Caterpillar C280-8 Marine Engine Parts & Spare Parts
Alfa Marine Spare Parts supplies Caterpillar C280-8 marine engine parts and spare parts for commercial vessels, offshore vessels, workboats, marine propulsion systems, diesel-electric installations and marine generator applications.
We source genuine, OEM, replacement and applicable Reman Caterpillar C280-8 components, subject to availability, for scheduled maintenance, corrective repairs, top-end overhaul and major engine rebuild requirements.
Our sourcing capabilities cover fuel injectors, cylinder heads, pistons, cylinder liners, connecting rods, bearings, crankshaft components, turbocharger parts, cooling-system components, auxiliary seawater pumps, oil pumps, filters, electronic controls, sensors, gaskets, seals and overhaul components.
The Caterpillar C280-8 is the inline eight-cylinder configuration within the larger C280 engine platform.
For information about the complete engine family, visit our Caterpillar C280 Marine Engine Parts page.
The related six-cylinder version is covered separately on our Caterpillar C280-6 Marine Engine Parts page.
You can also browse our Caterpillar Marine Engine Parts & Rebuild Kits, Caterpillar Engine Parts Catalogue or Marine Spare Parts Catalogue.
For correct parts identification, provide the complete engine designation, engine serial number, serial-number prefix, arrangement number and existing part number whenever available.
Need a specific C280-8 component? Request a Quote or email request@alfamarinespareparts.com.
Caterpillar C280-8 Marine Engine Overview
The Caterpillar C280-8 is a large-displacement inline eight-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine developed for demanding commercial marine propulsion and power-generation applications.
The engine belongs to the Caterpillar C280 engine family, alongside the:
- Caterpillar C280-6
- Caterpillar C280-12
- Caterpillar C280-16
The C280-8 uses a 280 mm cylinder bore and 300 mm piston stroke, producing approximately 148 litres of displacement.
Applicable commercial propulsion configurations operate at approximately 900–1,000 rpm.
Principal characteristics include:
- Inline 8-cylinder configuration
- Four-stroke diesel design
- 280 mm cylinder bore
- 300 mm piston stroke
- Approximately 148 litres displacement
- Turbocharging and aftercooling
- Electronically controlled fuel injection
- Electronic engine management
- Heavy-duty cooling and lubrication systems
- Commercial propulsion applications
- Marine generator applications
Exact specifications, ratings and installed components can vary according to engine serial number, power rating, emissions configuration and vessel application.
Caterpillar C280-8 Technical SpecificationsSpecificationCaterpillar C280-8Engine familyCaterpillar C280Engine type4-stroke dieselConfigurationInline 8Number of cylinders8Bore280 mmStroke300 mmDisplacementApprox. 148 LAspirationTurbocharged and aftercooledFuel systemElectronically controlledRated speedApprox. 900–1,000 rpmMarine propulsionYesMarine generator applicationsYes
Exact technical specifications depend on the individual engine rating and configuration.
For comparison, the Caterpillar C280-6 uses the same 280 mm bore and 300 mm stroke but has six cylinders and approximately 111 litres displacement.
Caterpillar C280 Engine Family
The C280-8 belongs to Caterpillar's large C280 engine platform.
EngineConfigurationApprox. DisplacementC280-6Inline 6111 LC280-8Inline 8148 LC280-12V12222 LC280-16V16296 L
The family shares fundamental engine architecture, but individual parts should not automatically be considered interchangeable.
Components can differ according to:
- Cylinder count
- Engine serial number
- Arrangement number
- Power rating
- Duty cycle
- Emissions configuration
- Fuel-system specification
- Turbocharger configuration
- Cooling-system arrangement
- Auxiliary equipment
- Production revision
For the complete platform, visit Caterpillar C280 Marine Engine Parts & Spare Parts.
Caterpillar C280-8 Parts We Can Source
Alfa Marine Spare Parts can assist with a broad range of Caterpillar C280-8 engine parts and overhaul components.
