Caterpillarengine - industrialgas engine

Caterpillar G333C

Maintenance schedule, common problems & OEM parts breakdown

The G333C is a Caterpillar spark-ignited natural-gas industrial engine, an inline-6, four-stroke design displacing roughly 10.5 L (638 cu in) on a 120.6 mm x 152.4 mm (4-3/4 in x 6 in) bore and stroke. It shares that cylinder block with the diesel D333C industrial engine of the same era and was built into the late 1960s, with confirmed production starting around serial prefix 68D (circa 1968). Caterpillar did not publish an operating weight or external dimensions for this bare industrial engine; it shipped as a standalone power unit or skid-mounted package, without a chassis, for stationary generator-set, pump, or compressor drive. Factory configurations included magneto or distributor-type ignition, an enclosed flywheel clutch or front/rear power-take-off output, and optional air-starting for sites without reliable electric start. The G333C is the direct predecessor of Caterpillar's later G3306 natural-gas engine.

Documentation for the G333C itself is thin: no standalone spec sheet or Operation & Maintenance Manual with refill capacities survives in searchable form, so most technical detail is triangulated from the shared-block D333C diesel and the later G3306 gas engine that inherited the same bore and stroke. What did carry forward is the core architecture: a naturally aspirated inline-6 gas block later re-rated and rebranded as the G3306, which is why parts and service knowledge for common wear items such as the water pump, valve train, and ignition system cross reference cleanly between the two. In today's used and parts market, the G333C matters mainly to owners of vintage gensets, pump stations, and compressor packages who need a rebuildable, well-understood industrial gas block; because it predates emissions rules and electronic controls entirely, it remains mechanically simple to keep running as long as magneto, governor, and valve-train wear items are sourced through the G3306-family parts network.

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 G333C specifications

Engine

IdentitySpark-ignited natural gas industrial engine, inline-6, 4-stroke. Built on the same cylinder block architecture as the D333C diesel industrial engine of the same era (mid-to-late 1960s) and directly precedes the G3306 gas engine in the Caterpillar lineup.
Bore x Stroke120.6 mm x 152.4 mm (4-3/4 in x 6 in)
DisplacementApproximately 10.5 L (638 cu in), calculated from the bore and stroke shared with the related D333C block. Not separately published as a standalone gas-engine figure.
Cylinders6, inline
AspirationNaturally aspirated, typical for this engine generation. A turbocharged arrangement is not documented for this model specifically.
Rated powerNot published for this exact serial-prefix range in available factory literature. Confirm the gross power rating against the arrangement number on your unit nameplate or with the factory service manual for your serial prefix.
Emissions tierPre-dates emissions certification; no tier rating applies.

Weights

Operating/dry weightNot documented in available published specification sources for this model. Check the OEM parts or service manual for your engine's serial prefix.
Shipping weightNot documented in available published specification sources for this model.

Dimensions

Overall length/width/heightNot documented in available published specification sources for this model. As a bare industrial power unit, dimensions vary by mounting skid, radiator, and accessory package.
Configuration noteSold as a standalone power unit (no chassis, track, or wheelbase dimensions apply).

Performance

Rated speedContinuous industrial ratings for this engine generation are typically taken at 1800 rpm; confirm the governed speed against your specific arrangement, since generator-drive and mechanical-drive arrangements were rated differently.
ApplicabilityStationary/mechanical-drive industrial engine — no travel speed, drawbar, lift, or gradeability figures apply.

Service capacities (summary)

FuelNatural gas (carbureted/gas-regulator fed from an external supply). No onboard fuel tank capacity applies to this engine type; LP gas conversion was offered on some engines of this family but is not confirmed specifically for this model.
Engine oilNot documented for this exact model in available literature. Confirm capacity and service interval with the factory service manual for your serial prefix before refill.
Cooling systemNot documented for this exact model in available literature. Confirm capacity with the factory service manual for your serial prefix.
Hydraulic systemNot applicable — bare industrial engine, no onboard hydraulic system.

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

G333C fluids & capacities

SystemCapacityRecommended fluid
Engine crankcase (with oil filter)27–45 L (7.3–11.9 US gal); varies by configuration/seriesCat NGEO (Natural Gas Engine Oil), low-ash formulation, SAE 40 for normal ambient operation. Low sulfated-ash content and TBN retention are mandatory on this rich-burn gas engine to prevent valve and piston deposit buildup and to avoid detonation. In cold climates use a jacket-water heater to ease starting rather than a lighter grade, since low-ash gas-engine oils are typically supplied in a single SAE 40 viscosity.
Cooling system (engine jacket water only; excludes radiator/heat exchanger/expansion tank)16–20 L (4.2–5.3 US gal) engine-only; add radiator or heat-exchanger and expansion-tank volume for total system fill; varies by naturally-aspirated vs turbocharged-aftercooled buildFully-formulated heavy-duty ethylene-glycol antifreeze/coolant with corrosion inhibitor (Cat DEAC-type formulation for this engine's era); Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant) is the modern equivalent for units serviced today. Check and maintain supplemental coolant additive concentration on the recommended test interval; do not mix inhibitor chemistries.
Fuel system (natural/field gas supply)Not applicable — gaseous fuel drawn from an external pipeline or field-gas source through a pressure regulator; no onboard liquid fuel tankPipeline natural gas or field/associated gas, roughly 83–172 kPa (12–25 psi) at the regulator inlet depending on build. Fuel gas quality (methane number) must suit the engine's compression ratio and ignition timing to avoid detonation on this rich-burn carbureted design.
Grease points — external accessory-drive/idler pulleys and optional PTO clutch (spec only)No refill capacity specified; lubricate fittings on the scheduled intervalCat Multipurpose Grease (Cat MPGM), NLGI 2 lithium-complex, for normal ambient use. Switch to Cat Extreme Application Grease (Cat EAG) or an equivalent synthetic grease for sustained ambient temperatures below about -20°C (-4°F).

