Caterpillar C15
Used Caterpillar C15 Engine for Sale
The C15 is Caterpillar's 15.2-liter on-highway engine, built in pre-ACERT and ACERT versions until Cat left the on-highway truck engine market around 2010. Send us your serial number and arrangement number and we search supplier sources nationwide.
Caterpillar C15 at a glance
- Displacement
- 15.2 L (about 928 cu in)
- Configuration
- Inline 6-cylinder
- Typical horsepower range
- About 435 to 625 hp depending on rating
- Production era
- About 1999 to 2010 in on-highway trucks
- Emissions / aftertreatment
- Pre-ACERT, ACERT (2004-2006) and 2007 ACERT with DPF; no SCR
- Common applications
- Class 8 trucks: Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, International, Western Star
Identification
How to identify your C15
Read us the engine serial number and arrangement number from the Cat engine information plate. The plate is commonly on the valve cover base or the side of the block. The serial number begins with a three-character prefix that identifies the model and build family.
The serial prefix tells a supplier whether you have a pre-ACERT or ACERT engine, and the arrangement number confirms the configuration.
- Serial number with prefix (e.g., 6NZ for many pre-ACERT C15 engines)
- Arrangement number
- Truck year, make, model
- Horsepower rating
01Pre-ACERT vs ACERT C15
Pre-ACERT C15 engines (roughly 1999-2003) use the ADEM 2000 ECM. ACERT engines (2004 onward) use ADEM A4, series turbochargers and different combustion strategy. The two have different harnesses, fuel systems and turbos.
Pre-ACERT C15 engines are popular for their simplicity, but they are not a legal or practical swap into a chassis certified for a later emissions year.
022007 ACERT with DPF
The 2007 C15 adds a DPF and Cat's Clean Gas Induction system. These engines differ in sensors, ECM calibration and aftertreatment from 2004-2006 ACERT engines.
03Serial prefixes and arrangement numbers
Cat uses serial prefixes to separate engine families. For the C15, prefixes such as 6NZ, MXS, NXS and SDP are commonly referenced. Arrangement numbers define the exact configuration. Matching both keeps mounts, brackets and calibrations aligned.
04Parts and support
Since Cat left the on-highway truck engine market, used C15 engines and parts come from supplier networks. Condition varies. Ask about rebuild history and whether the engine has been in-frame overhauled.
Before you buy
Questions to ask about a used C15
- What is the serial prefix and arrangement number?
- Is this a pre-ACERT, ACERT or 2007 ACERT engine?
- Has it been rebuilt or overhauled, and is there paperwork?
- Is the mileage documented?
- Is an oil analysis or running video available?
- Is the ECM included?
- Are the turbos, harness and DPF (if applicable) included?
- What are the core requirements?
FAQ
Caterpillar C15 questions
What is the difference between ACERT and pre-ACERT C15?
Pre-ACERT engines use ADEM 2000 and a single turbo. ACERT engines use ADEM A4 and series turbochargers. Harness, fuel system and turbos differ.
Can I put a pre-ACERT C15 in my 2005 truck?
It may not be legal for the truck's emissions year, and the ECM and harness differ. Quote the generation the truck was built with.
Where is the C15 serial number?
On the Cat engine information plate, commonly on the valve cover base or the side of the block.
Does the C15 use DEF?
No. Cat left on-highway before SCR became standard. 2007 C15 engines use a DPF.
Are C15 engines still available?
Used engines are available through supplier networks. We search supplier sources and confirm condition on your quote.
More Caterpillar engines
Trucks that may use the C15
Ready when you are
Looking for a Caterpillar C15? Send the serial number.
Have your engine serial number, CPL and VIN handy. If you don't, we'll help you find them.
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