Caterpillar C280-6 Marine Engine Parts & Overhaul Spares

Caterpillar C280-6 Marine Engine Parts & Spare Parts

Alfa Marine Spare Parts supplies Caterpillar C280-6 marine engine parts and spare parts for commercial vessels, offshore vessels, workboats, marine propulsion systems, auxiliary installations and power-generation applications.

We source genuine, OEM, replacement and applicable Reman Caterpillar C280-6 components, subject to availability, for scheduled maintenance, corrective repairs, top-end work and major engine overhauls.

Our sourcing capabilities cover fuel injectors, cylinder heads, pistons, cylinder liners, connecting rods, bearings, crankshaft components, turbocharger parts, auxiliary seawater pumps, cooling-system components, oil pumps, filters, sensors, electronic controls, gaskets, seals and overhaul components.

The Caterpillar C280-6 is the inline six-cylinder configuration within the large-displacement C280 engine family.

The wider family includes:

Caterpillar C280-6

Caterpillar C280-8

Caterpillar C280-12

Caterpillar C280-16

For the wider engine range, visit our Caterpillar Marine Engine Parts & Rebuild Kits page.

You can also browse our Caterpillar Engine Parts Catalogue or Marine Spare Parts Catalogue.

For correct parts identification, provide the complete engine model, engine serial number, arrangement number and existing part number whenever available.

Need a specific C280-6 component? Request a Quote or email request@alfamarinespareparts.com.

Caterpillar C280-6 Marine Engine Overview

The Caterpillar C280-6 is a large-displacement inline six-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine developed for demanding commercial marine and power applications.

The C280 platform sits toward the upper end of Caterpillar's heavy-duty engine range and is intended for installations where high power output, durability and extended operating periods are important.

Principal C280-6 characteristics include:

Inline 6-cylinder configuration
Four-stroke diesel design
280 mm cylinder bore
300 mm piston stroke
Approximately 111 litres displacement
Turbocharging and aftercooling
Electronically controlled fuel injection
Heavy-duty cooling and lubrication systems
Commercial propulsion and power-generation applications

Exact output, emissions specification, cooling arrangement and installed equipment depend on the individual engine rating and configuration.

For additional Caterpillar engine families, browse our Caterpillar Marine Engine Parts page.

Caterpillar C280-6 Technical SpecificationsSpecificationCaterpillar C280-6Engine familyCaterpillar C280Engine type4-stroke dieselConfigurationInline 6Number of cylinders6Cylinder bore280 mmPiston stroke300 mmDisplacementApprox. 111 litresAspirationTurbocharged and aftercooledFuel systemElectronically controlledRated speedConfiguration dependentCooling systemConfiguration dependentApplicationsCommercial propulsion and power generation

Exact specifications can vary according to the engine rating, serial number, emissions configuration, production revision and installation.

Caterpillar C280 Marine Engine Family

The C280 family uses the same basic cylinder dimensions across several engine configurations.

EngineConfigurationCylindersCaterpillar C280-6Inline6Caterpillar C280-8Inline8Caterpillar C280-12V-engine12Caterpillar C280-16V-engine16

Although these engines belong to the same C280 platform, components should not automatically be considered interchangeable.

Parts can differ according to:

Cylinder configuration
Engine serial number
Arrangement number
Power rating
Duty cycle
Emissions specification
Fuel-system configuration
Turbocharger arrangement
Cooling-system configuration
Auxiliary equipment
Production revision

For an overview of the wider range, visit our Caterpillar Marine Engine Parts page.

Caterpillar C280-6 Parts We Can Source

Alfa Marine Spare Parts can assist with a broad range of Caterpillar C280-6 replacement parts and overhaul components.

SystemTypical C280-6 PartsFuel SystemInjectors, fuel pumps, filters, lines and sealsCylinder ComponentsCylinder heads, liners, pistons, rings and valvesCranktrainConnecting rods, crankshaft components, bearings and thrust componentsTurbochargingTurbochargers, cartridges and related componentsCooling SystemWater pumps, thermostats, seals and cooling componentsSea Water SystemAuxiliary seawater pumps and associated componentsLubricationOil pumps, filters, coolers, seals and gasketsElectrical & ControlsControllers, sensors, wiring and monitoring componentsOverhaulLiners, pistons, bearings, gaskets, seals and related components

If you already know the required part number, you can also search our Marine Spare Parts Catalogue.

Caterpillar C280-6 Fuel System Parts

Fuel-system condition is critical on a large engine operating continuously under substantial load.