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

Caterpillar G333C maintenance schedule

Service intervalTasks
Every 10 h
  • Check crankcase oil level on the dipstick before starting; top up with Cat NGEO oil to the full mark.
  • Check engine jacket-water coolant level at the header tank or sight glass; add approved coolant mix if low.
  • Inspect fuel-gas piping, pressure regulator, and carburetor/mixer connections for gas odor or leaks.
  • Observe governor response at idle and under load for hunting or surging.
  • Check water-temperature and oil-pressure gauges against normal range once the engine is warm.
  • Look at the gear-driven jacket-water pump for coolant weep at the shaft seal.
Every 250 h
  • Change crankcase oil and oil filter using Cat NGEO low-ash gas-engine oil.
  • Clean or replace the natural-gas fuel filter/strainer ahead of the pressure regulator.
  • Check magneto breaker-point gap and dwell; regap or replace worn points.
  • Verify magneto-to-engine timing at the flywheel timing mark with a timing light at rated speed.
  • Inspect spark plugs; regap or replace, matching heat range to load and fuel-gas quality.
  • Check governor linkage, anti-lash spring, and buffer spring for wear or looseness.
Every 500 h
  • Check valve lash/clearance on all cylinders and adjust to the service manual spec.
  • Inspect the carburetor/gas-mixer idle circuit for partial plugging; clean as needed.
  • Test cooling-system coolant inhibitor concentration and replenish supplemental coolant additive.
  • Check the flywheel clutch (if fitted) or PTO stub-shaft coupling for wear and alignment.
  • Inspect the air-starting motor (if equipped) and starting-air supply lines for leaks.
Every 1,000 h
  • Measure and record valve stem projection on all cylinders, establishing a baseline reading to trend valve recession.
  • Inspect exhaust valve seats and guides for gas-only-fuel wear (guttering).
  • Inspect and service the gear-driven jacket-water pump per the governor/pump lubrication points.
  • Re-torque cylinder head fasteners if called for by the service manual for this build.
  • Inspect and clean the crankcase breather system.
Every 2,000 h
  • Pull cylinder heads and inspect exhaust valves for guttering or burn-through, especially if the engine has run below rated load.
  • Inspect and recondition or replace the gear-driven jacket-water pump shaft seal.
  • Test the overspeed trip contactor, oil-pressure contactor, and water-temperature switch for correct trip points; verify the shutdown solenoid operates.
  • Inspect magneto drive components and any distributor-type ignition parts (if fitted) for wear.
  • Run a compression check on all cylinders and compare against baseline readings.
Every 4,000 h
  • Remove and inspect pistons, rings, and cylinder liners for wear consistent with load and hours history.
  • Overhaul or replace the carburetor/gas-regulator assembly.
  • Overhaul the Woodward mechanical governor: bushings, linkage pins, and buffer spring.
  • Inspect main and connecting-rod bearings at the next available teardown.
Every 8,000 h
  • Perform a full overhaul of the block: crankshaft, bearings, liners, and pistons per inspection findings.
  • Recondition or replace the magneto, or convert to solid-state ignition to reduce recurring point and timing maintenance.
  • Inspect and resurface or replace cylinder heads and valve seats.
  • Rebuild the jacket-water pump, oil pump, and accessory drive components.

Servicing the G333C beyond the schedule

Predictive Maintenance & Fluid Analysis

Because the G333C predates any ECM, trend data comes from hand instruments. Sample crankcase oil and watch TBN and ash retention on the low-ash Cat NGEO fill; declining TBN signals valve and piston deposit risk on this rich-burn gas engine. Record valve stem projection at a 1,000-hour baseline and recheck it on interval to catch recession before it burns through a valve. Test coolant inhibitor concentration at the jacket-water pump, and log oil-pressure and water-temperature readings each run to spot drift early.

Corrective & Common Repairs

Most G333C complaints trace to magneto and governor wear, not the block. Point wear drifts ignition timing, so reset it at the flywheel mark with a timing light rather than trust the last setting. Governor hunting or surging is usually worn linkage, a weak anti-lash spring, wrong buffer-spring tension, or a plugged mixer idle circuit, not the governor itself. Spark plugs run shorter life than on liquid fuel and need heat range matched to load. Watch the gear-driven water pump shaft seal for weep, the first sign it needs reseating.