SystemTypical ComponentsFuel SystemInjectors, fuel pumps, filters, lines and sealsCylinder ComponentsCylinder heads, liners, pistons, rings and valvesCranktrainConnecting rods, bearings and crankshaft componentsTurbochargingTurbochargers and associated componentsCooling SystemWater pumps, thermostats, seals and cooling componentsSea Water SystemAuxiliary seawater pumps and associated partsLubricationOil pumps, oil coolers, filters and sealsElectrical & ControlsControllers, sensors, harnesses and monitoring componentsOverhaulLiners, pistons, bearings, gaskets, seals and rebuild components
If you already know the component or part number, browse our Marine Spare Parts Catalogue.
Caterpillar C280-8 Fuel System Parts
The C280-8 uses electronically controlled fuel-injection technology.
Fuel-system requirements can include:
- Fuel injectors
- Electronic injection components
- Fuel pumps
- Fuel transfer pumps
- Fuel filters
- Fuel lines
- Injector seals
- Fuel-system fittings
- Fuel-system gaskets
- Sensors
- Electronic control components
Fuel-system components can vary according to engine rating and production configuration.
For accurate identification, provide:
C280-8 + Engine Serial Number + Existing Part Number
This is particularly important for injectors, fuel pumps and electronic fuel-system components.
Caterpillar C280-8 Cylinder Head Parts
Cylinder-head requirements can include:
- Complete cylinder heads
- Intake valves
- Exhaust valves
- Valve guides
- Valve seats
- Valve springs
- Rocker components
- Cylinder-head gaskets
- Seals
- Associated hardware
Large C280 engines can accumulate substantial operating hours, making cylinder-head and valve-train inspection an important part of planned overhaul work.
For top-end requirements, provide the complete engine serial number and arrangement information.
Caterpillar C280-8 Pistons & Cylinder Liners
Major internal-engine requirements can include:
- Cylinder liners
- Pistons
- Piston rings
- Piston pins
- Connecting rods
- Connecting-rod bearings
- Main bearings
- Thrust components
- Cylinder-head components
- Gaskets
- O-rings
- Seals
Although the C280-8 shares basic C280 architecture with the Caterpillar C280-6, components should not automatically be considered interchangeable.
Always verify major internal parts against the individual engine.
Caterpillar C280-8 Connecting Rod & Bearing Parts
Cranktrain requirements can include:
- Connecting rods
- Connecting-rod bearings
- Main bearings
- Thrust bearings
- Connecting-rod bushings
- Crankshaft components
- Fasteners
- Seals
- Associated lubrication components
Major internal-engine components should be identified against the engine serial number and arrangement information.
Caterpillar C280-8 Crankshaft Components
C280-8 crankshaft requirements can include:
- Complete crankshaft
- Main bearings
- Connecting-rod bearings
- Thrust bearings
- Crankshaft seals
- Gear components
- Vibration-damper components
- Associated hardware
Because these are major high-value components, accurate engine identification should be completed before ordering.
Caterpillar C280-8 Turbocharger Parts
The C280-8 uses turbocharging and aftercooling as part of its air-management system.
Turbocharger requirements can include:
- Complete turbocharger
- Turbocharger cartridge
- Rotor components
- Bearings
- Seals
- Oil-feed components
- Oil-return components
- Exhaust connections
- Intake components
- Gaskets
- Mounting hardware
Turbocharger configuration can vary according to engine rating and production specification.
Whenever possible, provide:
C280-8 Engine Serial Number + Existing Turbocharger Identification Number
This is safer than selecting a turbocharger from the engine model alone.
Caterpillar C280-8 Cooling System Parts
The C280-8 can use multiple cooling circuits depending on the engine and vessel installation.
Cooling-system requirements can include:
- Jacket-water pumps
- Aftercooler cooling components
- Auxiliary seawater pumps
- Heat exchangers
- Oil coolers
- Thermostats
- Temperature sensors
- Cooling-water pipes
- Mechanical seals
- Gaskets
- O-rings
When requesting a cooling-system component, identify whether it belongs to the seawater, jacket-water, aftercooler or another applicable cooling circuit.
