Caterpillar 3046 Diesel Engine Parts
The Caterpillar 3046 is a 6-cylinder, direct-injection diesel engine with a bore of 3.7_in (94_mm) and a 4.72_in (120_mm) stroke, commonly used in industrial, construction, and marine applications. Praised for its compact size, mechanical robustness, and rebuildability, the 3046 is engineered to deliver dependable mid-range performance across a wide range of vocational machinery. Its durable design and serviceable components make it a preferred engine for harsh environments.
3046 Features
- Inline_6 cylinder direct-injection design for balanced power delivery and efficient combustion. [oai_citation:0àHeavy Duty Pros](https://www.heavydutypros.com/caterpillar-3046-non-turbo-direct-injection-engine-parts-engine-parts.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOoo5XA4XmaPjSYlP_fXwvZY_D9I_6J-oU2FbLzX2tHG3qfoyzGqj&utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:1àMaxiforce](https://maxiforce.com/engine-kit/caterpillar-3046-naturally-aspirated/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Displacement derived from a bore of 3.7_in (94_mm) and stroke of 4.72_in (120_mm) for solid torque output. [oai_citation:2àHeavy Duty Pros](https://www.heavydutypros.com/caterpillar-3046-non-turbo-direct-injection-engine-parts-engine-parts.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOoo5XA4XmaPjSYlP_fXwvZY_D9I_6J-oU2FbLzX2tHG3qfoyzGqj&utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:3àMaxiforce](https://maxiforce.com/engine-kit/caterpillar-3046-naturally-aspirated/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Constructed with a cast-iron block and head to withstand heavy-duty operation. [oai_citation:4àMaxiforce](https://maxiforce.com/engine-kit/caterpillar-3046-naturally-aspirated/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:5àKMP Brand Store](https://store.kmpbrand.com/us/caterpillar/3046?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Direct-injection fuel system for improved efficiency and simplified maintenance. [oai_citation:6àHeavy Duty Pros](https://www.heavydutypros.com/caterpillar-3046-non-turbo-direct-injection-engine-parts-engine-parts.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOoo5XA4XmaPjSYlP_fXwvZY_D9I_6J-oU2FbLzX2tHG3qfoyzGqj&utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:7àMaxiforce](https://maxiforce.com/engine-kit/caterpillar-3046-naturally-aspirated/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Available in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated configurations depending on application. [oai_citation:8àAlberto Motors](https://www.alberto-motors.fr/en/moteur/caterpillar-3046t?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:9àMaxiforce](https://maxiforce.com/engine-kit/caterpillar-3046-naturally-aspirated/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Wet-sleeve cylinder liners for straightforward rebuilds and reduced downtime. [oai_citation:10àHeavy Duty Pros](https://www.heavydutypros.com/caterpillar-3046-non-turbo-direct-injection-engine-parts-engine-parts.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOoo5XA4XmaPjSYlP_fXwvZY_D9I_6J-oU2FbLzX2tHG3qfoyzGqj&utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:11àKMP Brand Store](https://store.kmpbrand.com/us/caterpillar/3046?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Equipped with a liquid-cooled system including belt_driven water pump and optional oil cooler. [oai_citation:12àScribd](https://www.scribd.com/document/550783266/SENR6456-3046-Engine-for-Caterpillar-Built-Machines?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:13àKMP Brand Store](https://store.kmpbrand.com/us/caterpillar/3046?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Engineered for multiple rebuild cycles with accessible service parts. [oai_citation:14àKMP Brand Store](https://store.kmpbrand.com/us/caterpillar/3046?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:15àHeavy Duty Pros](https://www.heavydutypros.com/caterpillar-3046-non-turbo-direct-injection-engine-parts-engine-parts.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOoo5XA4XmaPjSYlP_fXwvZY_D9I_6J-oU2FbLzX2tHG3qfoyzGqj&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Common Issues and Replacement Parts Needed
- Fuel injection components (nozzles, lines, pumps) wear over time and may need resurfacing or replacement. [oai_citation:16àScribd](https://www.scribd.com/document/550783266/SENR6456-3046-Engine-for-Caterpillar-Built-Machines?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:17àScribd](https://www.scribd.com/document/503712234/3046-parts-catalog-5xk29079?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Valve train wear: valve guides, lash clearances (~0.25_mm inlet/exhaust) often need adjustment or parts replacement. [oai_citation:18àScribd](https://www.scribd.com/document/550783266/SENR6456-3046-Engine-for-Caterpillar-Built-Machines?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:19àJustAnswer](https://www.justanswer.com/heavy-equipment/6ecf9-ra-rec.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Oil seal leaks on crank or camshaft; seals and sleeves may degrade. [oai_citation:20àScribd](https://www.scribd.com/document/550783266/SENR6456-3046-Engine-for-Caterpillar-Built-Machines?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Turbocharger (if equipped): bearings and seals wear under high hours. [oai_citation:21àAlberto Motors](https://www.alberto-motors.fr/en/moteur/caterpillar-3046t?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:22àKMP Brand Store](https://store.kmpbrand.com/us/caterpillar/3046?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Cooling system parts (water pump, thermostat, hoses) require inspection to prevent overheating. [oai_citation:23àScribd](https://www.scribd.com/document/550783266/SENR6456-3046-Engine-for-Caterpillar-Built-Machines?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:24àAlberto Motors](https://www.alberto-motors.fr/en/moteur/caterpillar-3046t?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Pistons, liners, and bearings commonly replaced during high-hour rebuilds. [oai_citation:25àHeavy Duty Pros](https://www.heavydutypros.com/caterpillar-3046-non-turbo-direct-injection-engine-parts-engine-parts.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOooXRX26Ol5LWRDcXGcufINmkDWKFpgNtidijNV0dm5mfOD6M1fF&utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:26àHeavy Duty Pros](https://www.heavydutypros.com/caterpillar-3046-non-turbo-direct-injection-engine-parts-engine-parts.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOoo5XA4XmaPjSYlP_fXwvZY_D9I_6J-oU2FbLzX2tHG3qfoyzGqj&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Key Replacement Parts for the 3046 Engine
Highway and Heavy Parts (HHP), Diesel Parts Direct, KMP USA and Maxiforce supply premium-quality parts including piston & ring sets, wet-sleeve liner kits, rebuild kits, fuel injectors, injection pumps, crankshaft bearings, valve guides, gaskets, water pumps, oil coolers, alternators, and turbocharger assemblies (where applicable). [oai_citation:27àKMP Brand Store](https://store.kmpbrand.com/us/caterpillar/3046?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:28àMaxiforce](https://maxiforce.com/caterpillar-engine-parts/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [oai_citation:29àDiesel Parts Direct](https://www.dieselpartsdirect.com/parts-for-3000-series-caterpillar-engines?srsltid=AfmBOopxP4-bbVbgdHvoLWSGUbvbIkh_gdXEd8rl3D4do3pc-PUfHeBm&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
The Caterpillar 3046 stands out as a rugged and service-friendly engine for industrial, construction, and marine power needs. Its direct-injection design, wet-sleeve liners, and robust iron block construction support multiple rebuild cycles and long-term reliability. With proper maintenance and quality replacement parts, the 3046 continues to deliver economical, dependable performance in challenging applications across multiple industry sectors.