Overhaul & Rebuild Points

The G333C shares its cylinder block with the D333C diesel and the later G3306 gas engine, a well-understood, rebuildable casting with parts support through that lineage. At major overhaul, inspect exhaust valves and guides for guttering: oil burning onto the sealing face and eating through the valve, a documented failure on engines run light-loaded. Recondition the gear-driven water pump shaft seal, and consider converting magneto ignition to solid-state to cut recurring point and timing work. Confirm bore and stroke against the smaller-bore predecessor block before ordering rebuild parts.

Seasonal & Environment Servicing

As a stationary skid engine, the G333C has no undercarriage or ground conditions to manage; seasonal servicing means ambient temperature and fuel-gas quality. In cold climates, use a jacket-water heater to ease starting instead of a lighter oil, since low-ash Cat NGEO oil ships in one viscosity; switch grease points to Cat EAG below about -20C (-4F). Confirm seasonal field-gas supply matches the methane number this rich-burn engine needs, since a fuel-quality change can trigger detonation. In hot installations, check radiator or heat-exchanger capacity keeps jacket-water temperature in range.

G333C common service parts

Part numberPart
7L-6925Oil Filter AssemblyCheck fitment →
1N-5324Oil Cooler And Oil FilterCheck fitment →

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G333C attachments & work tools

Ground-engaging work tools

Not applicable. The G333C is a stationary industrial gas engine (G3300 series), typically supplied as a bare engine or skid-mounted power/generator unit. It has no buckets, blades, forks, or other ground-engaging attachments and no coupler system.

Driven-equipment coupling

Output is a flywheel/flywheel-clutch or power take-off arrangement for coupling to a generator, pump, compressor, or similar driven load, not a quick-coupler for interchangeable work tools. Factory options include an enclosed flywheel clutch group and front or rear power take-off/stub-shaft groups for direct drive to the customer's equipment.

Mounting and installation

Engine ships on a factory skid base for mounting to a generator, pump skid, or compressor package. No machine chassis or undercarriage is involved, so there is no dozer/loader-style attachment linkage or hydraulic quick-coupler.

Auxiliary/accessory groups

Optional factory groups relate to engine operation rather than work tools: turbocharger and aftercooler arrangements, remote-mounted heat exchanger or high-capacity radiator cooling packages, auxiliary water pump groups, and various alternator, tachometer, governor (including Woodward governor), and instrument panel groups for genset or industrial control. These are engine support options, not attachments.

Ignition/fuel system options

As a natural-gas engine, factory options cover carburetor and regulator groups and ignition system choices (magneto or distributor-type ignition groups), plus air-starting motor options for sites using compressed air start instead of electric start. These are engine configuration choices, not work-tool related.

All G333C assemblies by section

Every catalogued assembly group for the Caterpillar G333C. Open an assembly to preview the parts inside — full OEM part numbers are available in Heavy Parts AI.

