each main cap is
secured by two vertical bolts and two horizontal cross bolts, creating
an exceptionally rigid lower end to withstand high cylinder pressures.
The camshaft bore is machined directly into the block material, and the
camshaft is gear-driven.
A single cast iron cylinder head is used, secured by four bolts per
cylinder. The cylinder head employs four valves per cylinder - two
intake and two exhaust - to optimize airflow for the turbocharged
configuration. Valve seat inserts are hardened for durability. Valve
guides are replaceable.
Rocker arms are shaft-mounted and actuate the valves via pushrods and
hydraulic lifters, eliminating the need for manual valve lash
adjustment. The cylinder head gasket is a multi-layer steel (MLS) design
to contain high combustion pressures.
The 3116TA utilizes a direct injection system. Early production engines
employed Caterpillar’s Mechanical Unit Injector (MUI) system, where each
injector contains a cam-actuated plunger to generate injection pressure.
Later production engines transitioned to the more advanced Caterpillar
Hydraulically Actuated Electronically Controlled Unit Injector (HEUI)
system. In the HEUI system, high-pressure engine oil actuates the
injector plunger, while an electronic control module (ECM) governs the
precise timing and duration of fuel injection. Both systems use a
gear-type transfer pump for fuel supply.
The lubrication system is a full-pressure, gear-type design. The oil
pump draws oil from the sump through a pickup tube and screen, then
forces it through a full-flow, spin-on oil filter. A bypass valve
protects the system if the filter becomes restricted.
On HEUI-equipped engines, a high-pressure oil pump (in addition to the
main pump) generates the pressurized oil required for fuel injector
operation. Filtered oil is distributed from the main gallery to the
crankshaft main and rod bearings, camshaft bearings, turbocharger, and
valve gear. Piston cooling jets spray oil onto the underside of each
piston.
Coolant circulation is provided by a gear-driven centrifugal water pump.
Coolant flows from the pump through passages in the cylinder block and
cylinder head. A wax-pellet thermostat regulates engine operating
temperature.
The system includes a jacket water aftercooler (JWAC); engine coolant is
used to lower the temperature of the turbocharged intake air, increasing
air density and power output. The engine requires connection to a
radiator or heat exchanger of appropriate capacity. A coolant
conditioner element is often incorporated to maintain additive levels.
Starting System: 12-volt or 24-volt electric starting motor. Charging
System: A brushless alternator, commonly rated between 65 and 120
amperes based on application requirements.
Air Intake System: Dry-type air cleaner with a service indicator. The
turbocharger compresses intake air, which then passes through the jacket
water aftercooler. Exhaust System: A dry, cast iron exhaust manifold
routes gases to the turbocharger turbine. The turbocharger wastegate
controls boost pressure. Electronic Control: HEUI-equipped engines
feature an Engine Control Module (ECM) that monitors sensors and
controls fuel injection.
Dimensions are configuration-dependent. For an industrial engine,
approximate length is 1020 mm to 1140 mm (40.2 in to 44.9 in), width is
760 mm to 890 mm (29.9 in to 35.0 in), and height is 940 mm to 1020 mm
(37.0 in to 40.2 in). Marine propulsion units with transmissions have
larger dimensions. The net dry engine weight, excluding fluids and
driven accessories, is documented as 681 kg (1500 pounds). Installed
weights with marine gears, generators, or other ancillary equipment are
substantially greater.
Engine Oil Grade: For MUI engines, use Cat Diesel Engine Oil (DEO) or
API CG-4/SH. For HEUI engines, oil meeting Cat ECF-1, API CH-4, or CI-4
specifications is mandatory due to the high-pressure oil system. SAE
15W-40 is common.
Oil Change Interval: Varies with service classification. Under normal
conditions, intervals of 250 to 500 hours are standard. Oil analysis is
recommended to determine optimum intervals. Oil System Capacity: Total
refill capacity is 25.0 Liters (6.6 US gallons), including filter
change.
Cooling System Capacity: Total system capacity is approximately 28.0
Liters (7.4 US gallons). This includes engine, aftercooler, and external
circuit volumes.
Fuel Filter: Replace primary and secondary fuel filter elements every
500 hours or as indicated by service conditions. Air Filter: Service or
replace based on restriction gauge indication. Valve Lash Adjustment:
MUI engines require periodic adjustment. HEUI engines use hydraulic
lifters and do not require adjustment.
Engine Coolant: Use a 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and
demineralized water. Maintain proper concentration of supplemental
coolant additive (SCA).
Cylinder Head Bolts (M11): Tighten in a three-step sequence. Final
torque: 160 Nm (118 lb-ft). Main Bearing Cap Bolts (Vertical): 190 Nm
(140 lb-ft) plus an additional 90-degree turn. Main Bearing Cap Cross
Bolts: 75 Nm (55 lb-ft). Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: 120 Nm (89 lb-ft)
plus an additional 90-degree turn.
Flywheel Housing-to-Block Bolts: 75 Nm (55 lb-ft).
Flywheel-to-Crankshaft Bolts: 115 Nm (85 lb-ft). Injector Clamp Bolt
(MUI): 35 Nm (26 lb-ft). Oil Pan Bolts: 27 Nm (20 lb-ft). Oil Filter
Cartridge: Hand-tighten until gasket contacts base, then tighten an
additional three-quarters turn.
The Caterpillar 3116TA engine has a broad
application history:
Marine Propulsion: A popular choice for pleasure craft, sport fishing
boats, and small commercial workboats, with horsepower ratings from 200
to 350 hp. Construction Equipment: Widely used in Caterpillar 416B,
426B, 428B Backhoe Loaders; 906, 908, IT14F Loaders; 301.6, 302.4
Excavators; and various soil compactors.
Industrial Power: Found in generator sets (70-125 kVA), hydraulic power
units, and industrial air compressors. Trucking: Used in medium-duty
truck applications, such as refuse trucks and dump trucks, by various
OEMs. Agricultural: Employed in large agricultural tractors and
irrigation pumps.
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