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CAT C-15 Engine Specs (1999 Pre-EPA Heavy-Duty Motor for Trucks)

The Caterpillar C-15 is a legendary inline-6 diesel engine widely used in heavy-duty trucks, on-highway applications, and other industrial machinery during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for its robustness, torque-rich performance, and long life, the C-15 has been a workhorse for fleets that require strong pulling power with proven reliability. In its pre-EPA (pre-ACERT) era, the C-15 delivered its performance through a mechanical / electronic unit-injection (MEUI) system rather than the more complex emissions-controlled systems that came later.

CAT C-15 Engine Specs

Its large displacement (15.2 liters) and high compression ratio gave it the ability to produce very high torque at relatively low RPM, making it ideal for hauling and heavy transportation. While emissions regulations evolved, the pre-EPA C-15 remains highly regarded among operators and rebuilders for its durability and simplicity.

CAT C-15 Engine Max Power

Cat C-15 Performance Data

C-15 Engine MT-T4 DM4912 / 4915 (455 hp) MT-T2 DM4917 / 4920 (475/500 hp) MT-T2 DM4917 / 4921 (475/500 hp) MT-T4 DM4908 / 4911 (435/500 hp) MT-T2 DM4923 / 4926 (500 hp)
Number of Cylinders 6 (Inline) 6 (Inline) 6 (Inline) 6 (Inline) 6 (Inline)
DISPL 893 cu in (14.6 L) 893 cu in (14.6 L) 893 cu in (14.6 L) 893 cu in (14.6 L) 893 cu in (14.6 L)
Bore 5.4 in (137 mm) 5.4 in (137 mm) 5.4 in (137 mm) 5.4 in (137 mm) 5.4 in (137 mm)
Stroke 6.5 in (165 mm) 6.5 in (165 mm) 6.5 in (165 mm) 6.5 in (165 mm) 6.5 in (165 mm)
Operating Range (1200–2100) 900 rpm (1200–2100) 900 rpm (1200–2100) 900 rpm (1200–2100) 900 rpm (1200–2100) 900 rpm
Governed Speed 2100 rpm 2100 rpm 2100 rpm 2100 rpm 2100 rpm
Max Engine Speed 2120 rpm 2120 rpm 2120 rpm 2120 rpm 2120 rpm
Max Power 470 hp (351 kW) 490 hp (366 kW) / 515 hp (384 kW) 490 hp (366 kW) / 515 hp (384 kW) 450 hp (336 kW) / 515 hp (384 kW) 515 hp (384 kW)
Advertised Power 455 hp (339 kW) 475 hp (354 kW) / 500 hp (373 kW) 475 hp (354 kW) / 500 hp (373 kW) 435 hp (325 kW) / 500 hp (373 kW) 500 hp (373 kW)
Power Measured 1600 rpm 1600 rpm 1700 rpm 1700 rpm 1600 rpm
Peak Torque 1550 lb ft (2108 Nm) / 1750 lb ft (2380 Nm) 1650 lb ft (2244 Nm) / 1850 lb ft (2516 Nm) 1650 lb ft (2244 Nm) / 1750 lb ft (2380 Nm) 1550 lb ft (2108 Nm) / 1650 lb ft (2244 Nm) 1750 lb ft (2380 Nm) / 1850 lb ft (2516 Nm)
Torque Measured 1200 rpm 1200 rpm 1200 rpm 1200 rpm 1200 rpm
Torque Rise 36/54% 39/48% 39/40% 42/32% 40/48%
Operating Voltage 12 / 24 V 12 / 24 V 12 / 24 V 12 / 24 V 12 / 24 V
Aspiration Turbo for ATAAC Turbo for ATAAC Turbo for ATAAC Turbo for ATAAC Turbo for ATAAC
Emission Standards Pre-EPA (non-EGR) Pre-EPA (non-EGR) Pre-EPA (non-EGR) Pre-EPA (non-EGR) Pre-EPA (non-EGR)

CAT C-15 Engine Altitude Capability: 7500 ft (2288 m) / 10007 ft (3050 m)

CAT C-15 Engine Performance Curves

Cat C-15 performance is based on SAE J1995 standard conditions of 29.61 in. Hg (100 kPa) and 77° F (25° C). Fuel consumption is based on fuel oil having an LHV of 18 390 Btu/lb (42 780 kJ/kg) and weighing 7.002 lb/gal (839 g/L). 

