Caterpillar C280 Marine Engine Parts, Spares & Overhaul

Caterpillar C280 Marine Engine Parts & Spare Parts

Alfa Marine Spare Parts supplies Caterpillar C280 marine engine parts and spare parts for commercial vessels, offshore vessels, ferries, dredgers, naval applications, marine propulsion systems and large power-generation installations.

We source genuine, OEM, replacement and applicable Reman Caterpillar C280 components, subject to availability, for scheduled maintenance, corrective repairs, top-end overhaul and complete engine rebuild requirements.

Our sourcing capabilities cover fuel injectors, cylinder heads, exhaust valves, pistons, cylinder liners, connecting rods, bearings, crankshaft components, turbocharger parts, auxiliary seawater pumps, cooling-system components, oil pumps, filters, electronic controls, sensors, gaskets, seals and major overhaul components.

The Caterpillar C280 marine engine family includes:

Caterpillar C280-6

Caterpillar C280-8

Caterpillar C280-12

Caterpillar C280-16

For the wider Caterpillar range, visit our Caterpillar Marine Engine Parts & Rebuild Kits page.

You can also browse our Caterpillar Engine Parts Catalogue, Caterpillar Brand Page or Marine Spare Parts Catalogue.

For correct parts identification, provide the complete C280 engine designation, engine serial number, arrangement information and existing part number whenever available.

Need a specific Caterpillar C280 component? Request a Quote or email request@alfamarinespareparts.com.

Caterpillar C280 Marine Engine Overview

The Caterpillar C280 is a large-displacement four-stroke diesel engine platform developed for demanding commercial marine propulsion, auxiliary and power-generation applications.

The family is available in four principal cylinder configurations:

C280-6
C280-8
C280-12
C280-16

The C280 platform uses a 280 mm cylinder bore and 300 mm piston stroke throughout the family.

Depending on configuration, the engines use inline or V-cylinder layouts and are designed for operation at approximately 900–1,000 rpm in applicable marine propulsion ratings.

Caterpillar's current C280 engines incorporate electronically controlled fuel-injection technology and electronic engine-management systems.

The C280 family is positioned for applications requiring significantly more power than smaller high-speed commercial marine engines.

Typical installations can include:

Large ferries
Offshore-support vessels
Naval and government vessels
Cargo vessels
Dredgers
Large commercial ships
Diesel-electric installations
Marine generator sets
Specialized high-power vessels

For more information about Caterpillar's wider marine range, visit our Caterpillar Marine Engine Parts page.

Caterpillar C280 Engine ModelsCaterpillar C280-6

The C280-6 is the inline six-cylinder version of the C280 platform.

Principal characteristics include:

Configuration: Inline 6

Bore: 280 mm

Stroke: 300 mm

Displacement: Approx. 111 litres

Rated speed: Approx. 900–1,000 rpm depending on rating

For a dedicated technical overview, see our Caterpillar C280-6 engine information or browse the Caterpillar Engine Parts Catalogue.

Caterpillar C280-8

The C280-8 is the inline eight-cylinder configuration.

Principal characteristics include:

Configuration: Inline 8

Bore: 280 mm

Stroke: 300 mm

Displacement: Approx. 148 litres

Rated speed: Approx. 900–1,000 rpm

Caterpillar's current C280-8 information identifies electronically controlled unit-injection technology and ADEM electronic engine control.

The engine is available for heavy commercial propulsion and applicable marine generator installations.

Caterpillar C280-12

The C280-12 moves from the inline configuration of the smaller family members to a V12 arrangement.

Principal characteristics include:

Configuration: V12

Bore: 280 mm

Stroke: 300 mm

Displacement: Approx. 222 litres

Rated speed: Approx. 900–1,000 rpm

The C280-12 is used where considerably greater power output is required than the C280-6 and C280-8 can provide.

Caterpillar C280-16

The C280-16 is the largest cylinder-count configuration in the C280 marine family.

Principal characteristics include:

Configuration: V16

Bore: 280 mm

Stroke: 300 mm

Displacement: Approx. 296 litres

Rated speed: Approx. 900–1,000 rpm

Current Caterpillar specifications show C280-16 propulsion ratings reaching approximately 6,000 bkW, depending on configuration.

Caterpillar C280 Family Technical SpecificationsSpecificationC280-6C280-8C280-12C280-16ConfigurationInline 6Inline 8V12V16Cylinders681216Bore280 mm280 mm280 mm280 mmStroke300 mm300 mm300 mm300 mmApprox. displacement111 L148 L222 L296 LEngine cycle4-stroke4-stroke4-stroke4-strokeAspirationTurbocharged / aftercooledTurbocharged / aftercooledTurbocharged / aftercooledTurbocharged / aftercooledTypical rated speed900–1,000 rpm900–1,000 rpm900–1,000 rpm900–1,000 rpmMarine propulsionYesYesYesYesMarine generator applicationYesYesYesYes

Exact ratings, emissions configurations and installed equipment vary according to engine generation and application. Caterpillar currently lists all four C280 configurations in its commercial propulsion and marine generator ranges.

