Plenty of drivers would rather keep their old Pete or Kenworth running than buy new. The cab’s paid for, they know every rattle, and it does the job. When the engine finally gives out, they want another Cat. If that’s you, we have a Caterpillar C13 engine for sale, tested and ready to ship anywhere in the world.
Ready to buy? See the price, photos and stock for our fairly used Caterpillar C13 engine for sale in the shop.
This guide covers the C13’s specs, the trucks and machines it fits, the problems to watch for, and how buying from us works. We sell complete engines and match them to your serial number before you pay.
Table of Contents
Why a Caterpillar C13 Engine for Sale Still Makes Sense
The C13 is Caterpillar’s 12.5 litre inline six. In trucks it ran from 2004 until Cat pulled out of the on-highway engine business around 2010. Off the highway it carried on, powering excavators, loaders, generator sets and pumps, and it’s still built for industrial use today.
For truck owners, the C13 hits a sweet spot. It’s lighter than the big C15, which helps payload. It’s simple enough that most diesel shops around the world can work on it. And the pre-2010 truck engines don’t need DEF. That’s why a good Caterpillar C13 engine for sale is still in demand years after the last on-highway one was built.
Equipment owners want them too. A Cat machine with a tired engine is often worth saving, and a tested replacement gets it working again for far less than a new machine.
Caterpillar C13 Engine Specifications
Every Caterpillar C13 engine for sale we list is matched to these figures. The exact rating depends on the arrangement and how it was set up.
| Engine | Caterpillar C13 ACERT |
| Layout | Inline six, turbocharged, air-to-air aftercooled |
| Displacement | 12.5 L (763 cu in) |
| Bore x stroke | 130 mm x 157 mm |
| Valvetrain | Single overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder (24 valves) |
| Fuel system | Mechanically actuated, electronically controlled unit injectors (MEUI) |
| Turbo | Series turbocharging on many ACERT ratings |
| Power | Roughly 305 to 470 hp on-highway; industrial ratings higher |
| Torque | Roughly 1,050 to 1,650 lb-ft on-highway |
| Truck years | 2004 to 2010 |
| Industrial use | Continues today in machines and generator sets |
What ACERT means
ACERT was Caterpillar‘s way of meeting the mid-2000s emissions rules without leaning on cooled EGR like most rivals. It used precise fuel control, variable valve actuation and series turbocharging instead. It worked, but it added complexity, and later truck engines picked up extra emissions hardware as the rules tightened.
Unit injectors
The C13 uses mechanically actuated, electronically controlled unit injectors, driven by the overhead cam. There’s no common rail. Many mechanics like that because there’s less to go wrong in the fuel system, and the injectors are well understood.
2004 to 2006 or 2007 to 2010?
C13 truck engines fall into two groups. The 2004 to 2006 engines were built to the EPA 2004 rules. The 2007 to 2010 engines had to meet stricter rules, so they picked up a diesel particulate filter and Cat’s CGI system, which routes a small amount of exhaust back into the intake. The later engines are heavier on emissions hardware and are where most of the trouble lives.
Engines from the two groups don’t swap without extra work. We match every Caterpillar C13 engine for sale to your engine’s serial number so the wiring, ECM and plumbing all line up.
Which Trucks and Machines Use the C13?
- Peterbilt 379, 385, 386 and 387
- Kenworth T600, T800 and W900
- Freightliner Columbia, Century Class and Classic
- International 9200i and 9400i
- Sterling and Western Star models
- Cat excavators, wheel loaders and other equipment using the industrial C13
- Generator sets and pump units
Truck and industrial engines are dressed very differently, with different sumps, mounts, cooling setups and ratings. Tell us exactly what the engine goes into and we’ll match the right Caterpillar C13 engine for sale.
Finding Your Serial Number
The engine information plate is usually on the side of the valve cover or the block. It shows the serial number and arrangement number. The serial number prefix tells us which version you have. On machines it’s on the engine plate too, and the machine’s own plate tells us the model. Send us clear photos and we’ll do the rest.
