Caterpillarengine - industrialgas engine

Caterpillar G3304

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The Cat G3304 is a naturally aspirated, spark-ignited industrial gas engine built on Caterpillar's 3304 diesel block architecture. It is an inline gas engine displacing 7.0 L (425 cu in), with a bore and stroke of 121 mm x 152 mm (4.75 in x 6.00 in), rated 71 bkW (95 bhp) at 1800 rpm for continuous industrial duty. It runs a hydra-mechanical governor paired with an Altronic V capacitor-discharge ignition system, not an electronic engine control module. Net dry weight is about 757 kg (1670 lb). Caterpillar's 3304 diesel block traces to the 1970s, and the G3304 carried that architecture forward as a dedicated natural-gas variant for generator sets, small gas-compression packages, and general industrial standby or prime power, typically offered only in naturally aspirated form rather than as a turbocharged option. Packaged genset output, commonly cited in the 50 to 60 kW class, differs from the engine's own mechanical bhp rating because of generator efficiency and site conditions, so treat the bare-engine rating and a packaged unit's nameplate output as two different numbers.

Caterpillar's follow-on for this displacement class is the G3304B, which keeps the same basic naturally aspirated layout but moves to the ADEM A4 electronic control platform. That adds air/fuel ratio control, electronic ignition and governing, and integrated start/stop and engine-protection logic in place of the G3304's hydra-mechanical governor and standalone Altronic ignition box. That is the clearest generational line on this platform: mechanical-governor G3304 versus electronically-governed G3304B. In the used and parts market, the G3304 still matters because of the large installed base of gensets and compressor packages running on the older mechanical-governor architecture. Keeping one running depends on sourcing ignition, governor, and mechanical fuel-train components sized for that control system rather than the electronic parts built for the G3304B, and on a rebuilder's familiarity with the shared 3304 diesel bottom end when block or head work comes due.

Below: full specifications, fluids & capacities, the factory service schedule, common service parts, verified fault codes, what owners discuss, attachment guidance, the complete assembly directory, and a serial-number reference. Complete parts lists with full OEM part numbers, exploded diagrams, quantities, and fitment data are available free in Heavy Parts AI.

Caterpillar G3304 specifications

Engine

Model/generationG3304 gas petroleum engine, hydra-mechanical governor generation (mechanically governed, Altronic V ignition standard). Distinct from the later G3304B generation, which uses ADEM A4 electronic engine management — not covered by this rating.
ConfigurationIn-line 4-cylinder, 4-stroke cycle, naturally aspirated
Rated power71 bkW (95 bhp) at 1800 rpm, 100% load, 2.0% O2 rating
Power at 75% load53 bkW (71 bhp) at 1800 rpm
Displacement7.0 L (425 cu in)
Bore121 mm (4.8 in)
Stroke152 mm (6.0 in)
Combustion typeRich burn
Governor and protectionHydra-mechanical governor standard; vernier/positive-locking control and mechanical shutoffs offered as options
Ignition systemAltronic V standard; Altronic III and CSA-shielded ignition offered as options
EmissionsRated not-to-exceed levels: NOx 28.3 g/bkW-hr (21.08 g/bhp-hr), CO 2.15 g/bkW-hr (1.6 g/bhp-hr), CO2 667 g/bkW-hr (498 g/bhp-hr), VOC 0.32 g/bkW-hr (0.24 g/bhp-hr) at 100% load and speed. This is a spark-ignited stationary gas engine rated under SAE J1995/ISO3046-1 conditions, not an off-road diesel emissions tier.
RotationCounterclockwise, viewed from flywheel end
Flywheel and housingSAE No. 1 flywheel and housing, SAE standard rotation

Weights

Engine weight, net dry (approx.)757.5 kg (1670 lb)
Shipping weight757.5 kg (1670 lb)

Dimensions

Package length1158.2 mm (45.60 in)
Package width743.8 mm (29.28 in)
Package height1171.3 mm (46.11 in)

Performance

Rated engine speed1800 rpm
Max altitude at rated torque, 38°C (100°F)Sea level, 0 m (0 ft) — naturally aspirated, no altitude margin at the full rated point
Speed turndown at max altitude and rated torque, 38°C (100°F)48.3%
Fuel consumption at 100% load10.71 MJ/bkW-hr (7567 Btu/bhp-hr)
Fuel consumption at 75% load11.10 MJ/bkW-hr (7842 Btu/bhp-hr)
Exhaust gas flow at 100% load13 m3/min (459 cfm)
Exhaust stack temperature at 100% load548°C (1018°F)
Combustion air inlet flow at 100% load4.25 m3/min (150 scfm)
Fuel gas supply pressure10.34-34.47 kPag (1.5-5 psig)