Caterpillar C280 Parts We Can Source

Alfa Marine Spare Parts can assist with a broad range of Caterpillar C280 engine parts and overhaul components.

Engine SystemTypical Caterpillar C280 PartsFuel SystemInjectors, fuel pumps, filters, fuel lines and sealsCylinder ComponentsCylinder heads, liners, pistons, rings and valvesValve TrainExhaust valves, intake valves, guides, seats and springsCranktrainConnecting rods, crankshaft components and bearingsTurbochargingTurbochargers, cartridges and associated componentsCooling SystemWater pumps, cooling pumps, thermostats and sealsSea Water SystemAuxiliary seawater pumps and related componentsLubricationOil pumps, oil coolers, filters, seals and gasketsElectrical & ControlsControllers, sensors, harnesses and monitoring componentsOverhaulLiners, pistons, bearings, gaskets, seals and major rebuild parts

You can also browse our Marine Spare Parts Catalogue if you already know the required component or part number.

Caterpillar C280 Fuel System Parts

The C280 platform uses electronically controlled fuel-injection technology.

Fuel-system requirements can include:

Fuel injectors
Electronic unit-injection components
Fuel pumps
Transfer pumps
Fuel filters
Fuel lines
Injector seals
Fuel-system gaskets
Pressure-control components
Electronic controls

Fuel-system configurations can differ between engine versions, ratings and production revisions.

For accurate identification, provide:

C280 model + engine serial number + existing injector or pump number

Never assume that one injector or fuel-system component fits every C280 configuration.

Caterpillar C280 Cylinder Heads

Cylinder-head requirements can include:

Complete cylinder heads
Intake valves
Exhaust valves
Valve guides
Valve seats
Valve springs
Rocker components
Cylinder-head gaskets
Seals
Fasteners

Large C280 engines can accumulate substantial operating hours, making cylinder-head and valve-train inspection an important part of planned overhaul work.

Replacement components should be selected against the exact engine configuration.

Caterpillar C280 Cylinder Liners & Pistons

Major C280 overhaul work can require:

Cylinder liners

Pistons

Piston rings

Piston pins

Connecting rods

Connecting-rod bearings

Main bearings

Thrust components

Cylinder-head components

Gaskets and seals

Although the C280 family shares fundamental cylinder dimensions, component interchangeability should never be assumed solely from the C280 family designation.

Always verify the exact engine and part number.

Caterpillar C280 Connecting Rod & Bearing Parts

Cranktrain components can include:

Connecting rods
Connecting-rod bearings
Main bearings
Thrust bearings
Connecting-rod bushings
Crankshaft components
Fasteners
Seals
Lubrication components

For major internal-engine parts, the serial number and arrangement information are particularly important.

Caterpillar C280 Crankshaft Components

Major crankshaft requirements can include:

Complete crankshaft
Main bearings
Thrust bearings
Crankshaft seals
Gear components
Vibration-damper components
Associated hardware

Due to the size and value of C280 cranktrain components, identification should be completed before logistics and overhaul planning are finalized.

Caterpillar C280 Turbocharger Parts

C280 engines use turbocharging and aftercooling to supply the large volume of combustion air required by the engine.

Turbocharger requirements can include:

Complete turbocharger
Turbocharger cartridge
Rotor assembly
Bearings
Seals
Oil-feed components
Oil-return components
Exhaust connections
Intake components
Gaskets
Mounting hardware

Turbocharger configuration can vary according to:

Engine model
Power rating
Production revision
Emissions specification
Vessel application

Whenever possible, send the existing turbocharger identification number.

Caterpillar C280 Cooling System Parts

Cooling-system requirements can include:

Jacket-water pumps
Auxiliary seawater pumps
Cooling-water pumps
Heat exchangers
Aftercooler components
Oil coolers
Thermostats
Temperature sensors
Cooling-water pipes
Mechanical seals
Gaskets
O-rings

Large C280 installations can use multiple cooling circuits, so identifying whether the requested component belongs to the seawater, jacket-water or another cooling circuit is important.

Caterpillar C280 Auxiliary Sea Water Pumps

The C280 family uses auxiliary seawater-pump arrangements in applicable marine installations.

One important reference is:

Caterpillar 473-0551 / 4730551

Description: Sea Water Auxiliary Pump

The 473-0551 / 4730551 is documented for applicable marine-engine installations including:

C280-6
C280-8
C280-12
C280-16

The pump circulates seawater through applicable external cooling circuits and heat exchangers.