Caterpillar C280-8 Auxiliary Sea Water Pump
One important auxiliary seawater-pump reference associated with applicable C280-8 marine installations is:
Caterpillar 473-0551 / 4730551
Description: Sea Water Auxiliary Pump
Engine: Caterpillar C280-8
Configuration: Inline 8
The 473-0551 / 4730551 Sea Water Auxiliary Pump is associated with applicable marine configurations of:
- Caterpillar C280-6
- Caterpillar C280-8
- Caterpillar C280-12
- Caterpillar C280-16
The pump circulates raw seawater through applicable external marine cooling circuits.
For more information about this pump and other Caterpillar cooling-pump applications, read our Caterpillar Auxiliary Sea Water Pumps & Part Numbers guide.
Does Every C280-8 Use 473-0551?
No.
The fact that 473-0551 / 4730551 is associated with applicable C280-8 marine installations does not mean it should automatically be ordered for every C280-8.
The installed pump can depend on:
- Engine serial number
- Arrangement number
- Engine rating
- Cooling-system design
- Vessel installation
- Production revision
- Pump capacity
- Mounting arrangement
- Inlet and outlet configuration
Before ordering, verify:
C280-8 + Engine Serial Number + Arrangement + Existing Pump Number
This significantly reduces the risk of selecting the wrong pump.
What Does the C280-8 Sea Water Pump Do?
The seawater pump moves raw seawater through applicable external cooling circuits.
Depending on the installation, seawater can remove heat through:
- Heat exchangers
- Oil coolers
- Charge-air cooling circuits
- Other applicable marine cooling equipment
The seawater circuit should not be confused with the engine's closed freshwater/coolant circuit.
In a heat-exchanger-cooled installation, heat is transferred from the engine's closed cooling circuit to the seawater circuit without the fluids normally mixing.
Caterpillar C280-8 Lubrication System Parts
Lubrication-system requirements can include:
- Oil pumps
- Pre-lubrication components
- Oil filters
- Oil coolers
- Oil pressure sensors
- Pressure-control components
- Oil lines
- Gaskets
- O-rings
- Shaft seals
Correct lubrication is particularly important on large engines operating for extended periods under substantial load.
Replacement lubrication components should be identified against the individual engine arrangement.
Caterpillar C280-8 Electrical & Electronic Parts
Electrical and electronic requirements can include:
- Engine control modules
- Electronic controllers
- Pressure sensors
- Temperature sensors
- Speed sensors
- Wiring harnesses
- Connectors
- Alarm components
- Monitoring-system components
- Control-panel components
Electronic components can be highly configuration-specific.
Provide the existing identification number whenever available.
Caterpillar C280-8 Overhaul Parts
A major Caterpillar C280-8 overhaul can require:
- Cylinder liners
- Pistons
- Piston rings
- Piston pins
- Cylinder heads
- Intake valves
- Exhaust valves
- Connecting rods
- Connecting-rod bearings
- Main bearings
- Thrust components
- Crankshaft components
- Camshaft components
- Fuel injectors
- Turbocharger components
- Oil pumps
- Cooling pumps
- Auxiliary seawater pumps
- Gaskets
- O-rings
- Shaft seals
For major overhaul requirements, the parts list should be prepared against the complete engine serial number and arrangement information.
Browse additional categories through our Marine Spare Parts Catalogue.
Caterpillar C280-8 Top-End Overhaul Parts
Top-end overhaul requirements can include:
- Cylinder heads
- Intake valves
- Exhaust valves
- Valve guides
- Valve seats
- Valve springs
- Rocker components
- Fuel injectors
- Cylinder-head gaskets
- O-rings
- Seals
- Associated hardware
The final overhaul scope should depend on engine condition, operating hours, inspection results and applicable maintenance documentation.
Caterpillar C280-8 Marine Generator Applications
The C280-8 platform is also available for marine generator applications.
Generator and propulsion configurations use the same broader C280 engine platform, but they should not automatically be treated as identical for parts selection.
Differences can include:
- Engine rating
- Rated speed
- Cooling arrangement
- Auxiliary equipment
- Control-system configuration
- Generator installation
- Emissions specification
Always tell us whether the engine is used for propulsion or power generation when requesting parts.
Caterpillar C280-8 Marine Applications
The C280-8 is designed for demanding marine installations requiring substantial power and extended operating capability.
Typical C280-family applications can include:
Offshore Vessels
Large offshore vessels can require substantial propulsion and onboard power-generation capacity.