C280-6 fuel-system requirements can include:

Fuel injectors
Electronic injection components
Fuel pumps
Fuel transfer pumps
Fuel filters
Fuel lines
Injector seals
Fuel-system gaskets
Fuel-system fittings
Electronic control components

Fuel-system components should be selected using the complete engine serial number and existing part number.

If the component identification is damaged or unreadable, send photographs of the component together with the engine data plate.

Caterpillar C280-6 Cylinder Heads

Cylinder-head requirements can include:

Complete cylinder heads
Intake valves
Exhaust valves
Valve guides
Valve seats
Valve springs
Rocker components
Cylinder-head gaskets
Seals
Associated hardware

For major cylinder-head requirements, provide the complete C280-6 engine serial number and arrangement information.

This is particularly important when ordering components for an engine that has undergone previous repairs or modifications.

Caterpillar C280-6 Pistons & Cylinder Liners

Major C280-6 engine repairs can require:

Cylinder liners

Pistons

Piston rings

Piston pins

Connecting rods

Connecting-rod bearings

Main bearings

Thrust components

Cylinder-head components

Gaskets and seals

Piston, liner and bearing requirements should be prepared against the individual engine rather than assuming that every C280-6 uses an identical overhaul configuration.

Caterpillar C280-6 Connecting Rod & Crankshaft Parts

The cranktrain is another important area during major C280-6 overhaul work.

Requirements can include:

Connecting rods
Connecting-rod bearings
Main bearings
Thrust bearings
Crankshaft components
Fasteners
Bushings
Seals
Associated lubrication components

For major internal-engine parts, accurate identification before ordering is essential.

Caterpillar C280-6 Turbocharger Parts

The C280-6 uses turbocharging and aftercooling to support the airflow required for its large-displacement combustion system.

Turbocharger requirements can include:

Complete turbocharger
Turbocharger cartridge
Rotor components
Bearings
Seals
Oil-feed components
Oil-return components
Exhaust-side components
Intake connections
Gaskets
Mounting components

Turbocharger configuration can vary according to engine rating and production specification.

Whenever possible, provide:

C280-6 serial number + existing turbocharger identification number

rather than ordering using the engine model alone.

Caterpillar C280-6 Auxiliary Sea Water Pump

One of the important cooling-system requirements associated with the C280-6 is the auxiliary seawater pump.

A documented application is:

Caterpillar 473-0551 Sea Water Auxiliary Pump

Part number: 473-0551 / 4730551

Description: Sea Water Auxiliary Pump

Application: Caterpillar C280-6 marine engine

Engine configuration: Inline 6

The 473-0551 / 4730551 auxiliary seawater pump is associated with applicable C280 marine cooling-system arrangements.

The pump circulates seawater through applicable external cooling circuits, allowing heat to be transferred from the engine's closed cooling systems through heat exchangers and associated cooling equipment.

For more information about this pump and other Caterpillar seawater-pump applications, read our Caterpillar Auxiliary Sea Water Pumps & Part Numbers guide.

Which C280 Engines Are Associated With 473-0551?

The 473-0551 / 4730551 Sea Water Auxiliary Pump is associated with applicable marine-engine configurations within the C280 family, including:

EngineConfiguration473-0551 ApplicationCaterpillar C280-6Inline 6Documented applicationCaterpillar C280-8Inline 8Documented applicationCaterpillar C280-12V12Documented applicationCaterpillar C280-16V16Documented applicationImportant Compatibility Note

This table identifies engine families associated with the pump application.

It does not mean every C280-6, C280-8, C280-12 or C280-16 automatically uses 473-0551.

Always verify:

Engine serial number

Arrangement number

Existing pump part number

Cooling-system configuration

Pump mounting and connections

before ordering.

For our broader Caterpillar pump guide, visit Caterpillar Auxiliary Sea Water Pumps & Part Numbers.

What Does the C280-6 Auxiliary Sea Water Pump Do?

The auxiliary seawater pump moves raw seawater through the applicable marine cooling circuit.

Depending on the installation, seawater can be circulated through equipment such as:

Heat exchangers
Oil coolers
Charge-air cooling circuits
Condensers
Other applicable cooling equipment

The raw-water circuit should not be confused with the engine's closed coolant circuit.

In a heat-exchanger-cooled installation, seawater removes heat from the closed engine-coolant system without normally mixing with the coolant itself.

Does Every Caterpillar C280-6 Use 473-0551?

No.

This is one of the most important points when ordering a Caterpillar C280-6 seawater pump.

The fact that 473-0551 / 4730551 is associated with C280-6 marine applications does not mean it should automatically be ordered for every C280-6.