Where Our C13 Engines Come From
Most of our truck engines come from tractors written off after accidents or retired by fleets. Industrial engines come from machines and generator sets being parted out. We record the donor for every Caterpillar C13 engine for sale, with miles or hours where we have them.
What Comes With Our Caterpillar C13 Engine for Sale
- Block with crank, liners, pistons and rods
- Cylinder head with overhead cam and valvetrain
- Unit injectors (condition noted on your quote)
- Turbocharger setup to suit the rating
- Oil cooler, front cover and flywheel housing
- Engine brake on most truck units
- Test results, photos and crating on a heavy-duty skid
The ECM and wiring harness aren’t included unless we agree it in writing.
How We Test Every C13
- Compression or blow-by check on all six cylinders.
- Oil checked for coolant, fuel or metal.
- Coolant checked for oil and combustion gas.
- Turbos checked for shaft play.
- Head and block checked for cracks and leaks.
- Photos sent to you, and run video on request.
If an engine fails any of these, it never becomes a Caterpillar C13 engine for sale on our site.
Used, In-Frame or Out-of-Frame?
Used
A fairly used Caterpillar C13 engine for sale is tested and sold as it came out of the donor. It’s the cheapest and fastest option.
In-frame overhaul
New liners, pistons, rings and bearings with the block left in place. A good choice for a sound engine that’s simply worn.
Out-of-frame rebuild
Fully stripped, machined and rebuilt. The most expensive and slowest option. Our guide to remanufactured vs rebuilt engines explains the difference, and long block vs short block covers partial replacements.
Common C13 Problems
Injectors and injector sleeves
High-mileage engines wear injectors, and injector sleeves can leak coolant into the cylinder or fuel. White smoke, coolant loss and rough running are the usual signs.
Overheating and cracked heads
A C13 that’s been overheated can crack its head. Cooling system neglect is usually the cause: a blocked radiator, a weak fan, a bad thermostat or low coolant.
CGI and emissions hardware
On 2007 to 2010 truck engines, the CGI system and DPF cause the most headaches. Valves stick, coolers leak and the DPF clogs. These are repairs, not usually reasons for a new engine.
Turbos
Series turbo setups mean two turbos to look after. Wear shows up as lost power, smoke or noise.
Oil leaks
Older engines weep oil from the usual places: rear main seal, front cover and valve cover gaskets. Annoying, but rarely serious on their own.
7 Checks Before You Buy Any Caterpillar C13 Engine for Sale
- Get the serial and arrangement numbers. They tell you the version, rating and whether it’s a truck or industrial engine.
- Match the emissions group. 2004 to 2006 and 2007 to 2010 truck engines differ.
- Ask for blow-by or compression results. Real numbers, not “it ran fine”.
- Check oil and coolant. Mixing points to sleeve, head or cooler problems.
- Ask about overheating. A head that’s been cooked can crack later.
- Get photos and a run video. Of the actual engine, with the plate visible.
- Read the warranty. Know what’s covered and what voids it.
Any honest seller with a Caterpillar C13 engine for sale should help with every one of these. We do it as standard.
Check your own truck or machine as well. If the old engine died from overheating, fix the cooling system first. A healthy Caterpillar C13 engine for sale won’t survive a radiator that’s still blocked.
Signs Your C13 Is on Its Way Out
- Blow-by pouring out of the breather, especially under load
- Oil use climbing month after month
- Coolant disappearing with no leak you can find
- White or blue smoke that won’t clear once it’s warm
- A knock from the bottom end, or low oil pressure when hot
- Power falling off even after injectors and turbo have been checked
One of these on its own doesn’t mean the engine is finished. Several together usually do. Get a proper diagnosis before you decide. Oil analysis, a blow-by test and a cooling system pressure test will tell a good mechanic most of what they need to know. If the news is bad, send us the results and we’ll tell you honestly whether an overhaul or a replacement makes more sense for your truck.
