Rebuilding your engine can be a large and costly job. And we know that choosing the right kit for your engine can sometimes be difficult.
Continue reading When Is It Time To Rebuild My Detroit Diesel DD15?
Ever wonder why there are many different types of pistons in your diesel engine? And why certain pistons are included in your engine rebuild kits?
Continue reading Differences in DD15 Pistons And When You May Need An Overhaul
If you’re running a C15 or 3406E diesel engine, you may have experienced your engine missing. So, why does that happen?
Continue reading How To Check For Caterpillar 3406E/C15 Fuel In Coolant
Choosing the best diesel engine is no easy task, especially in the information era where forums and sites write about how good “this” engine is, and how poor its competitors are. There is no question that the Caterpillar 3406E, C15, or C15 ACERT are all good engines in their own right, but, like with anything, each one has an Achilles heel if you dig deep enough.
Continue reading What’s The Difference Between Caterpillar 3406E, C15, And C15 ACERT Diesel Engines?
Finding the correct engine serial number (ESN) is one of the most important steps when ordering diesel engine parts – but it’s also one of the most confusing. Every manufacturer places their serial numbers in different locations, and many engines have additional arrangement, horsepower, or build codes that matter just as much as the ESN itself.
In this guide, we break down exactly where to find the serial number on popular diesel engines like Caterpillar, Cummins, and Detroit Diesel, so you can identify your engine quickly and get the right parts the first time.
Sometimes it can be hard to find an ESN. Below we’ve collected the general formats your ESNs will have and where you can find them on your engine.
Most engine serial numbers can be found on the data-plate. As you’ll see later in this article, the data-plates for a certain type of engine can be found in various places depending on the model. However, Caterpillar is pretty consistent, and the data-plate on a Caterpillar engine can be found on the driver’s side of the valve cover.
All Caterpillar ESNs have a similar format. They all begin with a three number/letter prefix, followed by 7 digits. The prefixes will correspond to a particular model. For example, prefixes of 1LW, 2WS, 5DS, 5EK, and 6TS indicate that the engine is a 3406E. For the more popular prefixes, people will refer to their engine by the prefix rather than the model.
You may have heard someone say, “Oh, yeah, my 6NZ runs like a champ.” A 6NZ is a common prefix for a single-turbo C15. Some prefixes’ reputations precede them. For example, a C15 with a prefix of MBN is known as a “Bridge motor” (because it was the bridge engine from the mechanical C15 to the electronic C15 ACERT), and is often heavily critiqued.
Cummins engine will have the engine serial number on the dataplate; however, the dataplate will be in different locations based on the model of the engine. You can find the location of your dataplate in your owner’s manual, but if you haven’t held on to the physical copy of the manual, then you can access Cummins Quickserve and get a digital copy of the owner’s manual there.
If you don’t have your owner’s manual and don’t have access to Quickserve, we have the locations for the dataplate on some of the more popular engine models.
Unable to find the dataplate or don’t see your engine model listed? It’s okay. Cummins also stamps the engine serial number into the passenger side of the engine block for all models.
Cummins engine serial numbers look more like a classic serial number than Caterpillar ESNs do. They are composed only of 8 numbers. They’re in a specific numerical sequence, based on which engine came off the assembly line first. There is no special designation for particular models.
Cummins engines do have something a little unique, called a CPL. This stands for Critical Parts List and, as you can probably guess, is a list of the critical parts of the engine. There are fewer CPLs than ESNs because multiple engines can have the same CPLs. For most major parts of an engine, you can give us a CPL rather than an ESN.
We could (and did) write an entire blog on where you can find your Detroit Diesel engine serial number. Detroit is notoriously inconsistent when it comes to ESN placement. While the locations you can find your ESN are often consistent across a model, they aren’t always, so don’t panic if you go to look in the spot listed below and don’t find it. It’ll be on the engine somewhere, so just keep looking.
Thankfully, the format of Detroit engine serial numbers is more consistent than their location. It can still get rather complicated though. For the sake of keeping this guide simple, were just going to go over the highlights.
International/Navistar actually keeps the ESN location pretty simple. The engine serial number for International/Navistar engines can be found stamped on a pad on the block. For engines pre-2000 engines, that pad can be found on the left side of the block, just under the head to block parting line. For engines newer than that, the pad is on the right side of the block, between the oil cooler and the top of the block.
For most International/Navistar engines that were built after 1993, you’ll need more than just the engine serial number as well. You will also need the engine model, model year, horsepower rating, and torque rating, which can all be found on the emission label. The emission label can be found on the top of the rocker cover or intake manifold.
International/Navistar engine serial numbers are probably the most informative of all the ESNs for the major OEMs. They have a specific format that will provide the engine model, configuration, application, country of origin, and unit number.
Long, long ago in a time before electric cars were even conceived, heavy duty diesel engines were first made. These engines were not like mass-produced automotive vehicle engines.
There was no standard Make-Model-Year formula that magically gave all engines with the same model name the exact same parts. No, they were special; each individual engine was different as it came down the conveyor belt.
And apparently the manufacturers didn’t think about what a pain it would be in the future when you need to order parts for repairs.
Because of the lack of foresight, finding parts that correctly fit an engine can be incredibly complicated. Engine serial numbers are important because they are the only guaranteed way to find the exact parts that an engine was built with. Usually, if you’re buying a single part, providing the part number off the old part will also work.