Attachments
7l7462 Air Cleaner Group--Type 1
6n3685 Air Cleaner Group
7l7474 Air Cleaner Group
7l7462 Air Cleaner Group--Type 3
7l7462 Air Cleaner Group--Type 2
2n6961 Clutch Assembly--Type 2
2n6961 Clutch Assembly--Type 1
2r6914 Flywheel Clutch Group--Type 2
2r6914 Enclosed Clutch Group--Type 1
3n8423 Contactor Group
3N***67Contactor Group; Oil Pressure And Water Temperature Contactor Group1
3N***23Contactor Group-Press & Temp1
3N***06Mounting Group-Contactor; Contactor Mounting Group1
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6l5757 Instrument Panel Group
1n7279 Instrument Panel Group
7s7810 Regulator Assembly
1p6082 Turbocharger Group
8l4349 Aftercooler Group--Type 2
8l4349 Aftercooler Group--Type 1
2n7759 Alternator Assembly--12 Volt, 35 Ampere
1n9933 Alternator Group--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 1
1n9933 Alternator Group--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 5
3n1384 Alternator Assembly--12 Volt--Field Installation
1H***87Screw-Machine; (10-24x0.438-In)3
2N***80Harness As-Wiring; (Alternator)1
2N***78Regulator Assembly1
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1n9933 Alternator Group--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 4
3n1382 Alternator Assembly--12 Volt--Field Installation
2N***80Harness As-Wiring; (Alternator)1
2N***96Alternator Assembly1
2N***78Regulator Assembly1
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2n6396 Alternator Assembly--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 1
8l5410 Alternator Assembly--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 1
8l5410 Alternator Assembly--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 2
2n6396 Alternator Assembly--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 2
1n9933 Alternator Group--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 6
2n6395 Alternator Assembly--12 Volt, 35 Ampere
1n9933 Alternator Group--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 2
3n1383 Alternator Assembly--12 Volt--Field Installation
2N***80Harness As-Wiring; (Alternator)1
2N***95Alternator Assembly1
2N***78Regulator Assembly1
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1n9933 Alternator Group--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 3
1n9934 Alternator Group--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 1
1n9934 Alternator Group--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 3
1n9934 Alternator Group--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 4
1n9934 Alternator Group--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 2
1n9934 Alternator Group--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 5
1n9934 Alternator Group--12 Volt, 35 Ampere--Type 6
8l4348 Auxiliary Water Pump And Lines Group-Type 1
8L***48Auxiliary Water Pump And Lines Group1
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8l4348 Auxiliary Water Pump And Lines Group--Type 2
8L***48Auxiliary Water Pump And Lines Group1
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8l3896 Auxiliary Water Pump Assembly
7l7869 Battery Group--12 Volt, 400 Ampere Hours
1n8172 Blower Fan Group--26 Inch
5l1315 Blower Fan Group--26 Inch
8l4352 Carburetor And Regulator Group--Type 1
8l4352 Carburetor And Regulator Group--Type 2
2r6853 Clutch Assembly
3n6867 Oil Pressure And Water Temperature Contactor Group
3N***67Contactor Group; Oil Pressure And Water Temperature Contactor Group1
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8l4443 Governor Control Group--Positive Lock
8l4445 Governor Control Group--Remote And Positive Lock
8L***45Control Group-Governor; Governor Control Group1
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8l4444 Governor Control Group--Vernier And Positive Lock--Type 2
8l4444 Governor Control Group--Vernier And Positive Lock
2n6222 Woodward Governor Assembly
1m5061 Tachometer Drive Group
4l5789 Tachometer Drive Group
5l7661 Exhaust Elbow Group
5L***61Elbow Group-Exhaust; Exhaust Elbow Group1
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7l443 Exhaust Elbow Group-90 Degrees Bend--4 Inch
2n1273 Exhaust Elbow Group--90degrees Bend--5 Inch
7l3084 Electric Tachometer Group - 24 & 32 Volt
5L***45Tachometer Assembly 24 Volt Or 32 Volt1
5L***52Sending Unit Assembly 12 Or 24 Volt1
7L***84Electronic Tachometers; Electric Tachometer Group 24 Volt1
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7l3083 Electric Tachometer Group - 12 Volt
5L***34Tachometer Assembly --12 Volt1
5L***52Sending Unit Assembly 12 Or 24 Volt1
7L***83Electronic Tachometers; Electric Tachometer Group 12 Volt1
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8l4867 Expansion Tank And Water Lines Group--Type 1
8L***67Expansion Tank And Water Lines Group1
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8l4867 Expansion Tank And Water Lines Group--Type 2
8L***67Expansion Tank And Water Lines Group1
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8l4867 Expansion Tank And Water Lines Group--Type 3
8L***67Expansion Tank And Water Lines Group1
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2n2029 Fan Drive Belt Tightener Group
8l5007 Fan Drive Group
3n3016 Vertical Exhaust Fitting Group--5 Inch
3n3014 Exhaust Fitting Group--Vertical--4 Inch
5l9377 Exhaust Fitting Group
5L***77Fitting Group-Exhaust; Exhaust Flange Group1
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3l4837 Front Auxiliary Drive Group--Crankshaft
5l9894 Instrument Group--12 Volt
5L***94Gauge Group; -Oil Pressure, Water Temperature1
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5l9895 Instrument Group--24 Or 32 Volt
5L***95Gauge Group; -Engine Oil Pressure, Water Temperature1
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6l5506 Woodward Governor Assembly
2n2341 Governor Conversion Group--Field Installation
6l4074 Heat Exchanger Assembly
6l4076 Heat Exchanger Assembly--Remote Mounted
7l5474 Heat Exchanger Assembly--Remote Mounted
7l5472 Heat Exchanger Assembly
2n3904 Ignition Conversion Group--Field Installation
