20R1283 Caterpillar 3508 / 3516 Remanufactured EUI Diesel Fuel Injector
| Brand | JAK's Diesel |
| Part Category | Fuel Injectors |
| Sub-Type | Fuel Injector |
| Engine Make | Caterpillar |
| Engine Model | 3508B · 3508C · 3516 · 3516B · 3516C |
| Condition | Remanufactured |
Extended Life Remanufactured Caterpillar 20R1283 EUI Fuel Injector for 3500-Series Engines
The 20R1283 (20R-1283) is a remanufactured electronic unit injector (EUI) for Caterpillar 3500-series diesel engines (3508B, 3508C, 3516, 3516B, 3516C). It replaces CAT injector group 386-1776 / 392-0224 and is a direct drop-in for the original injector on generator sets, marine, petroleum, industrial and mining applications.
This is an Extended Life remanufactured injector, built to run up to 50% longer than a standard reman EUI. OEM replacement intervals on 3500 EUIs can be as short as 6,000 hours. As internals wear, spray quality drops and unburned fuel leaves carbon on the pistons (“carbon packing”), which costs fuel economy and can pull an overhaul forward. Extended Life units are built to hold spray quality longer and keep carbon packing in check.
What Makes It Extended Life
- Up to 80% of internal components replaced with new parts (a typical reman replaces less than half).
- Upgraded seals, springs and O-rings: Viton elastomers, SAE 4130 steel and chromium-silicon spring alloy.
- Nozzle, valve and body re-honed and lapped; solenoid replaced when needed.
- Dyno-tested and calibrated with up to four trim codes per injector for tight cylinder-to-cylinder balance.
- Mechanical and electronic testing on every unit; any unit that fails a test does not ship.
- Built in a clean-room facility to OEM, SAE and ASTM standards, and laser-serialized for full traceability.
Signs your 3500 injectors are due: hard starting, white or black smoke, misfire, fuel in the oil, one hot exhaust port or bank, or lost power under load.
Fits Caterpillar Engines
- Caterpillar 3508B
- Caterpillar 3508C
- Caterpillar 3516
- Caterpillar 3516B
- Caterpillar 3516C
Applications
- Marine Propulsion
Verify before ordering: match the part number stamped on your existing injector (20R1283, 386-1776 / 392-0224) or confirm by engine serial number. Call (720) 445-6249 with your ESN and we will confirm fitment.
Specifications
| Part number | 20R1283 (20R-1283) |
| Replaces CAT | 386-1776 / 392-0224 |
| Injector type | Electronic Unit Injector (EUI), mechanically actuated |
| Engine family | Caterpillar 3500 series |
| Condition | Remanufactured |
| Approx. length | 14.8 in |
| Quantity | 1 injector |
| Core | Refundable core charge applies — return your old injector for credit |
OEM Cross References
20R1283, 20R-1283, 386-1776, 3861776, 392-0224, 3920224, R-20R1283
Installation Notes
- Enter the new injector's trim code into the ECM with Cat ET after installation — skipping this causes uneven fueling.
- Install new injector O-rings/seals and inspect the injector sleeve for erosion or leakage.
- Set injector and valve lash to the Cat SIS specification for your engine arrangement.
- Replace injectors as a matched set on high-hour engines for balanced cylinder output.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 20R1283 replace? 20R1283 replaces Caterpillar 386-1776 / 392-0224 and cross-references to Interstate-McBee R-20R1283.
How is Extended Life different from a standard reman? More new internal parts (up to 80%), upgraded seal and spring materials, and dyno calibration with multiple trim codes, built to run up to 50% longer between replacements.
Is there a core charge? Yes. A refundable core charge applies; return the old injector in rebuildable condition for full credit.
Do I need to program the injector? Yes — load the trim code printed on the injector into the engine ECM using Cat ET.
Why Buy from JAK's Diesel
- Ships direct from the remanufacturer to cut downtime.
- Cross-referenced against CAT and aftermarket numbers by diesel parts specialists.
- Fitment and install help by phone: (720) 445-6249.
These catalog references may identify this part or components in an assembly. A listed number alone does not confirm whole-assembly interchange or vehicle fitment. Confirm the required part before ordering.
| Number |
|---|
| CATERPILLAR 20R1283 |
| CATERPILLAR 386-1776 |
| CATERPILLAR 392-0224 |
| INTERSTATE-MCBEE R-20R1283 |
No cross-reference numbers match that search.
Discovery models are listed below. Confirm the complete application and any ESN/CPL or size restrictions before ordering.