Repair or Replace?
A bad injector, a leaking sleeve, a worn turbo or a clogged DPF are repairs. Heavy blow-by, low compression across the board, a spun bearing or a cracked block are different. When the engine is finished and the truck or machine needs to work, a tested Caterpillar C13 engine for sale is often the quickest and cheapest answer.
C13 or C15: Which Do You Need?
The C15 is the bigger brother at 15.2 litres, built for heavy haul and long climbs with big loads. The C13 is lighter and suits day cabs, dump trucks, regional work and anything where payload matters. The C13 burns less fuel in that kind of work but runs out of breath sooner with heavy loads on long grades.
Swapping one for the other is a bigger job than it sounds. Mounts, cooling, the transmission and the ECM all come into it. If you’re thinking about changing, talk to us first. You can also read how reliable the C15 is and our C15 problems and solutions guide.
Why Drivers Like the Pre-2010 Cats
A lot of owner-operators see the 2004 to 2010 Cats as the last engines you could keep running without a laptop for every job. The truck versions have no DEF. Parts are still easy to find. Diesel shops almost everywhere know them. And they sound right, which matters more to some drivers than they’ll admit. That’s why a good Caterpillar C13 engine for sale often sells quickly.
C13 Engines in Machines and Generators
The industrial C13 is a different arrangement from the truck engine. It may have different ratings, different cooling, different sumps and mounts, and it often uses electronic controls set up for constant speed or machine work. If your C13 goes in a machine or generator set, tell us the model and serial number. We’ll match a Caterpillar C13 engine for sale built for that job, not a truck engine that sort of fits.
C13 Engines Outside North America
A lot of our C13 buyers are overseas. Second-hand American trucks get exported in large numbers, and the Cat-powered ones are popular because local mechanics already know them. In Africa, the Middle East, South America and parts of Asia, a pre-2010 Cat with no DEF system is often easier to keep running than a newer engine that needs fluids and electronics that are hard to get.
Conditions there are tough. Heat, dust, rough roads, poor fuel and long gaps between workshops all wear engines faster. If your truck or machine works somewhere like that, tell us. We’ll look for an engine with a healthy cooling and fuel system and point out anything that might struggle with local fuel. Then we’ll handle the freight so your Caterpillar C13 engine for sale arrives where it’s needed.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
The C13 is one of the thriftier Cat engines in trucks, partly because it’s lighter and partly because it’s usually run at sensible ratings. Fuel use depends far more on the rating, gearing, load, tyres and driving style than on the engine alone. A C13 set up properly for regional or vocational work can be very economical.
Running costs beyond fuel are modest. Budget for oil, filters, oil analysis and the odd injector or turbo over time. Later engines add DPF cleaning. When you choose a Caterpillar C13 engine for sale, tell us how the truck works and we’ll suggest a rating that won’t waste fuel.
Engine Brake and Transmission Pairing
Most truck C13s carry an engine brake, and most of our buyers want one. Check that the brake wiring and switches in your truck match. The flywheel and housing must suit your transmission, whether it’s a manual Eaton, an automated manual or an Allison. Tell us what’s behind your engine and we’ll set up the Caterpillar C13 engine for sale to match.
C13 Engines for Restoration and Show Trucks
Some buyers aren’t fixing a work truck at all. They’re restoring an old Pete or Kenworth and want the right Cat in it. If that’s your project, tell us what matters to you, whether that’s a particular rating, original-looking parts or the cleanest engine we have. We’ll be straight about what’s available and what condition it’s in, and we’ll help you find a Caterpillar C13 engine for sale that suits the build.
Fitment Checklist
Send us these and we’ll confirm the right Caterpillar C13 engine for sale:
- Truck or machine make, model and year
- Engine serial number and arrangement number
- Horsepower rating you need
- Transmission and engine brake setup
- Emissions rules where you are
Emissions and Local Rules
We supply C13 engines with their emissions components as built. Rules on imported engines and emissions vary by country, so check before you order. We won’t advise removing emissions equipment.