2n2519 Ignition Group--Type 1
3n579 Ignition Group--Type 1
3n579 Ignition Group--Type 2
2n2519 Ignition Group--Type 2
2n2519 Ignition Group--Type 3
3n528 Magneto Group--Type 3--Replaced By 1w3716 Shown On Page 40e-1
1w3716 Magneto Group
3n528 Magneto Group--Type 1
3n528 Magneto Group--Type 2
Mechanical Tachometer
5L***75Flexible Shaft-- 15 Foot; Flexible Shaft --15 Foot1
5L***64Drive Group-Tachometer1
5L***13Flexible Shaft-- 20 Foot1
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8l4047 Air Starting Motor Group--Type 2
8l4047 Air Starting Motor Group--Type 1
3n8806 Contactor Mounting Group--Type 2
3N***06Mounting Group-Contactor; Contactor Mounting Group1
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3n8806 Contactor Mounting Group--Type 1
3N***06Mounting Group-Contactor; Contactor Mounting Group1
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3n8806 Contactor Mounting Group--Type 3
3N***06Mounting Group-Contactor; Contactor Mounting Group1
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3n8806 Contactor Mounting Group--Type 4
3N***06Mounting Group-Contactor; Contactor Mounting Group1
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7l4535 Tachometer Mounting Group--Type 2
7L***35Mounting Group-Tachometer; Tachometer Mounting Group[[751
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7l4535 Tachometer Mounting Group--Type 1
7L***35Mounting Group-Tachometer; Tachometer Mounting Group[[751
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5l8649 Exhaust Pipe Group--4 Inch
5l8632 Exhaust Pipe Group--5 Inch
3n6128 Crankshaft Pulley Group
1n8070 Radiator Group--High Capacity--Type 4
8l9332 Radiator Group--Type 1
1n8070 Radiator Group--High Capacity--Type 3
1n8070 Radiator Group--High Capacity--Type 5
8l9332 Radiator Group--Type 2
1n8070 Radiator Group--High Capacity--Type 6
8l9332 Radiator Group--Type 3
1n8070 Radiator Group--Type 1
1n8070 Radiator Group--High Capacity--Type 2
5l9879 Safety Contactor Group
6l2691 Stub Shaft Group--Front Mounted--Type 2
6l2692 Stub Shaft Group--Rear Mounted
6L***92Shaft Group-Stub; -Rear Mounted1
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6l2691 Stub Shaft Group--Front Mounted--Type 1
5l9684 Skid Base Group--Top View
8l5052 Air Starting Motor Assembly--Type 2
8l5052 Air Starting Motor Assembly--Type 1
4n4370 Air Motor Group--Type 2
4n5712 Air Starting Motor Group--Type 2
4n4370 Air Motor Group--Type 1
4n5712 Air Starting Motor Group--Type 1
1n8170 Suction Fan Group--26 Inch
5l1314 Suction Fan Group--26 Inch
5n1933 Power Take-Off Support Group--Clutch
4l2353 Tachometer Group--Type 1
4L***53Tachometer Group-Electric; Electric Tachometer Group1
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4l2353 Tachometer Group--Type 2
4L***53Tachometer Group-Electric; Electric Tachometer Group1
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3n6871 Electric Tachometer Group--0-2500 R.P.M.--Type 2
3N***71Tachometer Group-Electric; Tachometer Group1
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3n6871 Electric Tachometer Group--Type 1
3N***71Tachometer Group-Electric; Tachometer Group1
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1l5010 Air Receiver Group
8l4350 Turbocharger & Aftercooled Conversion Arrangement--Type 2
1B***31Nut-Rops Mounting Bracket To Fender Rear1
1D***99Bolt Plate To Head2
2N***67Rod Governor To Carburetor1
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8l4350 Turbocharged & Aftercooled Conversion Arrangement--Type 3
1B***31Nut-Rops Mounting Bracket To Fender Rear1
1D***99Bolt Plate To Head2
2N***67Rod Governor To Carburetor1
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8l4350 Turbocharged & Aftercooled Conversion Arrangement--Type 1
1B***30Nut-- Flame Arrestor Or Adapter To Pipe Assembly2
1B***31Nut-Rops Mounting Bracket To Fender Rear1
1D***99Bolt Plate To Head2
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8l4351 Turbocharger And Mounting Group
8L***51Turbocharger And Mounting Group1
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3s4422 Turbocharger Assembly
1p3954 Turbocharger Cartridge Assembly
1P***54Turbocharger Cartridge Assembly1
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1l5011 Regulating And Pressure Reducing Valve Group
6l3093 Exhaust Fitting Group--5 Inch
5l8602 Vertical Exhaust Fitting Group--4 Inch
3l9921 Whistle Valve Assembly
8l4890 Woodward Governor And Drive Group--Type 1
8L***90Woodward Governor And Drive Group1
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8l4890 Woodward Governor And Drive Group--Type 2
8L***90Woodward Governor And Drive Group1
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2n1279 Woodward Governor And Drive Group
2N***79Woodward Governor And Drive Group1
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Engine
7l6925 Oil Filter Assembly
7l472 Connecting Rod And Piston Group--10.5 : 1 Ratio--6 Required
7L***72Piston & Rod Group; Connecting Rod & Piston Group1
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Alternator And Drive--12 Volt, 35 Ampere
8l5412 Alternator Assembly--12 Volt, 35 Ampere
5s6438 Camshaft Group
2n6482 Carburetor And Air Cleaner Group
Carburetor And Air Cleaner (2n6482 N/S)
Carburetor And Air Cleaner (7l464 N/S)
6l4554 Carburetor Assembly--Natural Gas
Carburetor Control (8l4839 N/S)
8n6389 Governor Cover Group
7l258 Crankshaft Group
Crankshaft Bearing And Plate Replacements
7l259 Cylinder Block Covers Group--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
7l259 Cylinder Block And Covers Group--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
7l259 Cylinder Block And Covers Group--End View--Part 2 Of 2
Cylinder Block And Covers--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
Cylinder Block And Covers--End View-Part 2 Of 2
2p8776 Cylinder Block Assembly
Cylinder Block Assembly
5s6778 Cylinder Block Assembly
7l470 Cylinder Head And Valve Mechanism Group--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