The installed arrangement can depend on:

Engine serial number
Arrangement number
Engine rating
Vessel cooling-system design
Production revision
Auxiliary equipment
Pump capacity
Pump mounting
Existing installation

Before ordering a replacement, identify the number stamped or shown on the existing pump whenever possible.

Caterpillar C280-6 Cooling System Parts

In addition to the auxiliary seawater pump, C280-6 cooling-system requirements can include:

Jacket-water pumps
Auxiliary seawater pumps
Heat exchangers
Oil coolers
Charge-air cooling components
Thermostats
Temperature sensors
Cooling-water pipes
Expansion-system components
Mechanical seals
Gaskets
O-rings
Pump components

Different cooling circuits can be used according to the engine and vessel installation.

For cooling-system requirements, send the engine serial number together with photographs or drawings of the existing component where possible.

Caterpillar C280-6 Lubrication System Parts

Lubrication-system requirements can include:

Oil pumps
Oil filters
Oil coolers
Pre-lubrication components
Oil pressure sensors
Oil lines
Pressure-regulating components
Gaskets
O-rings
Shaft seals

Lubrication-system parts should be identified against the individual engine arrangement.

Caterpillar C280-6 Electrical & Electronic Parts

Electronic and monitoring requirements can include:

Engine control modules
Controllers
Pressure sensors
Temperature sensors
Speed sensors
Wiring harnesses
Connectors
Switches
Alarm components
Monitoring components
Control-panel components

Electronic components can be particularly configuration-specific.

Whenever possible, send a clear photograph of the existing identification label.

Caterpillar C280-6 Overhaul Parts

A major C280-6 overhaul can involve substantially more than a standard maintenance kit.

Depending on engine condition and inspection results, requirements can include:

Cylinder liners
Pistons
Piston rings
Cylinder heads
Intake valves
Exhaust valves
Connecting rods
Connecting-rod bearings
Main bearings
Thrust components
Crankshaft components
Camshaft components
Fuel injectors
Turbocharger components
Oil pumps
Water pumps
Auxiliary seawater pumps
Gaskets
O-rings
Shaft seals

For a complete overhaul quotation, prepare the requirement using the engine serial number and arrangement number.

You can browse additional component categories in our Marine Spare Parts Catalogue.

Caterpillar C280-6 Maintenance Parts

Routine and planned maintenance requirements can include:

Fuel filters
Oil filters
Air-system components
Cooling-system seals
Gaskets
Sensors
Pump components
Fuel-system components
Lubrication-system components
Turbocharger service components

Maintenance intervals and component requirements should follow the documentation applicable to the individual engine configuration and duty cycle.

Searching for a Specific Caterpillar C280-6 Part?

If you already have a part number, send it with your enquiry.

For accurate identification, provide:

Engine model: Caterpillar C280-6

Engine serial number

Serial-number prefix

Arrangement number

Existing part number

Part description

Quantity

Required condition

Photographs

This is particularly important for:

Fuel injectors
Turbochargers
Cylinder heads
Pistons
Cylinder liners
Connecting rods
Bearings
Water pumps
Auxiliary seawater pumps
Oil pumps
Sensors
Electronic control components

Browse our Caterpillar Engine Parts Catalogue or Marine Spare Parts Catalogue if you already know the component category.

Why the Caterpillar C280-6 Serial Number Matters

An enquiry saying:

“I need a seawater pump for a Caterpillar C280-6.”

is a useful starting point, but it may not be enough for final identification.

For example:

473-0551 / 4730551

is associated with applicable C280-6 marine-engine installations.

However, that alone does not confirm the installed pump on an individual engine.

The safer identification method is:

C280-6 + Serial Number + Arrangement Number + Existing Part Number

This helps distinguish between different production revisions, engine ratings and installed cooling-system configurations.

Caterpillar C280-6 Marine Applications

The C280 family is used in demanding marine and heavy-duty applications.

Depending on engine rating and installation, applications can include:

Commercial Vessels

Large commercial ships require propulsion systems designed for extended operating periods and high engine utilization.

Offshore Vessels

Offshore operations can place significant demands on propulsion and onboard power systems.

Ferries

Large ferries can require high-output propulsion and generator installations.

Dredgers

Dredging operations can require engines capable of operating under substantial and changing loads.

Specialized Vessels

The C280 family can also be found in specialized commercial and government vessel applications.

Power Generation

C280 engines are also used in applicable power-generation configurations.

Marine propulsion and generator versions should not automatically be treated as identical for parts selection.