Service capacities (summary)

Cooling system (jacket water) capacity16.0 L (4.2 gal)
Lube oil system refill capacity31.2 L (8.3 gal)
Oil change interval750 hours (service interval, not a capacity)
Fuel tankNot applicable — runs on external natural/field gas supply, no integral fuel tank documented
Hydraulic systemNot applicable — bare engine, no onboard hydraulic system

Values vary by configuration, region, and serial range — confirm against your machine before planning transport or lifts.

G3304 fluids & capacities

SystemCapacityRecommended fluid
Engine crankcase (oil pan, with filter)31.2 L (8.3 gal) refill capacity. Naturally aspirated inline-4 gas engine, full-sump pan with engine-mounted oil cooler; factory nominal oil-change interval around 750 hours, adjusted by oil-sample program resultsCat NGEO (Natural Gas Engine Oil), a low-ash oil built for rich-burn gas engines. SAE 40 for normal ambient operation; SAE 30 is used in colder-climate installations. Avoid standard high-ash diesel engine oil — ash residue fouls spark plugs and raises detonation risk on a rich-burn gas engine
Cooling system (jacket water)16.0 L (4.2 gal), engine block and head jacket-water volume only. Total circuit volume varies by the cooling package fitted to the package (radiator, remote heat exchanger with expansion tank, or blower/suction fan arrangement are all factory options) — add that circuit's own volume on top of the engine figureCat ELC (Extended Life Coolant) or Cat DEAC heavy-duty antifreeze/coolant, mixed with water per Cat's standard glycol ratio for the expected ambient range. Same coolant family used across Cat diesel and gas engines

Capacities are refill values from factory literature — always fill to the dipstick/sight gauge, not the number.

Caterpillar G3304 maintenance schedule

Service intervalTasks
Every 50 h
  • Check engine oil level and coolant level before starting, and top off as needed.
  • Drain condensate from the fuel gas scrubber or filter and check gas pressure at the regulator.
  • Walk around the engine and check for oil, coolant, and fuel-gas leaks at hose fittings and gaskets.
  • Check drive belt tension and condition, and check the air cleaner restriction indicator.
  • Listen for abnormal detonation, knock, or misfire during warm-up and after load changes.
Every 250 h
  • Change engine oil and filter, or follow the S-O-S oil sample trend if running an extended-drain program.
  • Pull an engine oil sample for S-O-S analysis before every drain.
  • Inspect spark plugs and clean, regap, or replace any that are fouled or worn.
  • Inspect ignition leads and the Altronic ignition wiring for chafing, cracking, or arcing.
  • Check and lubricate the governor and gas-regulator linkage for free movement and wear.
  • Service or replace the primary air cleaner element if the restriction indicator calls for it.
Every 500 h
  • Replace the fuel gas filter element ahead of the regulator.
  • Check and reset ignition timing to the setting specified for the fuel gas being burned.
  • Inspect and clean the crankcase breather.
  • Pull a coolant sample and check corrosion-inhibitor level, topping off as needed.
  • Inspect drive belts, tensioner, and water pump for wear or leakage, and replace any belt showing cracking.
  • Check engine mounting bolts and vibration isolators for tightness.
Every 1,000 h
  • Check and adjust intake and exhaust valve lash to the cold-clearance specification.
  • Inspect the air/fuel ratio control components, including the mixer and regulator diaphragm, for wear and correct response.
  • Replace the secondary fuel filter element.
  • Inspect the ignition system fully, including coil condition, module ground, and lead resistance, not just spark plug condition.
  • Function-test the detonation sensor and any overspeed or shutdown safety circuits.
  • Check the starting motor and charging system output.
Every 2,000 h
  • Replace spark plugs as a set regardless of visual condition.
  • Re-check valve lash and reset if it has drifted outside spec since the prior check.
  • Pressure-test the cooling system and inspect the radiator or heat exchanger core for fouling, and clean external fins.
  • Sample coolant for full lab analysis and replace or extend service based on that result rather than by hours alone.
  • Inspect the crankshaft vibration damper for bond separation or runout.
  • Check cylinder compression and blow-by as a baseline for top-end condition.
Every 4,000 h
  • Pull a cylinder head for a top-end inspection of valve seats, guides, and seals rather than waiting for a running problem to appear.
  • Check piston ring and liner wear with a bore gauge or borescope.
  • Re-evaluate ignition timing and detonation margin against current fuel gas heating value, since field gas composition drifts over time.
  • Inspect the governor and linkage for wear beyond what routine lubrication addresses.
Every 8,000 h
  • Evaluate the engine for a major overhaul, covering the crankshaft, main and rod bearings, and cylinder liners, based on accumulated S-O-S trends, compression readings, and oil consumption rather than hours alone.
  • Inspect, recondition, or replace the water pump, oil pump, and governor drive components during any teardown.
  • Replace elastomeric seals, hoses, and belts as a set during a major teardown regardless of apparent condition.
  • Verify block and head machining are within factory limits before return to service, and budget for a full gasket and bearing set.

