Caterpillar C15 Marine Diesel Engine Heat Exchanger Plates, Gaskets & Seals

High-quality replacement plate packs, gaskets, and seal kits for CAT C15 marine propulsion engines — engineered for precision, durability, and efficiency.

Caterpillar C15 Heat Exchanger Gaskets, Plates & Sealss

The Caterpillar C15 marine diesel engine is a 15.2-liter, inline 6-cylinder powerhouse delivering between 440–650 horsepower depending on configuration. Known for its balance of power, reliability, and fuel efficiency, the C15 is used across a wide range of marine applications—from workboats and trawlers to patrol vessels and commercial craft.

At the heart of the cooling system is the C15 marine heat exchanger, a closed-loop device that transfers heat from the engine coolant to raw seawater—preventing overheating and maintaining optimal engine temperature under load. MechPro supplies OEM-equivalent plates, gaskets, seals, bolts, and full plate packs for the C15’s marine heat exchanger, including C15 ACERT variants.

Our replacement components are precision-engineered for long-term performance in saltwater environments, ensuring consistent cooling efficiency and minimal downtime.

Caterpillar C15 diesel engine heat exchanger cleaning

CAT C15 heat exchanger shipped to MechPro for inspection and cleaning.

MechPro Caterpillar C-18 Heat Exchanger plate pack

CAT C15 heat exchanger maintenance.

Caterpillar C15 diesel engine heat exchanger parts and service

CAT C15 marine heat exchanger parts and service.

MechPro Caterpillar C-18 Heat Exchanger

CAT C15 heat exchanger plates in refurbished unit.

Caterpillar C15 diesel engine plate heat exchanger parts spec

CAT C15 marine heat exchanger parts assembly scheme drawing.

Why Choose MechPro

  • Worldwide Shipping – Fast and reliable delivery of all Cat® marine heat exchanger parts.
  • Genuine & Aftermarket Options – OEM-spec compression, heat tolerance, and installation compatibility.
  • Expert Support – Send us your serial number, part code, or image for instant identification help.
  • Trusted Supplier – Over 15 years of heat exchanger service expertise across marine, refinery, and power generation industries.

Precision-Engineered for Reliability

Long-term durability, high fuel efficiency, simplified service, and long-life-to-overhaul — Cat® marine engines are designed for maximum productivity and minimal downtime.

A consistent maintenance schedule extends your Caterpillar engine’s lifespan and performance.
MechPro supports that mission by providing exact-fit heat exchanger components built to OEM specifications.

CAT C18 marine diesel heat exchanger gaskets - Mechpro

MechPro supplies CAT C15 heat exchanger gaskets

MechPro Caterpillar C-30 Heat Exchanger Boxed for Shipping

Refurbished CAT C15 heat exchanger boxed and ready for delivery.

Caterpillar C15 diesel engine heat exchanger refurbish

MechPro refurbishes CAT C15 marine diesel engine heat exchangers.

Caterpillar C15 Heat Exchanger Parts List

(Representative components — part numbers vary by serial prefix. Contact MechPro to verify compatibility.)
Part NameCaterpillar Part Number (Example)Description
Plate – Heat Exchanger269-9635, 269-9636Stainless/titanium plate, corrugated
Gasket – Plate7E-4642, 6N-4083Rubber seal gasket between plates
Seal – O-Ring9X-8258, 1P-3706Sealing O-ring, coolant circuit
Spacer – Plate Pack9M-9801Stainless spacer for stack assembly
Bolt – Assembly3B-4512, 7X-0840High-tensile bolt for exchanger frame
Collar – Locating1N-3801Alignment collar for plate positioning
End Cover – Housing9N-9845Front/rear cover for heat exchanger body
Gasket Kit – CompleteSEBP4246-012Full gasket/seal kit for C15 exchanger
Liner – Coolant Tube6I-4356Protective liner for coolant passages
For detailed diagrams, refer to Caterpillar Service Publication SEBP4246 (Marine C15 Heat Exchanger Assembly) or request MechPro’s illustrated parts scheme for your specific engine serial number.

Product Overview

Heat Exchanger Gaskets
Create a tight, leak-free seal between exchanger plates. Essential for efficient operation and fluid isolation.

Heat Exchanger Plates
Precision-engineered titanium plates maximize heat transfer efficiency, ensuring consistent cooling for C30 engines.

Heat Exchanger Seals
Durable elastomeric seals prevent leaks at joints and maintain proper pressure within the system.

Together, these components sustain optimal engine cooling performance, prevent overheating, and extend engine life.

