Caterpillar nomenclature

[Baker]

Just curious if there is any rhyme or reason for the numbering of their engines. I figured that the last number is the number of cylinders....ie 3208. But do the first 3 numbers in that designation mean anything or are they just some arbitrary model number?

 

[Ski in NC]

3- diesel engine
Next two numbers: liters per cyl
last: #cyl

Works on 3116, 3126, 3176, 3196.

But does not apply to 3208, 3406, 3508 etc. Or the earlier ones like 343, 353, 379 etc

So basically just a random model number.

New ones c7, c9, c12, c18, c32. Those make sense. Just displacement for total engine. Just wait til they have to change the engine but keep the displacement!!!

 

[Wayfarer]

I've wondered that myself. We have a ship service generator that's a 3412. There are a couple of 16 cyl cats we use to run our unloading system, but I can't remember the model numbers.

 

[RT Firefly]

Ohhhhh....I thought...

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

Funny RT! Here I thought I would be able to answer this question and broke out my engine manuals. Nothing! No explanation of the serial numbers. My port engine is: 1Z12594 and is a 375hp, 3208 T/A