Servicing the G3304 beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

Track engine health with routine S-O-S oil sampling pulled at every oil change rather than relying on hours alone. Natural gas combustion loads oil differently than diesel, and trend data catches bearing wear or coolant intrusion before failure. Pair oil analysis with periodic coolant sampling for inhibitor depletion and a running log of ignition timing and spark plug condition, since a drifting Altronic V timing setting is often the first sign of fuel gas quality changes.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Most unscheduled G3304 downtime traces to the ignition and fuel-mixing side, not the diesel-derived bottom end: fouled or worn spark plugs, cracked ignition leads, or a sticking gas regulator or mixer causing rough idle or misfire. Governor and carburetor linkage wear shows up as speed hunting or slow load response. Because the block and valve train follow the 3304 diesel design, mechanical repairs such as valve, ring, or bearing work draw on that platform's long-established procedures rather than gas-engine-specific tooling.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

Overhaul planning centers on the cylinder head and valve train first: check valve seat recession, guide wear, and seal condition at scheduled head-off inspections before committing to a full teardown. Because the G3304 carries the 3304 diesel's cylinder liner and crankshaft architecture, bottom-end rebuild tolerances and bearing clearances follow that established diesel platform rather than a dedicated gas-engine spec. Budget separately for ignition, governor, and gas-train components, which wear on their own schedule.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

Cold-weather starts depend on the hydra-mechanical governor and Altronic ignition holding correct timing at low ambient temperature. Verify block heater and battery condition before winter standby duty. At altitude or with lean, low-Btu field gas, re-check air/fuel ratio and detonation margin, since this naturally aspirated engine has no turbo boost to compensate for reduced air density. Keep the radiator or heat exchanger core clean of debris in dusty or high-heat compressor-station environments to protect against a marginal cooling package.