7L***70Cylinder Head And Valve Mechanism Group1
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7l470 Cylinder Head And Valve Mechanism Group--End View--Part 2 Of 2
7L***70Cylinder Head And Valve Mechanism Group1
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Cylinder Head Assembly
3n517 Cylinder Head Assembly
Electric Starting Motor--12 Volt
Engine Support (1n5571 N/S)
7l5222 Exhaust Elbow Group
5l8592 Exhaust Flange Group
Flywheel (8l5074 N/S)
Gasket Kits
8S***67Water Pump0
9S***00Valve Grinding0
9S***01Engine Complete0
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7s9461 Oil Pump Group--Double Section
Governor And Drive (2n2175 N/S)--Part 3 Of 3
Governor And Drive (2n2175 N/S)--Part 1 Of 3
Governor And Drive (2n2175 N/S)--Part 2 Of 3
2n2175 Governor And Drive Group--Part 1 Of 3--Type 1
2n2175 Governor And Drive Group--Part 1 Of 3--Type 2
2n2175 Governor And Drive Group--Part 3 Of 3--Type 3
2n2175 Governor And Drive Group--Part 1 Of 3--Type 3
2n2175 Governor And Drive Group--Part 3 Of 3--Type 1
2n2175 Governor And Drive Group--Part 2 Of 3--Type 3
2n2175 Governor And Drive Group--Part 2 Of 3--Type 2
2n2175 Governor And Drive Group--Part 2 Of 3--Type 1
2n2175 Governor And Drive Group--Part 3 Of 3--Type 2
7l463 Governor And Drive Group--Part 2 Of 3
7l463 Governor And Drive Group--Part 3 Of 3
2n3897 Governor And Drive Group
7l463 Governor And Drive Group--Part 1 Of 3
2n2483 Housing Assembly
7l462 Ignition Group
Ignition (7l462 N/S)
7l462 Ignition Group--Type 1
7l462 Ignition Group--Type 2
Instrument Panel (5l9022 N/S)--Shut-Off
7l3030 Magneto Assembly--Type 3
7l3030 Magneto Assembly--Type 1
7l3030 Magneto Assembly--Type 2
3n3839 Magneto Drive Conversion Group--Field Installation
8l4056 Magneto Drive Gear Group
7l469 Magneto Drive Group
Oil Cooler And Oil Filter
Oil Cooler And Oil Filter (1n5324 N/S)
2n508 Oil Cooler And Oil Filter Group
2N***08Oil Cooler And Oil Filter Group1
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Oil Filler And Breather Group
8s5022 Oil Pump Group
6n2820 Oil Pump Group--Double Section
7n4715 Oil Pump Idler Gear Assembly
8l3886 Service Meter Group
7l6586 Solenoid Switch Assembly
9l3597 Motor Assembly--12 Volt--Part 1 Of 2--Type 3
9l3597 Motor Assembly--12 Volt--Part 2 Of 2--Type 2
9l3597 Motor Assembly--12 Volt--Part 1 Of 2--Type 2
9l3597 Motor Assembly--12 Volt--Part 2 Of 2--Type 1
9l3597 Motor Assembly--12 Volt--Part 2 Of 2--Type 3
9l3597 Motor Assembly--12 Volt--Part 1 -- Type 1
7l468 Water Cooled Exhaust Manifold Group
7L***68Water Cooled Exhaust Manifold Group1
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8l4067 Water Pump Group
Engine Arrangement
Engine Arrangements
2N***08Oil Cooler And Oil Filter Group1
5S***38Camshaft1
7L***58Crankshaft; Crankshaft Group1
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Generators
5n21 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
5n22 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--End View--Part 2 Of 2
5n14 Generator--3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
5n14 Generator--3 Phase--End View--Part 2 Of 2
5n17 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
5n16 Generator--3 Phase--End View--Part 2 Of 2
5n17 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--End View--Part 2 Of 2
5n19 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
5n15 Generator--3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
5n18 Generator Group--3 Phase--End View--Part 2 Of 2
5n14 Generator-3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
5n22 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
5n21 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--End View--Part 2 Of 2
5n15 Generator Group--3 Phase--End View--Part 2 Of 2
5n18 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
5n15 Generator--3 Phase--End View--Part 2 Of 2
5n19 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--End View--Part 2 Of 2
5n18 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--Side View - Part 1 Of 2
5n16 Generator--3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
5n18 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--End View - Part 2 Of 2
5n18 Generator Group--3 Phase--End View - Part 2 Of 2
5n15 Generator Group--3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
5n18 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--End View--Part 2 Of 2
5n18 Generator Group--3 Phase--Side View - Part 1 Of 2
5n22 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--End View--Part 1 Of 2
5n18 Generator Group--3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
5n22 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--Side View--Part 2 Of 2
5n2658 Rotor Assembly
5n2656 Rotor Assembly
5n2655 Rotor Assembly
3n6710 Extension Terminal Box Group
3n5566 Generator Connection Box Group
5l8091 Air Cleaner Cap Group
5L***91Cap Group-Air Cleaner; Air Cleaner Cap Group1
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6l3916 Generator Drive Coupling Group--Type 2
6L***16Coupling Group-Generator Drive; Generator Drive Coupling Gp1
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6l3916 Generator Drive Coupling Group--Type 1
6L***16Coupling Group-Generator Drive; Generator Drive Coupling Gp1
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2n7749 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 1 Of 2--Type 3
2n7052 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 1 Of 2--Type 3
1n5915 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 2 Of 2
2n7749 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 2 Of 2--Type 3
1n5916 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 2 Of 2
2n7052 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 2 Of 2--Type 1
1n5916 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 1 Of 2
1n5915 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 1 Of 2
2n7749 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 1 Of 2--Type 1
2n7052 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 2 Of 2--Type 3
