Description
Caterpillar C15 & 3406E Spacer Plate – Part Number: 6I4421
Why Choose Our New Spacer Plate for the Caterpillar C15 and 3406E?
Protect your Caterpillar C15, C15 Acert, or 3406E engine with the precision-engineered 6I4421 spacer plate from Highway and Heavy Parts. This critical cylinder block component features standard .338″” thickness designed to reduce liner flange stress, prevent cracking, and ensure proper head gasket sealing. Manufactured to exact OEM specifications, this brand-new spacer plate delivers reliable performance at a fraction of dealership costs, making it an essential component for any engine overhaul or cylinder head removal.
CRITICAL PROTECTION FOR YOUR DIESEL ENGINE
The 6I4421 spacer plate plays a vital role in maintaining proper engine assembly and preventing costly failures in Caterpillar C15, C15 Acert, C16, C18, and 3406E engines. Positioned between the cylinder block and cylinder head assembly, this precision-machined component maintains optimal liner protrusion while distributing clamping forces evenly across the head gasket surface. Without proper spacer plate thickness and integrity, your engine faces increased risk of head gasket failures, coolant leaks, and cylinder liner issues that can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
We all know that achieving a million miles from your C15 Acert, C15, or 3406E requires keeping it properly cooled, well-lubricated, and maintained with quality components. Let critical parts like the spacer plate deteriorate, and your rig winds up sidelined in the shop with expensive repairs and lost revenue. We understand that cylinder head components for your C15 or 3406E—including the 6I4421 spacer plate, head valves, and other cylinder block parts—can command premium prices at dealerships. That’s where HHP delivers value by offering premium aftermarket parts for the cylinder head assembly at substantially lower prices than OE while maintaining superior quality standards.
Precision Engineering and Quality Manufacturing
Don’t compromise your Caterpillar C15 or 3406E with substandard parts. Our 6I4421 spacer plates are crafted using state-of-the-art tooling and precision machining processes to ensure supreme quality and exact dimensional accuracy. Each spacer plate undergoes rigorous pressure and vacuum testing for quality assurance, guaranteeing it meets or exceeds OEM specifications. The standard .338″” thickness is precisely maintained across the entire surface to provide uniform liner support and optimal head gasket compression, helping restore your Caterpillar engine to peak performance levels.
Installation-Ready Components with Expert Support
There’s no need to stress about installation complexity when you purchase a 6I4421 spacer plate for your cylinder block from HHP. Our components arrive ready to install, saving valuable time while ensuring specifications remain within proper tolerances for reliable engine operation. Even better, you gain access to our team of ASE-certified technicians who stand ready to answer questions throughout the entire process—from purchase consultation through final installation. With extensive technical knowledge, quality products, fast shipping capabilities, and unbeatable customer service, HHP is your trusted partner for Caterpillar engine components.
When to Replace Your Caterpillar Spacer Plate
The 6I4421 spacer plate should be replaced whenever performing engine overhauls or cylinder head removals on Caterpillar C15, C15 Acert, C16, C18, or 3406E engines. Common symptoms indicating spacer plate issues include excessive engine noise, low oil pressure warnings, engine overheating, oil leaks around the oil cooler area, and reduced cooling system efficiency. If your C15 Acert runs louder than normal or displays low oil pressure warnings, a failing or improperly seated spacer plate could be contributing to the problem and should be inspected immediately during any cylinder head service.
Compatible Engine Applications
The 6I4421 spacer plate fits numerous Caterpillar applications, commonly used on engines with the following serial prefixes: 1LW, 1MM, 2WS, 5EK, 6TS, 6NZ, B5R, EGH, JEP, MBN, RKS, SDP, 5DS, 9NZ, KRA, TRB, BXS, MXS, and NXS. This versatile component services Caterpillar 3406E, C15, C15 Acert, C16, and C18 series engines across diverse heavy-duty applications including articulated trucks, excavators, generators, motor graders, wheel loaders, and industrial equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions – Caterpillar C15 & 3406E Spacer Plate
What is the purpose of the 6I4421 spacer plate in Caterpillar engines?
The 6I4421 spacer plate is a critical cylinder block component that maintains proper spacing between the cylinder block and cylinder head assembly in Caterpillar C15, C15 Acert, C16, C18, and 3406E engines. Its standard .338″” thickness ensures optimal cylinder liner protrusion while reducing stress on the liner flange to prevent cracking. The spacer plate distributes head bolt clamping forces evenly across the head gasket surface, preventing leaks and ensuring proper sealing between the cylinder head and block assembly.
When should I replace the spacer plate on my Caterpillar C15 or 3406E engine?
Industry best practice recommends replacing the spacer plate whenever the cylinder head is removed for any reason, including engine overhauls, head gasket replacements, or cylinder head repairs. Once compressed during initial installation, spacer plates may not maintain their original thickness specifications and could compromise head gasket sealing if reused. Replacing the 6I4421 spacer plate during cylinder head service represents a small investment that provides significant protection against future leaks and engine failures.
What are common symptoms of spacer plate issues in Caterpillar engines?
Common symptoms indicating potential spacer plate problems include excessive engine noise, persistent low oil pressure warnings, engine overheating without obvious coolant system issues, oil leaks around the oil cooler mounting area, reduced cooling system efficiency, and difficulty maintaining proper head gasket sealing. If your C15 Acert, C15, or 3406E runs louder than normal or displays unexplained oil pressure warnings, the spacer plate should be inspected during any cylinder head service to prevent progressive damage.
How does this aftermarket spacer plate compare to OEM Caterpillar parts?
This aftermarket 6I4421 spacer plate meets or exceeds OEM specifications while costing significantly less than dealership parts. Manufactured using state-of-the-art tooling and precision machining processes, each spacer plate undergoes rigorous pressure and vacuum testing for quality assurance. The standard .338″” thickness is precisely maintained to exact tolerances, ensuring proper liner protrusion and head gasket compression. You receive OEM-quality performance and reliability at a fraction of dealership pricing.
Which Caterpillar engines are compatible with the 6I4421 spacer plate?
The 6I4421 spacer plate fits Caterpillar 3406E, C15, C15 Acert, C16, and C18 series engines across numerous applications. Commonly used on engines with serial prefixes including 1LW, 1MM, 2WS, 5EK, 6TS, 6NZ, B5R, EGH, JEP, MBN, RKS, SDP, 5DS, 9NZ, KRA, TRB, BXS, MXS, and NXS. This versatile component services articulated trucks, excavators, generator sets, industrial engines, motor graders, wheel loaders, and other heavy-duty equipment powered by these Caterpillar engine platforms.
