Caterpillar C27 Diesel Engine
Core OEM Part Numbers: 254-4298, 299-3672, 388-9120, 456-8901 |
Engine Type: V-12, 4-stroke, twin-turbocharged-aftercooled (TTA) diesel with ACERT™ technology |
Displacement: 27.0 L (1649.5 in³) |
Power Range: 597–858 bkW (800–1150 bhp) @ 1800–2100 rpm |
Emissions Compliance: EPA Tier 2 Equivalent, EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, IMO II |
Primary Applications: Industrial/construction, mining, marine propulsion, oil & gas drilling, prime/standby power generation
Product Overview
The Cat C27 is a robust, high-power density V-12 diesel engine built on Caterpillar’s proven ACERT™ combustion platform, engineered for the most demanding 24/7 operations worldwide. Its V-12 wet-liner architecture, parallel twin-turbocharging, and advanced electronic controls deliver exceptional torque response, fuel efficiency, and durability while meeting global emissions standards. Designed to integrate seamlessly with Cat genuine components, aftertreatment systems, and monitoring tools, the C27 minimizes total cost of ownership (TCO) through extended service intervals, reduced downtime, and a global dealer support network—making it the go-to choice for heavy equipment, oilfield drilling rigs, marine vessels, and large generator sets.
Core Design & Engineering Features
Engine Architecture & Materials
- Configuration: 60° V-12, four-stroke direct injection (DI); replaceable wet cylinder liners with dual FKM/NBR O-ring seals for easy overhaul and coolant containment
- Bore × Stroke: 137.2 mm × 152.4 mm (5.4 in × 6.0 in); Compression Ratio: 16.0:1 (Tier 4 Final/Stage V) / 16.5:1 (Tier 2 Equivalent)
- Block & Head: Reinforced cast iron block with ladder-frame main bearing caps; forged steel crankshaft; induction-hardened cylinder bores; aluminum alloy cylinder heads for optimized heat transfer
- Aspiration: Parallel twin turbochargers (VGT optional for Tier 4/Stage V variants); air-to-air aftercooling for dense intake charge, reduced thermal stress, and consistent power at altitude up to 3000 m (10,000 ft)
Fuel & Combustion System
- Injection: High-pressure common rail (HPCR) with multi-pulse injection; HEUI-B compatible for legacy ratings; precise fuel metering reduces noise, smoke, and fuel consumption
- ACERT™ Technology: Advanced combustion optimization, variable valve timing strategies, and exhaust aftertreatment (DOC/DPF/SCR) for ultra-low NOx and particulate matter (PM) emissions
- Piston Design: Optimized bowl geometry and ceramic-coated crowns to withstand peak combustion temperatures (~1800°C) and prevent carbon buildup
Electronic Control & Diagnostics
- ECM: Cat ADEM™ A4 electronic control module for real-time engine management, load sensing, altitude compensation, and emissions control
- Monitoring & Protection: Full sensor suite (pressure, temperature, speed, fuel flow); Cat Electronic Technician (ET) compatibility for on-board diagnostics (OBD), fault logging, and predictive maintenance; automatic shutdown for over-temperature, low oil pressure, overspeed
- Telematics Ready: Compatible with Cat VisionLink® for remote monitoring, performance analysis, and service alerts
Durability & Cooling
- Bearings: High-capacity steel-backed tri-metal bearings with overlay plating to handle heavy shock loads in mining/construction
- Thermal Management: Pressurized liquid cooling system with dual circuits for cylinder block and heads; large-capacity heat exchangers for consistent operating temps (-40°C to 125°C coolant range)
- Seals & Gaskets: High-temperature FKM seals; multi-layer steel (MLS) head gaskets to eliminate combustion gas leakage and coolant/oil cross-contamination
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Tier 4 Final / Stage V |
Tier 2 Equivalent |
Notes |
| Engine Configuration |
V-12, 4-stroke, TTA diesel |
V-12, 4-stroke, TA/TTA diesel |
ACERT™ combustion platform |
| Displacement |
27.0 L (1649.5 in³) |
27.0 L (1649.5 in³) |
Fixed for all C27 variants |
| Bore × Stroke |
137.2 mm × 152.4 mm |
137.0 mm × 152.0 mm |
Precision-machined for liner protrusion control |
| Max Power |
783 bkW (1050 bhp) @ 1800 rpm |
858 bkW (1150 bhp) @ 2100 rpm |
Rating-dependent; consult Cat Parts Catalog |
| Max Torque |
4674 Nm (3448 lb-ft) @ 1200 rpm |
5255 Nm (3876 lb-ft) @ 1400 rpm |
Flat torque curve for load acceptance |
| Compression Ratio |
16.0:1 |
16.5:1 |
Optimized for emissions/performance |