For a complete guide, visit our Caterpillar Auxiliary Sea Water Pumps & Part Numbers article.

Caterpillar 473-0553 / 4730553

Another auxiliary seawater-pump reference associated with applicable large Caterpillar marine installations is:

473-0553 / 4730553

Applicable marine-engine configurations include certain C280-12 and C280-16 installations as well as selected large 3600 Series engines.

Do not assume that 473-0551 and 473-0553 are interchangeable.

Always verify the existing pump and engine configuration.

Does Every Caterpillar C280 Use the Same Sea Water Pump?

No.

This is an important point for parts procurement.

Even engines belonging to the same C280 family can use different pump arrangements according to:

Engine model
Serial number
Arrangement number
Power rating
Cooling-system design
Vessel installation
Production revision
Pump capacity
Pump mounting configuration

For seawater-pump requirements, send:

Engine serial number

Existing pump number

Pump photographs

Inlet and outlet arrangement

Mounting information

For more guidance, read our Caterpillar Auxiliary Sea Water Pumps & Part Numbers guide.

Caterpillar C280 Lubrication System Parts

Lubrication-system requirements can include:

Oil pumps
Pre-lubrication pumps
Oil filters
Oil coolers
Pressure-control components
Oil pressure sensors
Oil lines
Gaskets
O-rings
Shaft seals

Correct lubrication is especially important on engines expected to operate for long periods at substantial load.

Caterpillar C280 Electrical & Electronic Parts

Electronic and monitoring requirements can include:

Engine control modules
ADEM-related control components
Sensors
Wiring harnesses
Speed sensors
Pressure sensors
Temperature sensors
Connectors
Alarm components
Monitoring equipment
Control-panel components

Electronic parts can be highly configuration-specific.

Provide the identification number shown on the existing component whenever possible.

Caterpillar C280 Overhaul Parts

A complete Caterpillar C280 overhaul can involve a large number of components.

Depending on inspection results, requirements can include:

Cylinder liners
Pistons
Piston rings
Piston pins
Cylinder heads
Exhaust valves
Intake valves
Connecting rods
Rod bearings
Main bearings
Thrust bearings
Crankshaft components
Camshaft components
Fuel injectors
Turbocharger components
Oil pumps
Cooling pumps
Auxiliary seawater pumps
Gaskets
O-rings
Shaft seals

For major overhaul work, parts should be prepared against the complete engine serial number and arrangement information.

Browse our Marine Spare Parts Catalogue for additional component categories.

Caterpillar C280 Top-End Overhaul Parts

A top-end overhaul can involve:

Cylinder heads
Intake valves
Exhaust valves
Valve guides
Valve seats
Valve springs
Rocker components
Fuel injectors
Cylinder-head gaskets
Seals
Associated hardware

The exact parts list should follow the condition of the engine and applicable maintenance documentation.

Caterpillar C280 Applications

The C280 family is used in demanding commercial and marine power applications.

Ferries

Large ferries can require substantial propulsion and onboard electrical power.

Offshore Support Vessels

Offshore operations often involve high utilization and significant propulsion or generator loads.

Naval & Government Vessels

C280 engines can be used in specialized government and naval applications requiring high power output.

Dredgers

Dredging vessels can place severe and varying loads on propulsion and onboard power systems.

Cargo & Commercial Vessels

Large commercial vessels require engines capable of extended duty cycles and high annual operating hours.

Diesel-Electric Installations

C280 generator configurations can also be used as part of diesel-electric vessel power systems.

Caterpillar currently lists all four C280 configurations within its marine commercial propulsion and marine generator ranges.

C280-6 vs C280-8 vs C280-12 vs C280-16

The cylinder designation is one of the easiest ways to distinguish C280 engines:

C280-6 — Inline 6

C280-8 — Inline 8

C280-12 — V12

C280-16 — V16

As cylinder count increases, total displacement and available power rise considerably.

However, this also means many major components are configuration-specific.

A component listed for a C280-16 should never automatically be ordered for a C280-6 simply because both belong to the C280 family.

Caterpillar C280 vs 3600 Series

The C280 sits within Caterpillar's large-engine marine offering alongside the well-known 3600 Series.

Related heavy-duty engine models include:

Caterpillar 3606

Caterpillar 3608

Caterpillar 3612

Caterpillar 3616

For information about these engines, visit our Caterpillar 3600 Marine Engine Parts page.

You can also read our Caterpillar 3600 Marine Engine Maintenance Schedule.

C280 and 3600 designations should not be treated as interchangeable for parts ordering.

Searching for a Caterpillar C280 Part?

If you already know the part number, include it with your enquiry.

