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Caterpillar MaK
6M43C
Large medium-speed engine for main propulsion on container feeders, bulk carriers, and multipurpose vessels. Competes with small 2-strokes.
3600.0 kW
Power
Engine Specifications
6
Cylinders
430 mm
Bore
610 mm
Stroke
3,600 kW
MCR Power
500.0 rpm
MCR RPM
183.0 g/kWh
SFC
4-stroke
Stroke Type
Family: Caterpillar/MaK MaK M43C
· Tier: IMO Tier II
· Fuel: HFO, MDO
Other Cylinder Configurations 2
Components & Design
Cylinder Head Body
Caterpillar/MaK
M43C Cylinder Head Assembly
4-valve design (2 intake, 2 exhaust). Overhaul at 16,000-24,000 hrs. Pressure test cooling passages at overhaul.
Lead time: 14 wk
680.0 kg
Fuel Pump (Jerk-Type / Common Rail)
Caterpillar/MaK / Bosch
M43C Fuel Injection Pump (Jerk-Type)
Mechanical jerk-type pump per cylinder. Overhaul at 8,000-12,000 hrs. Check plunger clearance with micrometer.
Lead time: 8 wk
85.0 kg
Turbocharger Unit (ABB/MHI/Napier)
ABB Turbocharging / MHI
M43C Turbocharger (ABB TPL / MHI MET)
Single-stage turbocharger. Water washing every 100-500 hrs depending on fuel. Major overhaul at 12,000-16,000 hrs.
Lead time: 12 wk
2200.0 kg
Technical Data
SFOC (Specific Fuel Oil Consumption)
175–178 g/kWh (HFO optimized)
Lube Oil Consumption
0.6 g/kWh standard; 0.3 g/kWh optional
Engine Type
4-stroke turbocharged intercooled non-reversible with direct injection
Cylinder Block Material
Nodular cast iron (Kugelgraphitguss)
Turbocharger Maintenance Interval
15,000 operating hours (inspection/cleaning)
Per-Cylinder Power Output
~700–760 kW/cylinder
Engine Centre Distance
3400 mm
Charge Air Cooler
Cast casing with 40% increased base area for turbocharger mounting
unified from engine model
True
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Common failures & inspection points
Heavy fuel oil corrosion of cylinder liners and piston rings due to high sulfur content; nodular cast iron offers improved wear resistance vs. gray iron but req
Turbocharger bearing wear and seizure from contaminated or degraded lube oil; tight clearances vulnerable to sluggish operation or complete seizure if oil break
Fuel injector nozzle carbon deposits and stiction (sticking) from poor fuel quality (high viscosity, low volatility); coke accumulation at nozzle holes can caus
Intake and exhaust rocker arm bearing wear requiring clearance checks every 30,000 hours; bearing surfaces (ball pin, adjusting screw) subject to friction and w
Main running gear (crankshaft, bearings, piston skirts, liners) susceptible to seizure and discoloration from inadequate lube oil separation/filtration; long-st
Type-general inspection and maintenance points for this equipment category — not model-specific.
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Equipment Model #38089
· ✓ still in production