C-12 Truck Engine Caterpillar


General Information

Usage:

C-12 9SM
The C-12 Truck Engine is an in-line six cylinder engine. The engine has a bore of 130.0 mm (5.12 inch) and a stroke of 150.0 mm (5.91 inch). The displacement is 12 L (732 in3). The engine has a firing order sequence: 1, 5, 3, 6, 2 and 4. The rotation of this engine is counterclockwise when the engine is viewed from the flywheel end of the engine. This engine utilizes a turbocharger and an air-to-air aftercooler.

The Electronic Unit Injector system (EUI) eliminates many of the mechanical components that are traditionally used in the fuel injector assembly. The EUI also provides increased control of the timing and increased control of the fuel air mixture. The timing advance is achieved by precise control of the fuel injection timing. Engine rpm is controlled by adjusting the injection duration.

This engine has a special crankshaft gear that provides information to the Electronic Control Module (ECM) for detection of cylinder position and engine rpm.

The engine has built-in diagnostics in order to ensure that all of the components are operating properly. In the event of a system component failure, the operator will be alerted to the condition by check engine light. The check engine light is located on the dashboard. An electronic service tool can be used to read the numerical code of the faulty component or condition. Also, the cruise control switches can be used to flash the code on the check engine light. Intermittent faults are logged and stored in memory.

Starting The Engine

The engine's ECM will automatically provide the correct amount of fuel in order to start the engine. Do not hold the throttle down while the engine is cranking. If the engine fails to start in 30 seconds, release the starting switch. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes before the starting motor is used again.


NOTICE

Excessive ether (starting fluid) can cause piston and ring damage. Use ether for cold weather starting purposes only.


Cold Mode Operation

The ECM will set the cold start strategy when the coolant temperature or the inlet air temperature is below 18 °C (64 °F).

When the cold start strategy is activated, low idle rpm will be increased to 800 rpm and the engine's power will be limited.

Cold mode operation will be deactivated when any of the following conditions have been met:

  • Coolant temperature and the inlet air temperature reach 18 °C (64 °F).

  • The engine has been running for twelve minutes.

Cold mode operation varies the fuel injection amount for white smoke cleanup. Cold mode operation also varies the timing for white smoke cleanup. The engine operating temperature is usually reached before the walk-around inspection is completed. The engine will idle at the programmed low idle rpm in order to be put in gear.


NOTICE

Do not move the vehicle with the engine in the cold mode condition. Engine power could be noticeably reduced. At a vehicle speed above 8 km/h (5 mph), low idle rpm will be reduced to the customer programmed low idle and the power will still be reduced.


After the cold mode is completed, the engine should be operated at low rpm until normal operating temperature is reached. The engine will reach normal operating temperature faster when the engine is operated at low rpm and low power demand. Typically, the engine should be up to operating temperature by just driving the vehicle through the yard toward the open road.

Customer Specified Parameters

The engine is capable of being programmed for several customer specified parameters. For a brief explanation of each of the customer specified parameters, see the Operation and Maintenance Manual.

Caterpillar Information System:

3508B Engine for Caterpillar Built Machines Atmospheric Pressure Sensor
3508B Engine for Caterpillar Built Machines Engine Speed/Timing Sensor
3508B Engine for Caterpillar Built Machines Permanent Timing Calibration Sensor
C280 Marine Engines Air Shutoff
3608 Engine Aftercooler
3114, 3116 and 3126 MUI Engine Governors Governor (Types I, II, and Some III) - Adjust
3608 Engine Air Inlet and Exhaust System Operation
C-12 Engine Cold Start Strategy
G3304 and G3306 Engines Ignition System
3176C and 3196 Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Engine Oil Temperature Is Too High
1999/12/01 Torque Increased for Nuts on Fuel Injector Wiring Harness {1290}
3508B Engine for Caterpillar Built Machines Engine Overspeed Control
3508B Engine for Caterpillar Built Machines User Defined Shutdown Input
3508B Engine for Caterpillar Built Machines Fuel Injector Timing
3508B Engine for Caterpillar Built Machines Pressure Sensor for Turbocharger Compressor Inlet
3508B Engine for Caterpillar Built Machines Pressure Sensor for Turbocharger Compressor Outlet
3608 Engine Lubrication Metering Pump - Remove and Install
3608 Engine Internal Lubrication
3512B Marine Auxiliary Engine Monitoring System
3512 and 3516 EUI Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Electronic Control Circuit for the Fuel System
3500B and 3500B High Displacement Generator Set Engines Fuel Injector Mechanism
3508B Engine for Caterpillar Built Machines Electronic Fuel Injector
3500B and 3500B High Displacement Generator Set Engines Air Inlet and Exhaust System Operation
2000/02/01 A New Sensor Housing In Prelubrication Lines Groups (Continuous Prelube) Provides Improved Operation {1319}
Back to top
The names Caterpillar, John Deere, JD, JCB, Hyundai or any other original equipment manufacturers are registered trademarks of the respective original equipment manufacturers. All names, descriptions, numbers and symbols are used for reference purposes only.
CH-Part.com is in no way associated with any of the manufacturers we have listed. All manufacturer's names and descriptions are for reference only.