C280-6 vs C280-8 vs C280-12 vs C280-16

The engine designation tells you the basic cylinder configuration:

C280-6 — Inline 6

C280-8 — Inline 8

C280-12 — V12

C280-16 — V16

They belong to the same broader C280 platform, but the different cylinder counts significantly affect engine architecture and parts requirements.

Components such as cylinder-related parts may share platform characteristics, while other assemblies can differ substantially.

Never assume a component from a C280-12 or C280-16 fits a C280-6 simply because it belongs to the C280 family.

C280 vs Caterpillar 3600 Series

The C280 family sits alongside Caterpillar's heavy-duty large-engine offering and has close historical and technical relationships with large Caterpillar engine platforms.

However, C280 and 3600 engine designations should not be used interchangeably when ordering parts.

For information about engines such as the:

Caterpillar 3606

Caterpillar 3608

Caterpillar 3612

Caterpillar 3616

visit our Caterpillar 3600 Marine Engine Parts page.

You can also read our Caterpillar 3600 Marine Engine Maintenance Schedule.

Why Source Caterpillar C280-6 Parts Through Alfa Marine Spare Parts?

Alfa Marine Spare Parts assists shipowners, ship managers, shipyards, marine engineers, engine rebuilders, purchasing departments and vessel operators with sourcing Caterpillar C280-6 replacement components.

Depending on the individual requirement and availability, we can assist with:

Routine maintenance parts
Fuel-system components
Cooling-system parts
Auxiliary seawater pumps
Turbocharger components
Cylinder components
Internal engine parts
Electrical and electronic components
Major overhaul requirements
Genuine parts
OEM components
Replacement components
Applicable Reman options

Our European supply network includes warehouse access in the Netherlands and Spain, with international shipping coordination for marine customers worldwide.

Alfa Marine Spare Parts is an independent marine spare-parts supplier and is not an official Caterpillar dealer.

For the wider range, browse our CAT Marine Engine Parts & Rebuild Kits page.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Caterpillar C280-6Is the Caterpillar C280-6 a Marine Engine?

Yes. The C280-6 is used in applicable commercial marine propulsion and power applications.

How Many Cylinders Does the Caterpillar C280-6 Have?

The C280-6 is an inline six-cylinder engine.

What Is the Caterpillar C280-6 Displacement?

The C280-6 has approximately 111 litres of displacement.

What Is the C280-6 Bore and Stroke?

The C280 platform uses approximately:

280 mm bore

300 mm stroke

Is the Caterpillar C280-6 Turbocharged?

Yes. Applicable C280-6 configurations use turbocharging and aftercooling.

What Auxiliary Sea Water Pump Is Associated With the C280-6?

One important documented application is:

473-0551 / 4730551 — Sea Water Auxiliary Pump

Always verify the engine serial number, arrangement and existing pump before ordering.

Does 473-0551 Fit Every Caterpillar C280-6?

No.

Although 473-0551 / 4730551 is associated with applicable C280-6 marine-engine installations, the individual engine and cooling-system configuration must still be checked.

Is 473-0551 Also Used With Other C280 Engines?

The 473-0551 / 4730551 reference is associated with applicable C280-6, C280-8, C280-12 and C280-16 marine applications.

For a detailed comparison, read our Caterpillar Auxiliary Sea Water Pumps & Part Numbers guide.

Can You Supply Caterpillar C280-6 Fuel Injectors?

Alfa Marine Spare Parts can assist with applicable C280-6 fuel-system components subject to exact engine identification and current availability.

Send the engine serial number and existing injector reference whenever possible.

Can You Supply Caterpillar C280-6 Turbochargers?

We can assist with applicable C280-6 turbocharger and turbocharger-component requirements.

The existing turbocharger identification number should be supplied whenever available.

Can You Supply Caterpillar C280-6 Overhaul Parts?

Yes.

We can assist with applicable liners, pistons, piston rings, bearings, cylinder components, fuel-system parts, cooling-system components, gaskets, seals and other overhaul requirements subject to configuration and availability.

Can I Order C280-6 Parts Using Only the Engine Model?

For many components, no.

The safer identification method is:

C280-6 + engine serial number + arrangement number + existing part number

This is particularly important for pumps, injectors, turbochargers, electronic components and major internal-engine parts.

Related Caterpillar Engine Pages & Technical Guides

For additional Caterpillar engines and components, browse:

Caterpillar Marine Engine Parts & Rebuild Kits

Caterpillar Engine Parts Catalogue

Caterpillar 3600 Marine Engine Parts

Caterpillar 3516 Marine Engine Parts

Caterpillar 3512 Marine Engine Parts