| Dry Weight (Basic Engine) |
2750 kg (6063 lb) |
2720 kg (6000 lb) |
Wet weight (with fluids): ~2946 kg (6495 lb) |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) |
1917 × 1464 × 1319 mm (75.5 × 57.6 × 51.9 in) |
Same |
Including turbo and aftercooler |
| Rotation (Flywheel End) |
Counterclockwise (standard) |
Counterclockwise |
Optional clockwise for marine applications |
| Fuel Compatibility |
ULSD, B5–B20 biodiesel |
ULSD, B20 biodiesel |
Follow Cat fuel specification guidelines |
Emissions Aftertreatment (Tier 4 Final/Stage V)
- DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst)+DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)+SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) with DEF dosing
- Passive/active DPF regeneration to avoid operational interruption
- No exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) penalty on power density
Performance & Operational Benefits
- Outstanding Torque Response: Flat torque curve from 1200–1800 rpm for rapid load acceptance in excavators, drilling rigs, and marine propulsion
- Fuel Efficiency: Optimized injection timing and turbocharging reduce fuel consumption by 6–9% vs. non-ACERT legacy V-12 engines
- Altitude & Cold Start Capability: Maintains rated power up to 3000 m (10,000 ft); reliable start at −25°C (−13°F) with optional block heater and glow plugs
- Extended Service Intervals: Oil/filter changes up to 500 hours; coolant life up to 8000 hours with Cat ELC; DPF service intervals up to 4500 hours
- Durability: Induction-hardened cylinder liners and robust bearing design deliver 2x longer service life than comparable aftermarket solutions
Application Compatibility
Primary Equipment
- Industrial & Construction: Large excavators (390F, 395F), wheel loaders (992K), bulldozers (D10T), hydraulic power units, and material handling equipment
- Mining: Underground haul trucks, surface loaders, stationary pumps, and mine ventilation systems
- Marine: Tugboats, workboats, offshore support vessels (OSVs), and auxiliary generator sets (IMO II compliant)
- Oil & Gas: Land drilling rigs (mud pumps, drawworks), wellhead drives, fracturing equipment, and gas compression modules
- Power Generation: 700–900 kVA prime/standby generator sets (50/60 Hz)
Engine Serial Prefix Compatibility
Valid for C27 serial prefixes:
KRA, KRB, KRD, MEP, MSX, RKS, TBN, W0L (always confirm the exact part number and rating via the Cat Parts Catalog with your engine’s full serial number)
Quality & Warranty
- OEM Manufacturing: Produced in ISO 9001/TS 16949 certified facilities with full traceability of raw materials, heat treatment, and assembly processes
- 100% Factory Testing: Every engine undergoes full-load performance testing, leakage checks, and emissions verification before shipment
- Cat Reman Options: Remanufactured C27 engines meet original OEM performance specifications, come with a 12-month/2000-hour warranty, and support sustainability
- Standard Warranty: 12-month/2000-hour warranty; extended coverage packages available through Cat dealers
Installation & Maintenance Guidelines
- Pre-Installation: Verify engine rating and aftertreatment compatibility with application; clean fuel/air/cooling lines; check mounting alignment with driven equipment
- Installation: Torque all fasteners to Cat’s published specs (step-torque for cylinder heads and main caps); prime lubrication system; use genuine Cat gaskets, seals, and fluids
- Maintenance Best Practices:
- Use only Cat-approved ELC (Extended Life Coolant) to prevent liner pitting and corrosion
- Follow the service interval schedule in the Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM)
- Perform regular oil sampling to monitor engine health and detect issues early
- Use Cat Electronic Technician (ET) to clear fault codes and update ECM calibrations
Why Choose Cat Genuine C27 Engines?
- Perfect Integration: Engineered to work seamlessly with Cat equipment, controls, and aftertreatment systems—no modification required
- Global Support: Cat’s worldwide dealer network provides 24/7 parts, service, and technical support in remote regions
- Low Total Cost of Ownership: Reduced fuel consumption, extended service intervals, and fewer repairs add up to significant savings over the engine’s lifecycle
- Emissions Compliance: Pre-certified for global standards, avoiding costly retrofits or regulatory penalties
