Caterpillar C13
Used Caterpillar C13 Engine for Sale
The C13 is Caterpillar's 12.5-liter ACERT engine, used in regional tractors and vocational trucks until Cat left on-highway around 2010. Send us your serial number and arrangement number and we search supplier sources nationwide.
Caterpillar C13 at a glance
- Displacement
- 12.5 L (about 763 cu in)
- Configuration
- Inline 6-cylinder
- Typical horsepower range
- About 305 to 470 hp in on-highway ratings
- Production era
- About 2004 to 2010 on-highway; later in off-highway and industrial uses
- Emissions / aftertreatment
- ACERT (2004-2006) and 2007 ACERT with DPF; no SCR in on-highway
- Common applications
- Regional tractors, dump, mixer and other vocational trucks
Identification
How to identify your C13
Read us the serial number and arrangement number from the Cat engine information plate. The serial prefix confirms the C13 family and build.
Confirm whether the engine is on-highway or off-highway/industrial. These share displacement but differ in calibration, accessories and emissions certification.
- Serial number with prefix
- Arrangement number
- On-highway or off-highway
- Truck year, make, model
01C13 vs C12
The C13 succeeded the C12. They are different engines with different blocks, fuel systems and ECMs. A C12 is not a direct replacement for a C13.
02On-highway vs off-highway C13
Cat continued to build C13 engines for off-highway and industrial uses after leaving on-highway. These engines carry different emissions certification, calibration and accessories. An off-highway C13 is not a legal swap into an on-highway truck.
032007 ACERT with DPF
The 2007 C13 adds a DPF and different sensors and calibration. Match the emissions year of your truck.
Before you buy
Questions to ask about a used C13
- What is the serial prefix and arrangement number?
- Is this an on-highway or off-highway engine?
- Is it a 2004-2006 ACERT or 2007 ACERT engine?
- Is the mileage documented?
- Is an oil analysis or running video available?
- Is the ECM included?
- What are the core requirements?
FAQ
Caterpillar C13 questions
Is the C13 the same as the C12?
No. The C13 succeeded the C12 with different blocks, fuel systems and ECMs.
Can I use an off-highway C13 in my truck?
Not legally. Emissions certification and calibration differ.
Where is the C13 serial number?
On the Cat engine information plate.
Does the C13 use DEF?
No. On-highway C13 engines ended before SCR. 2007 versions use a DPF.
What horsepower is my C13?
On-highway C13 ratings span roughly 305 to 470 hp. Your exact rating comes from the ECM or arrangement number.
More Caterpillar engines
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