G3304 fault codes & troubleshooting

CodeMeaningLikely causeWhat to do
Low Oil Pressure ShutdownEngine oil pressure switch has opened below its set threshold, energizing the fuel/ignition shutoff and stopping the engine to protect the bearings.Low oil level, worn oil pump, plugged oil filter, or a miscalibrated/failed pressure switch.Check oil level and filter condition first, then confirm actual pressure with a mechanical gauge before condemning the switch.
High Jacket Water Temperature ShutdownCoolant temperature switch has tripped above its set limit, shutting the engine down to prevent overheating damage.Low coolant, blocked radiator or heat exchanger, stuck thermostat, worn water pump, or fouled heat exchanger tubes on raw-water cooled packages.Check coolant level and condition, inspect the radiator/heat exchanger for blockage, and confirm thermostat operation before resetting and restarting.
Overspeed ShutdownThe governor-linked overspeed trip has sensed engine speed above the set limit and closed the fuel/ignition shutoff.Governor linkage binding or out of adjustment, sudden loss of load on a driven load or genset application, or a gas valve sticking open.Inspect governor linkage for free travel, review load conditions at the time of the trip, and verify the governor speed setting before restarting.
Low Gas Pressure ShutdownFuel gas pressure switch has sensed supply pressure below the regulator's normal operating range and closed the gas shutoff valve.A drop in upstream supply pressure, a plugged fuel strainer/filter, a fouled or icing pressure regulator, or a leaking regulator diaphragm.Check supply pressure at the regulator inlet, inspect the strainer and regulator, and confirm the shutoff valve reopens once pressure is restored.
Ignition Module Status Fault (Altronic V indicator)The Altronic V ignition unit's onboard status indicator shows a loss of input power, loss of magnetic pickup signal, or an output fault to one or more cylinders.A loose or corroded power/ground connection at the module, a failed magnetic pickup coil, a worn ignition coil or secondary lead, or a damaged ignition module.Check battery supply and ground at the module first, verify magnetic pickup air gap and signal, then check coil output at the module's own test points before replacing it.
Failure to Start / Overcrank ShutdownA crank-limiting timer has stopped the starter after repeated unsuccessful start attempts.Weak battery or starter, the gas shutoff valve not opening on crank signal, no spark from the ignition module, or air in the fuel gas train.Confirm battery voltage and starter engagement, verify the gas shutoff valve opens when cranking, and check for spark before cranking again.
Low Coolant Level ShutdownA coolant level switch (where fitted, typically with an expansion tank or heat exchanger option) has sensed coolant below the safe level and shut the engine down ahead of a high-temperature trip.External coolant leak, a failed hose or gasket, or a slow internal leak past a head gasket or cooler core.Visually inspect for leaks, check hoses and the expansion tank, and pressure-test the cooling system before refilling and restarting.
Panel Alarm Code (numbered, on optional gauge/monitoring panel)On packages fitted with an optional multi-function gauge panel or generator-set control panel, the same shutdown and alarm conditions listed above are shown as a flashing numbered alarm on the panel display instead of (or in addition to) a discrete lamp.Same root causes as the discrete shutdowns above (oil pressure, water temperature, overspeed, gas pressure); the panel is a different annunciator, not a separate diagnostic layer.Look up the displayed number in the panel manufacturer's own code table; it maps back to one of the standard mechanical protection functions above, then troubleshoot that function directly.

Codes and remedies are general guidance for this model family — always confirm with diagnostic tooling and your dealer before major repairs.

G3304 attachments & work tools

Generator set packaging

Engine is packaged into natural gas generator sets in roughly the 55-71 kW (74-95 hp) class, usually skid-mounted with a radiator-cooled package and an electronic genset control/monitoring panel for protection and metering.

Gas compression / wellhead packaging

Engine drives reciprocating and rotary-screw compressor frames for gas lift, gas gathering, and wellhead gas-compression duty. Later G3304B production adds electronic engine management with air/fuel ratio control to support NSPS-site-compliant compression packages.

Pump and irrigation drive

Engine is also supplied as a natural-gas pump-drive power unit for irrigation service, commonly fitted with a hydra-mechanical (hydraulic) governor and a simple mechanical gauge-type instrument panel instead of an electronic control panel.

Flywheel and PTO coupling

Standard flywheel and flywheel housing are SAE No. 1 size with standard rotation. Factory PTO options include an auxiliary front drive pulley, an enclosed clutch, and a front or flywheel stub-shaft output for driving a compressor, pump, or other auxiliary equipment.

Cooling package options

Standard cooling equipment is thermostats with a gear-driven jacket-water pump and water-cooled exhaust manifolds. Factory cooling-package options add a radiator or a heat-exchanger/expansion-tank arrangement, each available with a blower or suction fan and belt-tightener hardware to suit the install (skid, enclosure, or remote-cooled room).

Governor and ignition system options

Standard control is a hydra-mechanical governor, with vernier-adjustment and positive-locking speed-control options for finer speed setting. Ignition is Altronic V as standard, with Altronic III or a CSA-shielded ignition system offered for hazardous-area installations.

Control panel and instrumentation options

Genset and compressor packages commonly use an electronic control/monitoring panel (Cat EMCP family) for engine and package protection. Pump-drive and irrigation packages more often use a simpler mechanical gauge-type panel instead of an electronic controller.