However, if you’re looking to get an engine rebuild kit, we will always ask you for an engine serial number. This might seem excessive, but when it comes to an expensive kit with a lot of parts, we want to make sure you’re getting the right thing. So, whether you’re calling us or using our online quoting tool, be sure to provide your engine serial number.
When calling to order parts, we get some people that want to give us VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers) instead of ESNs. Unfortunately, a VIN is different from an ESN. We are able to look up some VINs to find their coordinating ESNs, but this is not a guarantee. Depending on your vehicle, you can always use our VIN Decoder Resource Guide.
Anything this didn’t answer for you? Our experienced techs are on hand to answer your questions. Give us a call at 844-304-7688 to get your questions answered!
HOW TO FIND CUMMINS DIESEL ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERS: LOCATIONS & FORMAT
HOW TO FIND NAVISTAR DIESEL ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERS: LOCATION & PREFIXES
DIESEL ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERS FOR AGRICULTURE ENGINES JOHN DEERE, CATERPILLAR & CUMMINS
We get it- when you need Diesel Engine Parts, time is of the essence. That’s why we’ve developed the HHP Online Quoting System.
Originally Posted November 8, 2017; Edited March 25, 2021
This is Stage 3 in our Performance Line of cylinder heads. Installed with Inconel exhaust valves, it can withstand extreme temperatures and pressure generated engines. This overview covers failures and diesel part options.
Continue reading Caterpillar C15/3406E Stage 3 Cylinder Head (1835296)
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, steam tractors were the primary method of agricultural development. But out in California, they had a problem: the incredibly heavy tractors kept sinking into the soft earth. One solution sometimes used was to lay wooden planks ahead of the tractors, but this drastically decreased speed and was expensive to do.
Continue reading Everything You Need To Know About The Caterpillar C15
Is your diesel engine consuming oil at a higher rate than normal? This could be due to normal engine wear, but it also might indicate an issue. Read on to find out more about what could be happening in your diesel engine!
Continue reading 10 Common Reasons for Excessive Oil Consumption
When it comes to diesel engine gaskets, the material can make all the difference. Most current gaskets are made of a combination of metal and a composite material like graphite or asbestos, although asbestos has been losing popularity due to safety concerns (HHP only sells asbestos-free gaskets!).
Continue reading Differences Between MLS Head Gaskets and Graphite Gaskets
So, you notice your oil pressure is low. Your automatic response might be to have your oil pump looked at, or to replace it altogether.
Continue reading 7 Possible Causes Of Low Oil Pressure In Your Diesel EngineFind genuine and aftermarket Caterpillar C15 ACERT engine parts for heavy-duty trucks, construction equipment, and industrial applications at Highway and Heavy Parts. Our comprehensive inventory includes cylinder heads, turbochargers, fuel injectors, pistons, and complete engine rebuild kits designed for reliable performance in demanding conditions. Whether you need replacement parts for preventive maintenance or major engine rebuilds, we stock high-quality components that meet or exceed Caterpillar specifications.
The Caterpillar C15 ACERT engine powered Class 8 trucks, excavators, dozers, and generator sets across transportation and construction industries from 2003 to 2009. Our parts are compatible with all C15 ACERT model variations and come with manufacturer warranties for genuine parts and quality guarantees for aftermarket alternatives. Professional mechanics, fleet managers, and equipment operators trust Highway and Heavy Parts for genuine Caterpillar quality and competitively priced aftermarket solutions.
What C15 ACERT parts are available at Highway and Heavy Parts?
Our extensive C15 ACERT inventory includes cylinder heads, engine blocks, turbochargers, fuel system components, cooling system parts, and complete engine rebuild kits. We carry both genuine Caterpillar parts and certified aftermarket alternatives from trusted manufacturers. Popular items include fuel injector sleeves, cylinder head gaskets, turbocharger assemblies, oil pumps, water pumps, and camshafts specifically designed for the C15 ACERT platform.
How do I identify the correct C15 ACERT engine parts?
C15 ACERT parts are identified using Caterpillar part numbers and engine serial numbers located on the engine block. The C15 ACERT was produced from 2003–2009 with specific part variations by model year and application. Our technical team can help verify compatibility using your engine serial number, ensuring you receive the exact components needed for your specific C15 ACERT configuration.
What equipment and applications use C15 ACERT engines?
C15 ACERT engines power Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, International, and other heavy-duty truck manufacturers, as well as Caterpillar construction equipment, including 330C and 336D excavators, 966G wheel loaders, and various industrial generator sets. These engines were designed for highway trucking, construction, mining, and stationary power generation applications requiring reliable diesel performance.
The Caterpillar C15 ACERT (Advanced Combustion Emission Reduction Technology) engine featured a displacement of 15.2 liters, producing between 425 to 550 horsepower depending on application and model year. Key service intervals include oil changes every 15,000 to 25,000 miles, fuel filter replacement, and turbocharger maintenance. Common service items available in our inventory include oil filters, fuel filters, air filters, belts, hoses, and gaskets specific to C15 ACERT requirements.
Understanding proper maintenance schedules and using quality replacement parts extends C15 ACERT engine life and maintains optimal performance. Our parts inventory supports both scheduled maintenance and unexpected repairs, helping keep your C15 ACERT-powered equipment operating efficiently.
Browse our complete selection of Caterpillar C15 ACERT engine parts, or contact our technical team for specific part identification and compatibility assistance. Highway and Heavy Parts – your trusted source for heavy-duty diesel engine components.