Supported Engine Models

MechPro provides compatible heat exchanger parts and service for:
3406, 3408, 3412, 3508, 3512, 3516, C15, C18, C30, C32, C15 ACERT, C18 ACERT, C32 ACERT

Caterpillar C15 Diesel Marine Propulsion Engine Specs

SpecificationDetails
ConfigurationInline 6, 4-stroke diesel
Displacement15.2 L (928 in³)
Bore × Stroke137 mm × 171 mm (5.4 in × 6.8 in)
Compression Ratio18.0:1
Power Range440–650 bhp (328–444 kW)
Max TorqueUp to 2,050 lb-ft (2,717 Nm @ 1400 rpm)
Rated Speed1800–2100 rpm
AspirationTurbocharged & Aftercooled
Fuel SystemHEUI Electronic Unit Injection
Cooling SystemHeat Exchanger or Keel-Cooled
EmissionsEPA Tier 3 / EU Stage IIIA equivalent
Dry Weight1,469 kg (3,239 lb)

Request a Quote

Whether you need a single gasket or a full heat exchanger rebuild kit, MechPro can help.

📞 Call: 1 800 249-6709
📧 Email: [email protected]

Or simply use our Request for Quote form to send us your engine model and photos of the exchanger — we’ll handle the rest.

Caterpillar C15 Heat Exchanger Function

The C15’s marine heat exchanger uses a stack of metal plates to transfer heat between two independent circuits:

  1. Engine Coolant Loop – recirculates treated coolant through the block and cylinder head.
  2. Raw Water Loop – draws seawater in via a raw water pump, runs it through the exchanger, and discharges it overboard.

This design isolates corrosive seawater from the engine’s internal cooling passages while efficiently dissipating heat — protecting critical engine components from thermal damage and corrosion.

Benefits:

  • Prevents overheating under high load
  • Maintains optimal combustion temperature
  • Extends engine lifespan
  • Supports continuous-duty performance

Maintenance Recommendations

Regular inspection and cleaning of the heat exchanger and raw water pump are essential to maintaining optimal performance:

  • Inspect plate stack every 1,000 hours or annually
  • Replace gaskets during every disassembly
  • Flush seawater passages with freshwater after extended operation
  • Inspect and replace raw water pump impeller regularly
  • Monitor coolant quality and maintain correct pressure levels

Frequently Asked Questiosn (FAQs)

Q: What vessels typically use the CAT C15 marine engine?

A: he C15 is commonly found in commercial fishing vessels, tugs, patrol craft, trawlers, and smaller offshore support boats, offering a dependable balance of power and fuel economy.

Q: How often should C15 heat exchanger gaskets and plates be replaced?

A: Gaskets should be replaced each time the exchanger is serviced or disassembled. Plates typically last 5–10 years, depending on operating hours and seawater conditions.

Q: Can MechPro supply parts for both standard and ACERT versions of the C15?

A: Yes — we stock parts compatible with C15 and C15 ACERT heat exchangers. Provide your engine serial number (ESN) for exact plate and gasket kit matching.

Q: Do most Caterpillar C15 Marine Diesel Engines use a shell and tube heat exchanger or a plate heat exchanger?

A: Most Caterpillar C15 marine diesel engines use a shell and tube heat exchanger, as it is the standard and most common factory-fitted type for their main engine cooling system. While plate heat exchangers may be used in some specific, less common applications or by aftermarket suppliers, the robust shell and tube design is the prevalent choice for the C15 and similar engine models due to its durability in marine environments.

Shell and tube heat exchanger

Standard design: This is the typical and factory-installed configuration for the main engine cooling system on a C15 marine engine.
Durability: The shell and tube design is considered very durable and well-suited for the high pressures and harsh conditions of marine applications.
Function: It uses a bundle of tubes inside a shell to transfer heat from the engine’s freshwater coolant to the raw seawater, keeping the two fluids separate.

Plate heat exchanger

Less common: While used in other Cat models and many marine applications, they are not the standard for the C15’s primary cooling system.
Characteristics: Plate heat exchangers are known for being more compact and can be more efficient, but the shell and tube design remains the OEM standard for this class of engine

Disclaimer

All manufacturer names, part numbers, and product descriptions are provided for reference and identification purposes only. Caterpillar®, CAT®, and associated model names and numbers are registered trademarks of Caterpillar Inc.

MechPro is not an authorized dealer for Caterpillar Inc. and is not affiliated with the company. Our inventory is constantly changing and may include both genuine OEM parts and high-quality aftermarket replacements. Unless explicitly stated, we do not guarantee that a listed item is manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer.

Product images, diagrams, and specifications are for reference only and may not exactly match the item shipped. Customers should use original part numbers to verify compatibility and determine the most suitable replacement for their needs.