All G3304 assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar G3304. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Air Inlet And Exhaust System
2y8092 Air Cleaner Gp
5y0085 Air Cleaner Gp
7l0369 Elbow Gp-Exhaust
4n4684 Fan Gp-Blower
2w7845 Fitting Gp-Exhaust
2w7854 Flange Gp-Exhaust
1w8823 Flange Gp-Exhaust
1n4199 Manifold Gp-Exhaust-Watercooled
5y0804 Muffler Gp
2W***70Muffler1
2W***54Flange Group-Exhaust2
5Y***04Muffler Group1
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5l8649 Pipe Gp-Exhaust
Basic Engine
7n4137 Flywheel Gp
7n4312 Indicator Gp-Timing
8l4446 Piston & Rod Gp
8L***46Piston & Rod Group; Connecting Rod And Piston Group1
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3n6695 Support Gp-Engine
1w5122 Support Gp-Engine
3n5658 Adapter Gp-Fan
3n2886 Adapter Gp-Seal
3N***86Adapter Group-Seal; -Crankshaft1
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5s6425 Balancer Gp-Engine
3n2755 Belt Tightener Gp
2p6201 Camshaft Gp-Single
2P***01Camshaft Group-Single; Single Camshaft Group1
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7n1088 Cover Gp-Cylinder Block
7N***88Cover Group-Cylinder Block; Cylinder Block Cover Group1
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2p6530 Cover Gp-Cylinder Head
2P***30Cover Group-Cylinder Head; Cylinder Head Cover Group1
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5y0093 Cover Gp-Front Housing
2p6514 Cover Gp-Valve Mechanism
2P***14Cover Group-Valve Mechanism; Valve Mechansim Cover Group1
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2y4515 Crankshaft As*R
Crankshaft Bearing Replacements
8N***25Bearing (1.25mm Undersize)5
8N***26Bearing (0.51mm Undersize)5
8N***27Bearing (0.76mm Undersize)5
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2y5204 Crankshaft Gp-Type 1
2Y***04Crankshaft Group; Crankshaft Group1
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2y5204 Crankshaft Gp-Type 2
2Y***04Crankshaft Group; Crankshaft Group1
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7n6552 Cylinder Block As
1n3574 Cylinder Block Gp*R
2y9359 Cylinder Block Gp
5y0091 Cylinder Head Gp
3n7210 Drive Gp-Fan
5y0803 Drive Gp-Fan
3N***26Pulley Group-Fan Drive1
3N***58Adapter Group1
3N***10Drive Group-Fan1
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7n9534 Fastener Gp-Cylinder Head
7N***34Fastener Group-Cylinder Head; Cylinder Head Fastener Group1
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3n2887 Fastener Gp-Front Housing
3N***87Fastener Group-Front Housing; Front Housing Fastener Group1
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2p9642 Gear Gp-Front Timing
5y0092 Housing Gp-Flywheel
8n0303 Housing Gp-Front
8N***03Housing Group-Front; Front Housing Group1
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2p9641 Housing Gp-Front
2P***41Housing Group-Front; Front Housing Group1
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2y7719 Lifting Eye Gp-Engine
2Y***19Lifting Group-Engine; Lifting Eye Gp-Engine1
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5y0075 Rod & Piston Gp-4 Required
3n2884 Pulley Gp-Crankshaft
3N***84Pulley Group-Crankshaft; Crankshaft Pulley Group1
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3n5626 Pulley Gp-Fan
2p6224 Seal Gp-Crankshaft
2P***24Seal Group-Crankshaft; Crankshaft Seal Group1
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3n2883 Support Gp-Engine
2p6524 Valve Mechanism Gp
2P***24Valve-Mechanism Group; Valve Mechanism Group1
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Cooling System
2w8006 Pump Gp-Water
7n6210 Pump Gp-Water
2w8005 Pump Gp-Water*R
8n4252 Pump Gp-Water
4w2132 Housing & Regulator Gp
8n4457 Base Gp-Oil Filter
8N***57Base Group-Oil Filter; Base Group-Engine Oil Filter1
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7w0255 Base Gp-Oil Filter
2p7738 Cooler Gp-Engine Oil
2P***38Cooler Group-Engine Oil; Engine Oil Cooler Group1
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7w0257 Cooler Gp-Filter Base & Engine Oil
7W***57Cooler Group-Filter Base & Eng Oil1
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7w0256 Cooler Gp-Filter Base & Engine Oil
7W***56Cooler Group-Filter Base & Eng Oil1
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5y0796 Cooling System Ar
3N***69Tank Group-Expansion1
3N***79Housing & Regulator Group; Housing And Regulator Group1
3N***25Heat Exchanger Group-Sea Water1
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2p6475 Filter Gp-Engine Oil
2P***75Filter Group-Engine Oil; Oil Filter Group (10z1 ~ 10z7023)1
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3n3270 Heat Exchanger Gp-Sea Water
3n4925 Heat Exchanger Gp-Sea Water
3n3279 Housing & Regulator Gp
3N***79Housing & Regulator Group; Housing And Regulator Group1
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2y9679 Regulator Gp
8n0713 Lines Gp-Water
8N***13Lines Group-Water; Water Lines Group1
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8n4112 Lines Gp-Water
8N***12Lines Group-Water; -Bypass Relief1
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2w6779 Lines Gp-Water
2p7728 Lines Gp-Water
2P***28Lines Group-Water; Water Lines Group (Elbow)1
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8n5997 Radiator Gp