For correct identification, send:

Engine model: C280-6 / C280-8 / C280-12 / C280-16

Engine serial number:

Serial-number prefix:

Arrangement number:

Existing part number:

Part description:

Quantity:

Required condition:

Photographs:

This is particularly important for:

Fuel injectors
Turbochargers
Cylinder heads
Pistons
Cylinder liners
Connecting rods
Bearings
Cooling pumps
Auxiliary seawater pumps
Oil pumps
Electronic components

You can also search our Caterpillar Engine Parts Catalogue or Marine Spare Parts Catalogue.

Why the Caterpillar C280 Serial Number Matters

An enquiry saying:

“I need Caterpillar C280 parts.”

is useful, but normally not enough for final identification.

First determine whether the engine is:

C280-6

C280-8

C280-12

or:

C280-16

Then provide the serial number and existing part number.

The safest identification combination is:

C280 model + Serial Number + Arrangement Number + Existing Part Number

This helps reduce errors caused by different ratings, production revisions and installed configurations.

Why Source Caterpillar C280 Parts Through Alfa Marine Spare Parts?

Alfa Marine Spare Parts assists shipowners, ship managers, shipyards, engine rebuilders, purchasing departments and marine engineers with sourcing Caterpillar C280 marine engine parts.

Depending on component and availability, we can assist with:

Routine maintenance parts
Fuel-system components
Cylinder components
Turbocharger parts
Cooling-system components
Auxiliary seawater pumps
Lubrication components
Electrical and control components
Top-end overhaul parts
Major engine-overhaul requirements
Genuine components
OEM components
Replacement components
Applicable Reman parts

For additional Caterpillar engines, visit our Caterpillar Marine Engine Parts & Rebuild Kits page.

Alfa Marine Spare Parts is an independent marine spare-parts supplier and is not an official Caterpillar dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caterpillar C280 EnginesWhat Is the Caterpillar C280?

The Caterpillar C280 is a large-displacement four-stroke diesel engine family used for commercial marine propulsion and power-generation applications.

Which Caterpillar C280 Models Are Available?

The main C280 configurations are:

C280-6

C280-8

C280-12

C280-16

What Is the Bore of a Caterpillar C280?

The C280 family uses a 280 mm cylinder bore.

What Is the Caterpillar C280 Stroke?

The C280 family uses a 300 mm piston stroke.

How Many Cylinders Does a Caterpillar C280 Have?

It depends on the model.

The family includes 6-, 8-, 12- and 16-cylinder configurations.

Is the C280-6 Inline?

Yes.

The C280-6 is an inline six-cylinder engine.

Is the C280-8 Inline?

Yes.

The C280-8 uses an inline eight-cylinder configuration.

Are the C280-12 and C280-16 V Engines?

Yes.

The C280-12 is a V12, while the C280-16 is a V16.

What Is the Largest Caterpillar C280 Engine?

Within the current four-model family, the C280-16 is the largest cylinder-count configuration, with approximately 296 litres displacement.

Are Caterpillar C280 Engines Turbocharged?

Yes. Applicable C280 marine configurations use turbocharging and aftercooling.

What Sea Water Pump Is Used on Caterpillar C280 Engines?

One important documented reference is:

473-0551 / 4730551 — Sea Water Auxiliary Pump

It is associated with applicable C280-6, C280-8, C280-12 and C280-16 marine configurations.

Always verify the specific engine before ordering.

For more information, read our Caterpillar Auxiliary Sea Water Pumps & Part Numbers guide.

Does Every C280 Use 473-0551?

No.

Pump arrangements can vary according to engine configuration and installation.

Always verify the serial number, arrangement and existing pump number.

Can You Supply Caterpillar C280 Fuel Injectors?

Yes. Alfa Marine Spare Parts can assist with applicable C280 fuel-system requirements subject to correct engine identification and availability.

Can You Supply Caterpillar C280 Turbochargers?

We can assist with applicable complete turbochargers and related components.

Provide the existing turbocharger identification number whenever possible.

Can You Supply Caterpillar C280 Cylinder Liners and Pistons?

Yes.

We can assist with applicable C280 cylinder liners, pistons, piston rings, bearings, cylinder components and other overhaul parts, subject to engine identification and availability.

Can You Supply Caterpillar C280 Overhaul Parts?

Yes.

We can assist with parts for top-end repair, cylinder overhaul and major C280 rebuild requirements.

Related Caterpillar Engine Pages & Technical Guides

Browse additional Alfa Marine Caterpillar information:

Caterpillar Marine Engine Parts & Rebuild Kits

Caterpillar Engine Parts Catalogue

Caterpillar Brand Page

Caterpillar 3600 Marine Engine Parts

Caterpillar 3516 Marine Engine Parts

Caterpillar 3512 Marine Engine Parts

Caterpillar C32 Marine Engine Parts