The curves shown are for a standard engine without fan, but equipped with air compressor and fuel, lubricating oil and jacket water pumps. Additional ratings may be available for specific customer requirements. Consult your Caterpillar representative for details.

CAT C-15 Multi-Torque Ratings

Multi-Torque Operation (MT)

The electronics in the ECM continuously monitor a ratio of engine rpm/vehicle mph. For example: 1400 rpm divided by 19.5 mph = 71.5 factor. When the factor is 71.5 or below, the ECM automatically operates on the higher horsepower/torque performance curve. This extra horsepower/torque capability can be provided in the top gears of the transmission. As an example:
  • Top 1 gear: ratio is 27.9 and below (MT-T1)
  • Top 2 gears: ratio is 37.6 and below (MT-T2)*
  • Top 4 gears: ratio is 71.5 and below (MT-T4)
* T2 ratings can be used with Eaton Top 2 transmissions with torque ratings of 100 lb ft (135 Nm) or less. CAT C-15 Engine Dimensions

CAT C-15 Dimensions

Length 57.2 in (1453 mm)
Width 39.3 in (999 mm)
Height 49.7 in (1263 mm)
Dry Weight (approx) 2695 lb (1225 kg)
Typical Applications Heavy-haul trucks, mining, oilfield rigs, logging

CAT C-15 Engine Weight

Service Refill Capacities

Engine Oil Capacity (w/o filter) 9 gal (34.1 L)
Cooling System Capacity (engine only)** 5.5 gal (20.8 L)

** Capacity will vary with radiator size and use of cab heater.

CAT C-15 Engine Peak Torque

NOTE: For best balance between fuel economy and performance requirements on linehaul vehicles with 80000 lb (36287 kg) or less use the following guidelines:

  1. For 9, 10, or 15 speed single overdrive transmissions, gear to cruise at: - 1550 rpm @ 65 mph for 410 hp and below - 1500 rpm @ 65 mph for 435 hp and above.
  2. For 13 or 18 speed dual overdrive transmissions, gear to cruise at: - 1450 rpm @ 65 mph.
  3. Maximum recommended engine speed at cruise - 1550 rpm.

Standard Equipment

  • Crankcase breather, valve cover mounted
  • Electronic control module (ECM)
  • Electronic data link, ATA/SAE
  • Electronically controlled unit injector fuel system (EUI)
  • Fan drive mounting bracket
  • Fuel spin-on filter, transfer pump
  • Gear-driven jacket water pump
  • Governor (full-range electronically controlled)
  • Engine lifting eyes
  • Lubricating system (cooler, right hand filler, full flow filter, gear-driven pump, front or rear sump pan)
  • SAE No. 1 flywheel housing
  • Turbocharger
  • Vibration damper
CAT C-15 Engine Turbocharger

Accessory Equipment for Cat C-15

  • Air compressor, gear driven 13.2, 16.5, or 31 cfm
  • Air inlet elbows
  • Alternator (12 V, 65 amps / 24 V, 45 amps or 60 amps)
  • Auxiliary pulleys and drives
  • BrakeSaver (hydraulic retarder) - front or rear sump
  • Coolant conditioner, dry-charge
  • Exhaust couplings
  • Fan and fan accessories
  • Fan drive, adjustable
  • Engine flywheels
  • Front support
  • Fuel priming pump
  • Hydraulic steering pump drive, SAE A
  • Jacobs® engine brake Model 340B
  • Primary fuel filter
  • Refrigerant compressor mounting
  • Sound suppression panels (block)
  • Starter, 12 V or 24 V
  • Transmission mountings
CAT C-15 Engine Retardation Curves

Engine Electronic Features

  • ADEM 2000: Year 2000 compliant
  • Electronic self-diagnostics
  • Passive sensors - increased reliability
  • Electronically tabulated total fuel consumption, hours, idle time, and miles
  • User-selectable, reprogrammable vehicle operating parameters - vehicle speed limiting, engine speed limiting, cruise control, intermediate gears and low gear rpm limits, geardown protection, and a full range of programmable PTO features.
  • J1939 Data Link for full range of operational programs for vehicle, driver, driveline, and brake control.
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