3n3269 Tank Gp-Expansion
Engine Arrangement
5y0089 Engine Ar-Part 2 Of 2
2P***84Pump Group-Engine Oil; Engine Oil Pump Group1
2P***55Pan Group-Oil; Oil Pan Group1
2P***24Seal Group-Crankshaft; Crankshaft Seal Group1
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5y0090 Engine Ar
1N***99Manifold Group-Exhaust1
1N***74Fumes Disposal Group1
1W***22Support Group-Engine1
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5y0089 Engine Ar-Part 1 Of 2
1P***44Breather Group1
2P***89Fastener Group-Oil Pan; Oil Pan Fastener Group1
2P***01Camshaft Group-Single; Single Camshaft Group1
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Fuel System And Governor
7e1814 Carburetor As
7n6508 Carburetor As
8n2379 Drive Gp-Governor
7n2375 Governor Gp-Part 2 Of 2
7n2375 Governor Gp-Part 1 Of 2
5y0088 Carburetor Gp
8n5737 Control Gp-Carburetor
4n3835 Control Gp-Governor
4n3830 Control Gp-Governor
4w0270 Regulator Gp-Gas Pressure
Gauges And Accessories
8n5825 Panel Gp-Instrument
7n5903 Panel Gp-Instrument
2w5994 Panel Gp-Instrument
4n1402 Drive Gp-Tachometer
4N***02Drive Group-Tachometer; Tachometer Drive Group-Single1
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8m7892 Gauge As-Ammeter
7n9261 Meter Gp-Service
6l2692 Shaft Gp-Stub
6L***92Shaft Group-Stub; -Rear Mounted1
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Lubrication System
1p4244 Breather Gp-Crankcase
2p6189 Fastener Gp-Engine Oil Pan
2P***89Fastener Group-Oil Pan; Oil Pan Fastener Group1
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2p6855 Filler Gp-Engine Oil
1n4874 Fumes Disposal Gp
2y8417 Gauge Gp-Engine Oil Level
2Y***17Gauge Group-Oil Level (Dipstick)1
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5y0997 Gauge Gp-Oil Level (Dipstick)
5Y***97Gauge Group-Oil Level (Dipstick)1
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2p6512 Lines Gp-Engine Oil
2P***12Lines Group-Engine Oil; Engine Oil Lines Group1
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2p6155 Pan Gp-Engine Oil
6n2642 Pump Gp-Engine Oil-Type 2
6n2642 Pump Gp-Engine Oil-Type 1
0S***90Bolt; (3/8-16x2in)(Clip Thru Spacer To Bracket As)1
1P***46Washer-Hard; (10.2x35x6-mm Thk)1
4W***48Pump Group-Engine Oil; Pump Gp-Engine Oil Gear1
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4p4020 Pump Gp-Engine Oil
4P***20Pump Group-Engine Oil; Pump Group-Engine Oil1
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2p1784 Pump Gp-Engine Oil
2P***84Pump Group-Engine Oil; Engine Oil Pump Group1
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4w2448 Pump Gp-Engine Oil*R
4W***48Pump Group-Engine Oil; Pump Gp-Engine Oil Gear1
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6i1346 Pump Gp-Engine Oil
Service Equipment And Supplies
Name Plates & Transfers
2P***82Film-- Corporate Symbol; -- On Front Frame1
2Y***68Plate-Serial Number-Engine1
2Y***40Plate-Engine Information-Portuguese1
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Starting And Electrical System
3n8423 Contactor Gp
3N***67Contactor Group; Oil Pressure And Water Temperature Contactor Group1
3N***21Wiring Diagram1
3N***23Contactor Group-Press & Temp1
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7n2587 Gear Gp-Magneto Drive
7N***87Gear Group-Magneto Drive; (14-Teeth)1
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8l5455 Starting Motor Gp-Electric
3t2655 Starting Motor Gp-Electric*R
3T***55Starting Motor Group-Electric1
7T***65Starting Motor Group-Electric; Starting Motor Gp-Electric-Bosch1
8C***48Starting Motor Group-Electric; Starting Motor Gp-Electric-Delco-Remy1
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8c3648 Starting Motor Gp-Electric
8C***48Starting Motor Group-Electric; Starting Motor Gp-Electric-Delco-Remy1
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5y0473 Starting Motor Gp-Electric
7t2265 Starting Motor Gp-Electric
7T***65Starting Motor Group-Electric; Starting Motor Gp-Electric-Bosch1
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1n9306 Valve As-Safety Shut-Off
6t1396 Alternator Gp*R
3n2708 Alternator Gp
7l7867 Battery Gp
3n6867 Contactor Gp
3N***67Contactor Group; Oil Pressure And Water Temperature Contactor Group1
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5y1140 Contactor Gp
3N***23Contactor Group-Press & Temp1
5Y***37Harness As1
5Y***40Contactor Group-Overspeed1
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7l7367 Contactor Gp
7L***67Contactor Group-Overspeed; (Mechanical)1
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4p5468 Control Gp-Electronic
4P***68Control Group-Engine Monitoring1
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8n5024 Drive Gp-Magneto
8n5726 Ignition Gp
2w4873 Ignition Gp-Gas Engine
7l3032 Magneto As
2w3746 Magneto Gp
3n8806 Mounting Gp-Contactor
3N***06Mounting Group-Contactor; Contactor Mounting Group1
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4p3483 Magnetic Pickup Gp
8l4117 Valve As-Safety Shut-Off
3l6655 Wiring Gp
1H***66Clip-Wire Provides Loose Parts2
1L***99Marker-(Wire Code)1
2L***52Terminal; (6-Ga, 3/8-In)(6 Gauge/9.53mm(.375in)Screw)1
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G3304 serial number reference

