The definitive way to tell if a Caterpillar C15 engine is a 6NZ model is by examining its engine serial number.
Locating Your C15 Engine Serial Number
To find the serial number on a Caterpillar C15 engine, you will need to look for it engraved directly into the engine block.
- Location: The serial number is typically found towards the bottom of the engine block.
- Side: On this specific engine type, it is located on the turbo side. You might need to look carefully, as it can be small or partially obscured by grime or components.
Identifying the 6NZ Prefix
Once you've located the engine serial number, the key identifier for a 6NZ model is the prefix of that number.
- What to look for: A C15 engine is a 6NZ if its serial number begins with the characters "6NZ".
- Example: If your engine's serial number starts with "6NZ", such as
6NZ12345or6NZ98765, then it is indeed a 6NZ model.
Understanding your engine's specific model variant, like the 6NZ, is crucial for obtaining correct parts, performing maintenance, and ensuring proper performance for your Caterpillar C15 engine. Always consult official Caterpillar resources or a certified technician if you have difficulty locating or identifying your engine's serial number.