2n7749 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 2 Of 2--Type 1
2n7052 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 1 Of 2--Type 2
2n7052 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 1 Of 2--Type 1
2n7052 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 2 Of 2--Type 2
2n7749 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 2 Of 2--Type 2
2n7749 Exciter And Regulator Assembly--Part 1 Of 2--Type 2
8l4454 Flexible Fuel Lines Group
8l21 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 2
8l53 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3--Type 2
8l58 Generator--3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
8l55 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3--Type 2
8l56 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3--Type 1
8l56 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3--Type 2
7l82 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3
8l21 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 2
8l54 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3--Type 2
8l54 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3--Type 1
8l55 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3
8l54 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3
8l54 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3
8l53 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3
8l55 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3
7l79 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3
8l57 Generator--3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
8l20 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 2
8l55 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3--Type 1
8l56 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3--Type 1
8l56 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3
7l80 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3
8l53 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3
7l80 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3
8l55 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3--Type 1
8l53 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3--Type 2
8l53 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3
7l81 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3
8l53 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3--Type 1
7l82 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3
7l79 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3
8l55 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3--Type 2
8l54 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3--Type 1
7l82 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3
8l58 Generator--3 Phase--End View--Part 2 Of 2
8l56 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3--Type 1 Of 3
8l56 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3
8l20 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 2
7l80 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3
7l81 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3
8l56 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3--Type 2
8l57 Generator--3 Phase--End View--Part 2 Of 2
8l55 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3--Type 2
8l53 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3--Type 1
8l54 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3--Type 1
7l79 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3
8l54 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3--Type 2
7l81 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3
8l55 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3
8l53 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3--Type 2
8l54 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3--Type 2
8l54 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3
8l56 Generator--3 Phase--Part 3 Of 3--Type 2
8l55 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3--Type 1
8l53 Generator--3 Phase--Part 2 Of 3--Type 1
8l56 Generator--3 Phase--Part 1 Of 3
5n20 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--Side View--Part 1 Of 2
5n20 Generator Assembly--3 Phase--End View--Part 2 Of 2
3n4085 Generator Installation Arrangement
8l8421 Generator Installation Arrangement-
0S***70Cap Screw (5/8" Long)8
0T***72Bolt; 7/16" Diameter X 1 1/2" Length Generator To Engine12
1B***01Nut Generator Line Leads; Nut-Generator Line Leads8
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5n3379 Generator Installation Arrangement--Type 2
3H***68Bolt-- Bracket To Starting Engine Timing Gear Housing12
5N***79Installation Ar-Generator1
5P***44Washer-Hard; (12x22.5x2.5-mm Thk)12
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5n3379 Generator Installation Arrangement--Type 1
0S***70Cap Screw (5/8" Long)8
0T***72Bolt; 7/16" Diameter X 1 1/2" Length Generator To Engine12
1B***01Nut Generator Line Leads; Nut-Generator Line Leads8
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3n7748 Regulator Assembly
3n7751 Regulator Assembly
3N***51Regulator As; Circuit Breaker 125 Amperes1
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5n8 Regulator Assembly
5n9 Regulator Assembly
3n6094 Exciter Modification Service Group
3n2235 Rotor Assembly--Replaced By 5n2656 Shown On Page 227
3n2236 Rotor Assembly--Replaced By 5n2658 Shown On Page 227b
3n9112 Rotor Assembly--Replaced By 5n2658 Shown On Page 227b
3n6015 Rotor Assembly--Replaced By 5n2656 Shown On Page 227
3n6016 Rotor Assembly--Replaced By 5n2658 Shown On Page 227b
3n9110 Rotor Assembly--Replaced By 5n2656 Shown On Page 227
3n7263 Rotor Assembly--Replaced By 5n2655 Shown On Page 226
3n9109 Rotor Assembly--Replaced By 5n2655 Shown On Page 226
Service Equipment And Supplies
8f9866 Grease Gun
Name Plates And Transfers
3L***26Plate-Information; (Compression Ratio)(Install On Lh Side Of Block)1
3N***90Plate Serial Number; On R.H. Rear Bank Of Cylinder Block As Viewed From Rear Of Engine1
4B***58Screw (Identification Plate) Mounting2
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4l1560 Tool Group
9s7977 Tool Group