The serial/PIN plate on a G3304 is riveted to the engine block itself, typically on the left side near the flywheel housing or front timing cover (there's no vehicle chassis to carry it since this is a bare industrial gas engine). Read the first three characters as the prefix, which ties to a specific build arrangement of the G3304; the following five digits are the sequential unit number within that arrangement. Match the three-character prefix against Caterpillar's serial-prefix identification chart or your dealer's records to confirm it belongs to the G3304 rather than a similarly numbered diesel or gas-compression engine. The base G3304 runs a hydra-mechanical governor with Altronic V ignition (no ADEM/ECM); electronic governance is a trait of the later G3304B nameplate, a separate gas-compression model.

PrefixIdentifies
1RGG3304 industrial gas engine, base arrangement
37YG3304 industrial gas engine, natural-gas genset arrangement
N4FG3304 industrial gas engine arrangement

Frequently asked questions

What engine powers the Cat G3304?

The G3304 is Caterpillar's own naturally aspirated, spark-ignited natural gas engine: an inline unit displacing 7.0 L (425 cu in), rated 71 bkW (95 bhp) at 1800 rpm for continuous industrial duty. The G3304 designation is the engine itself, packaged into generator sets and gas-compression units, not a separate engine paired with a host chassis.

How much does a Cat G3304 engine weigh?

Net dry weight for the bare G3304 engine is about 757 kg (1670 lb). Packaged weight varies once the engine is mounted with a generator end or compressor, radiator, and skid, so treat the dry engine figure as a baseline and confirm total package weight against the specific build sheet.

What replaced the Cat G3304?

Caterpillar's successor is the G3304B. It keeps the same basic displacement and naturally aspirated layout but moves to the ADEM A4 electronic control platform for ignition, governing, and air/fuel ratio control, replacing the G3304's hydra-mechanical governor and Altronic V ignition system.