Installation Tips
- Flush the cooling system and check the radiator, fan and thermostat.
- Fresh oil, filters and coolant.
- Prime the fuel system before first start.
- Make sure the ECM matches the engine and rating.
- Check the charge-air cooler for leaks.
- Run it in gently before putting full loads on it.
A good heavy-truck or plant shop fitting your Caterpillar C13 engine for sale will know these steps, but it’s worth checking.
Looking After Your C13
Change oil and filters on time and run oil analysis if you can. It’s cheap and it catches problems early. Keep coolant clean and at the right mix. Use good diesel. Let the engine warm up before you load it and cool down after a hard pull. Watch oil pressure and coolant temperature and act on any change.
Owners who do this get a lot of work out of these engines.
Who Buys a C13 From Us
Owner-operators keeping older trucks on the road, small fleets, equipment owners, generator users and buyers overseas who want a Cat they can service themselves. Tell us what you do and we’ll suggest the Caterpillar C13 engine for sale that fits.
What Happens on Delivery Day
Your engine arrives on a heavy-duty skid, wrapped against weather. Check the packaging before signing and note any damage on the paperwork. Compare the engine with our photos. Store it dry with the openings covered if it won’t go in straight away. If anything looks wrong, call us before fitting.
Price: What Affects It
The price of a Caterpillar C13 engine for sale depends on whether it’s a truck or industrial engine, the rating, the emissions group, miles or hours, condition and what’s included. Freight adds to it depending on distance. We quote it all up front. Our page on used diesel truck engines has more background.
Worldwide Shipping on Every Caterpillar C13 Engine for Sale
We ship by truck across North America and by container to South America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, with tracking. It’s a heavy engine, so plan for a forklift or crane at the other end. Duties and local fees are paid by the buyer. See our shipping policy.
Warranty
Every Caterpillar C13 engine for sale is covered against internal mechanical failure, with terms written on your quote. Full details are in our refund and returns policy.
Fleets and Repeat Buyers
Running several Cat-powered trucks or machines? Ask about buying more than one engine. Shipping together lowers freight per engine, and a spare on the shelf keeps work moving. Shops can ask to hear first when a good Caterpillar C13 engine for sale comes in.
Why Buy From NJ Global Auto Parts
We test our engines, tell you what we find and ship them all over the world. We check the fit before we take payment. You get photos of the actual engine, a written quote, tracking and a warranty in writing. When you call, you talk to people who know heavy diesels.
Other Caterpillar and Heavy-Duty Engines
We also supply the Caterpillar C15, Caterpillar 3306, Caterpillar C18 marine, Cummins ISX15 and Cummins M11. Read our Cummins ISX15 buyer’s guide and Caterpillar 3306 guide, or browse all Caterpillar engines and the full shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the C13 a good engine?
Yes, especially the 2004 to 2006 truck engines. The later ones are good too, but their emissions parts need more attention.
Can a truck C13 go into a machine?
Sometimes, but the arrangements differ. Tell us the machine and we’ll check what works.
Is a Caterpillar C13 engine for sale cheaper than an overhaul?
Often, if your engine has major damage. For a sound but worn engine, an in-frame may be better value. Ask us and compare.
Does it come with the ECM?
Not usually, unless agreed in writing.
Is shipping included?
No. We quote freight separately once we know the destination.
How do I order?
Add the engine to your cart from the product page, or send your serial number through our contact page. You can also call +1 (209) 733-0882 or WhatsApp +1 209 690 5983.
Keep Your Cat Working
A good truck or machine deserves another good engine. If you need a Caterpillar C13 engine for sale that’s been properly tested, matched to your serial number and shipped with tracking, get in touch. We’ll confirm the fit, send you photos and give you a straight quote, wherever you are.