G333C serial number reference

The PIN/serial plate on a G333C is a metal tag attached to the engine block, usually near the flywheel housing or on the fuel pump/accessory side rather than on a separate machine frame (this is a bare industrial engine, not a chassis). As a pre-2000-style Cat industrial engine, the plate shows a 3-character prefix (letters/numbers) followed directly by a sequence number, not the later 17-character PIN format -- read the first 3 characters as the prefix.

PrefixIdentifies
68DG333C gas engine (Cat 333-series industrial gas engine, predecessor to the G3306 gas engine line)

Frequently asked questions

What engine powers the Caterpillar G333C?

The G333C is itself the engine: a Caterpillar spark-ignited natural-gas industrial engine, inline-6, four-stroke, built on the same cylinder-block architecture (120.6 mm x 152.4 mm / 4-3/4 in x 6 in bore and stroke, about 10.5 L / 638 cu in displacement) as the diesel D333C industrial engine of the same era. It runs magneto ignition and a Woodward mechanical governor, with no electronic engine controls.

What is the operating weight of the G333C?

Caterpillar did not publish an external weight or dimension spec for the G333C in surviving records. As a bare or skid-mounted industrial engine sold without a chassis, its footprint varied by mounting skid, radiator, and accessory package. What is documented is the engine architecture itself: an inline-6 displacing roughly 10.5 L (638 cu in) on the shared 120.6 mm x 152.4 mm bore and stroke. Check the OEM parts or service manual for your specific serial prefix (68D and up) if a nameplate weight was recorded for your build.

What replaced the Caterpillar G333C?

The G333C was directly succeeded by the Caterpillar G3306 natural-gas engine, built on the same cylinder block. Parts commonality between the two covers common wear items, reflecting that shared core architecture even though the G333C's own serial-prefix production (68D and up) predates the G3306 naming.

What G333C owners discuss

What's the general reputation of the G333C among people who actually work on it?
Coverage of the G333C by name is thin: it predates most spec databases and rarely comes up on its own in engine discussion boards. What does surface is discussion of the shared cylinder block, 120.7 mm bore and 152.4 mm stroke (4.75 in x 6 in), that carries forward into the later G3306 gas engine line. Techs who trace a G333C serial back through that lineage generally call the block a durable, easily rebuilt industrial casting rather than a problem engine. Treat any specific behavior claim below as extrapolated from the 3306 gas-engine family rather than G333C-specific testimony, since dedicated G333C write-ups are scarce.
What's a known quirk with the ignition system?
The G333C runs breaker-point magneto ignition, timed off the No. 1 piston at compression stroke against a flywheel pointer and then fine-tuned with a timing light at rated speed. Two habits get repeated in shared-block service discussion: timing drifts as the points wear, so recheck it at every service interval instead of trusting a one-time set, and early flywheels often lack factory timing calibration, so the mark has to be laid out by hand. A common upgrade path discussed for magneto-and-points engines of this vintage is converting to solid-state ignition to cut the recurring point and timing maintenance. Have your dealer or a qualified magneto shop verify timing and point condition before putting the engine back into service.
What causes governor hunting or surging on this type of engine?
Mechanically governed industrial engines like this one draw regular hunting and surging complaints, and the consensus among people who work on comparable Woodward-governed gas engines is that the governor itself is rarely the actual cause. More often it's worn or binding governor linkage, a missing or weak anti-lash spring, incorrect buffer spring tension, or a partly plugged mixer or carburetor idle circuit. Work the linkage and fuel-metering path first before condemning the governor. Have your dealer or a governor specialist verify governor and linkage adjustment on a running engine, since a misadjusted governor can allow an overspeed condition.
What wear pattern should owners expect from running this engine on natural gas?
Natural gas gives none of the lubricating or cleaning action a liquid fuel does, so gas-fired engines from this block family run hardened valves and seats, but the valves still recede with hours. Accepted practice is to trend valve stem projection rather than judge wear by feel, recording a baseline around 1,000 hours after any head work as the beat-in point and comparing later readings against it. A documented failure on a related natural-gas engine from this same block family shows the other side of it: running well below rated load for long stretches lets oil work past the valve guides and bake onto the exhaust valve sealing face, eventually burning a leak path through the valve. Keep load near the engine's rating where practical and watch oil consumption as an early warning sign.
Is there a known cooling-system weak point on this engine?
The block generation the G333C is built on uses a gear-driven jacket water pump mounted forward on the left front cover, a change from the earlier, smaller-bore block that could run either a belt-driven or gear-driven pump. People restoring engines of this block generation flag the gear-drive pump's shaft seal as a wear item worth checking on anything that has sat idle. A leaking seal shows coolant weep at the pump body first and, left unchecked, coolant working into the oil pan. The pump style also doubles as a visual cue for confirming which bore generation of block is actually on hand.
What should owners know about spark plug life and heat range?
General practice repeated for magneto and battery-ignition industrial gas engines of this era is to match plug heat range to load and fuel gas quality, and to expect shorter plug life than on a liquid-fuel engine since there is no fuel wash to keep the plug clean. Reported service life on comparable low- to medium-compression industrial gas engines runs from several thousand hours down to roughly half that on higher-compression or dirtier fuel-gas applications, with a regap at every inspection. Confirm gap and heat range against the engine's own tag data rather than a generic gas-engine figure, since this varies by application.
What should a buyer check before purchasing a used G333C?
Because the G333C rarely comes up for individual discussion, a buyer is mostly leaning on general practice for old industrial gas engines of this type: confirm compression is even across all cylinders, check magneto and point condition and confirm the flywheel can actually be timed (missing or worn timing marks are common on units this old), inspect the gear-driven water pump for shaft-seal weep, check for coolant in the oil, and ask for load and hours history, since extended low-load running is a documented cause of valve and oil-consumption trouble on this block family. Verify the serial prefix and bore and stroke, since a smaller-bore sibling block shares a confusingly similar model number. Have your dealer or an independent industrial-engine shop compression-test the cylinders and inspect the ignition and governor systems before returning a purchased unit to service.

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

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