What G3304 owners discuss

What ignition problems show up most often on the G3304, and does it vary by series?
The G3304 runs a capacitor-discharge ignition module (Altronic II, III, or V depending on build date) with shielded high-tension leads and a magnetic timing pickup. The most common complaint is a rough miss on one or two cylinders that shows up under load and clears at idle, or a no-start with good gas pressure at the carburetor. Both usually trace to a weak module output, a cracked lead insulator arcing to a nearby ground, or a pickup air gap that has drifted out of spec. Later G3304B units built with ADEM A4 fold ignition timing into the engine management system, so the same fault throws a stored code instead of leaving you to chase it with a meter. Have your dealer verify ignition output and timing before returning the unit to continuous duty.
How sensitive is this engine to field gas quality, and what does a detonation problem look like?
The G3304 is set up at a compression ratio and carburetor/regulator tune matched to a specified gas quality, with margin built in against knock. Wellhead or gathering-line gas running heavier ends (propane and butane) than the engine was tuned for raises the knock tendency, and operators describe the same pattern: a metallic rattle under load, rising exhaust temperature skewed toward one or two cylinders, and eventually a burnt valve or holed piston if it runs that way for any length of time. The standard fix is retarding ignition timing and re-tuning the carburetor air/fuel setting to the actual gas analysis rather than leaving factory settings on unknown gas; sites with gas that swings a lot in quality often add conditioning ahead of the engine. Because wrong timing or mixture on a spark-ignited gas engine is a detonation and backfire risk, have your dealer verify carburetor and ignition timing against a current gas analysis.
What cooling problems come up on the G3304?
Depending on the install, the G3304 runs either a radiator-and-fan package or a heat-exchanger and expansion-tank circuit built around a jacket-water temperature regulator that splits flow between the cooler and an internal bypass. The two failure patterns owners report are a regulator stuck open, which keeps the engine running cold with condensation and bore wash in the crankcase, and a regulator stuck closed or eroded, which drives overheating, especially at high load in hot ambient conditions. Heat-exchanger setups also scale up or foul with mineral deposits over time; that shows up as a slow creep in coolant temperature that a tube cleaning brings back down. Where an oil cooler shares the same circuit, a failed core lets oil and coolant cross-contaminate, worth checking any time a coolant complaint shows up alongside a milky oil sample.
What wears out first on a running G3304?
Water pump seal and bearing wear is the most common rotating-component job, showing up as a weep at the drain hole before it lets go outright. On the valve train, gas duty runs leaner and hotter than diesel duty on the same block, so valve and seat wear tends to show up sooner than on a diesel-fueled 3304, and periodic lash adjustment matters more than expected from a low-speed industrial engine. Whether a given unit has hardened seat inserts from the factory or picked them up in a later rebuild varies by build date and service history, so don't assume either way without checking the head.
What should I check before buying a used G3304?
Start with the hour meter and whatever service records come with the unit; continuous-duty wellhead or gas-lift units rack up hours fast, and gaps in the maintenance log are a bigger red flag than raw hours alone. Pull a compression or leakdown check across all cylinders and look for one or two reading noticeably low, which points at ring or valve damage from past detonation. An oil sample checking wear metals plus any coolant or fuel dilution tells you more about internal condition than a walk-around ever will. Check the ignition module's condition and, if possible, its output, since a tired module is easy to miss visually but shows up fast once the engine is under load. Finally look over the carburetor, gas pressure regulator, and cooling tube bundle or radiator for corrosion or past patch repairs. Have your dealer verify compression numbers and ignition system health before you commit to a purchase.
Does it matter whether I have an older G3304 or a G3304B?
The original G3304 is carbureted (IMPCO or Fisher-type gas regulator) with a standalone Altronic ignition module and no engine control module, so troubleshooting is done with a meter and manometer rather than a diagnostic tool, and there are no stored fault codes to lean on. The G3304B moved to Caterpillar's ADEM A4 electronic engine management, adding air/fuel ratio control, electronic ignition timing, and onboard diagnostics, which makes a fault easier to pin down but also means a failed control module or wiring harness replaces a failed carburetor as the new thing to chase. Neither series is inherently less reliable; the difference is mostly in how you diagnose a problem and what tooling the site needs on hand. Continuous ratings run roughly 63-75 kW (85-100 hp) at 1800 rpm across older configurations, with the current G3304B rated at about 71 kW (95 bhp) at 1800 rpm; treat exact figures as varying by configuration and build.
What electrical or sensor issues come up most at remote sites?
Corrosion at connectors and sensor pigtails is the recurring complaint on units that sit outdoors year-round, especially where sour or wet gas is present; a corroded magnetic pickup or a green, high-resistance connector on a temperature or pressure sensor causes false shutdowns or erratic readings well before the sensor itself actually fails. On ADEM-equipped G3304B units, a marginal connection can set an intermittent code that clears itself, which is more frustrating to chase than a hard failure. Regular connector cleaning and dielectric grease at the harness ends heads off a lot of these nuisance trips before they start.

Compiled from owner and technician discussions across the industry — experiences vary by serial range and machine history.

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