Ferries
Passenger and vehicle ferries can require high-output propulsion and electrical power.
Dredgers
Dredging operations can impose heavy and changing loads on propulsion and generating equipment.
Commercial Vessels
Large commercial vessels can operate for extended periods under demanding duty cycles.
Government & Specialized Vessels
The C280 platform can also be used in specialized high-power vessel applications.
Marine Generator Installations
C280-8 generator configurations can provide substantial onboard electrical power.
Caterpillar C280-8 vs C280-6
The Caterpillar C280-6 and C280-8 belong to the same C280 family.
Both use the same basic 280 mm bore and 300 mm stroke, but their cylinder count and displacement differ.
SpecificationC280-6C280-8ConfigurationInline 6Inline 8Cylinders68Bore280 mm280 mmStroke300 mm300 mmApprox. displacement111 L148 LTypical rated speed900–1,000 rpm900–1,000 rpm
The C280-8 provides greater displacement and available output than the C280-6.
However, belonging to the same engine family does not mean all components are interchangeable.
For detailed information about the six-cylinder version, visit our Caterpillar C280-6 Marine Engine Parts & Spare Parts page.
Caterpillar C280-8 vs C280-12 & C280-16
The C280 family moves from inline to V-engine architecture as cylinder count increases:
C280-8 — Inline 8
C280-12 — V12
C280-16 — V16
All belong to the Caterpillar C280 engine family, but engine layout, displacement, power output and many component requirements differ.
Never order C280-12 or C280-16 components for a C280-8 based only on the family designation.
Caterpillar C280-8 vs Caterpillar 3600 Series
The C280 sits within Caterpillar's large-engine range alongside the 3600 Series.
Related large Caterpillar engine models include:
- Caterpillar 3606
- Caterpillar 3608
- Caterpillar 3612
- Caterpillar 3616
For those engines, visit our Caterpillar 3600 Marine Engine Parts page.
You can also read our Caterpillar 3600 Marine Engine Maintenance Schedule.
C280 and 3600 engine designations should not be used interchangeably when ordering parts.
Searching for a Specific Caterpillar C280-8 Part?
If you already know the part number, send it with your enquiry.
For accurate identification, provide:
Engine model: Caterpillar C280-8
Engine serial number:
Serial-number prefix:
Arrangement number:
Existing part number:
Part description:
Quantity:
Required condition:
Photographs:
This is particularly important when requesting:
- Fuel injectors
- Turbochargers
- Cylinder heads
- Pistons
- Cylinder liners
- Connecting rods
- Bearings
- Water pumps
- Auxiliary seawater pumps
- Oil pumps
- Sensors
- Electronic control components
You can also browse our Caterpillar Engine Parts Catalogue or Marine Spare Parts Catalogue.
Why the Caterpillar C280-8 Serial Number Matters
An enquiry saying:
“I need parts for a Caterpillar C280-8.”
provides the engine family but may not provide enough information for final parts identification.
Individual C280-8 engines can differ according to:
- Serial-number range
- Arrangement
- Power rating
- Emissions configuration
- Cooling-system arrangement
- Fuel-system specification
- Production revision
- Installed auxiliary equipment
The safest identification combination is:
C280-8 + Engine Serial Number + Arrangement Number + Existing Part Number
This is particularly important for pumps, injectors, turbochargers, electronic components and major internal-engine parts.
Why Source Caterpillar C280-8 Parts Through Alfa Marine Spare Parts?
Alfa Marine Spare Parts assists shipowners, ship managers, shipyards, marine engineers, engine rebuilders and purchasing departments with sourcing Caterpillar C280-8 engine parts and overhaul components.
Depending on the individual component and availability, we can assist with:
- Routine maintenance parts
- Fuel-system components
- Cylinder components
- Internal engine parts
- Turbocharger components
- Cooling-system parts
- Auxiliary seawater pumps
- Lubrication-system components
- Electrical and electronic parts
- Top-end overhaul requirements
- Major engine-overhaul components
- Genuine components
- OEM components
- Replacement components
- Applicable Reman options
For the wider platform, visit our Caterpillar C280 Marine Engine Parts page.
For additional Caterpillar engines, browse our Caterpillar Marine Engine Parts & Rebuild Kits.
Alfa Marine Spare Parts is an independent marine spare-parts supplier and is not an official Caterpillar dealer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caterpillar C280-8How Many Cylinders Does the Caterpillar C280-8 Have?
The Caterpillar C280-8 is an inline eight-cylinder engine.
What Is the Caterpillar C280-8 Displacement?
The C280-8 has approximately 148 litres of displacement.
What Is the C280-8 Bore and Stroke?
The C280-8 uses:
280 mm bore
300 mm stroke
Is the Caterpillar C280-8 Turbocharged?
Yes. Applicable C280-8 configurations use turbocharging and aftercooling.
Is the C280-8 Part of the Caterpillar C280 Family?
Yes.
The C280 family includes:
C280-6
C280-8
C280-12
C280-16
For the complete family, visit our Caterpillar C280 Marine Engine Parts page.
What Is the Difference Between C280-6 and C280-8?
The C280-6 uses six inline cylinders and approximately 111 litres displacement.
The C280-8 uses eight inline cylinders and approximately 148 litres displacement.
Both share the wider C280 platform but should not be treated as identical engines for parts selection.
What Auxiliary Sea Water Pump Is Associated With the C280-8?
One documented reference is:
473-0551 / 4730551 — Sea Water Auxiliary Pump
Always verify the engine serial number, arrangement and existing pump before ordering.
Is 473-0551 Also Associated With the C280-6?
Yes.
The 473-0551 / 4730551 reference is also associated with applicable Caterpillar C280-6 marine installations.
Does Every C280-8 Use 473-0551?
No.
Cooling-system arrangements can vary. Always verify the engine serial number, arrangement number and existing pump number.
Can You Supply Caterpillar C280-8 Fuel Injectors?
Alfa Marine Spare Parts can assist with applicable C280-8 fuel-system requirements subject to exact engine identification and availability.
Can You Supply Caterpillar C280-8 Turbocharger Parts?
Yes. We can assist with applicable complete turbochargers and related components subject to engine configuration and availability.
Can You Supply Caterpillar C280-8 Cylinder Liners and Pistons?
Yes.
We can assist with applicable cylinder liners, pistons, piston rings, bearings, cylinder components and other overhaul requirements.
Can You Supply Caterpillar C280-8 Overhaul Parts?
Yes.
Alfa Marine Spare Parts can assist with parts for routine maintenance, top-end repair and major C280-8 engine-overhaul requirements.
Related Caterpillar Engine Pages & Technical Guides
Continue browsing related Alfa Marine pages:
Caterpillar C280 Marine Engine Parts
Caterpillar C280-6 Marine Engine Parts
Caterpillar Marine Engine Parts & Rebuild Kits
Caterpillar Engine Parts Catalogue
Caterpillar 3600 Marine Engine Parts
Caterpillar 3516 Marine Engine Parts
Caterpillar 3512 Marine Engine Parts
Caterpillar C32 Marine Engine Parts
Caterpillar C18 Marine Engine Parts
Caterpillar Auxiliary Sea Water Pumps & Part Numbers
Caterpillar 3600 Marine Engine Maintenance Schedule
Request Caterpillar C280-8 Marine Engine Parts
Looking for Caterpillar C280-8 marine engine parts, 473-0551 auxiliary seawater pumps, maintenance spares or complete overhaul components?
Send us:
Engine model: Caterpillar C280-8
Engine serial number:
Serial-number prefix:
Arrangement number:
Existing part number:
Part description:
Quantity:
Required condition: Genuine / OEM / Replacement / Reman where applicable
Vessel name:
Current vessel location:
Delivery destination:
Required date:
If the part number is unknown, send clear photographs of the engine identification plate and existing component.
Email: request@alfamarinespareparts.com
For related engines, visit our Caterpillar C280 Marine Engine Parts and Caterpillar C280-6 Marine Engine Parts pages.
You can also browse our Caterpillar Marine Engine Parts & Rebuild Kits, Caterpillar Engine Parts Catalogue and Marine Spare Parts Catalogue.
For cooling-system pump information, read our Caterpillar Auxiliary Sea Water Pumps & Part Numbers guide.
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