Caterpillar 7N-2048 Camshaft Bearing

Specifications

Part typeCamshaft bearing (sleeve bearing / bushing)
Engine series fitmentCaterpillar 3508, 3512, 3516 (incl. 3512B diesel)
Bearing constructionSintered tri-metal: copper/lead and tin base alloy with nickel dam and Babbitt top layer
FunctionSupports and locates the camshaft journal within the engine block bore
Alternate materialsAluminum alloy construction available on request (per CTP)
Aftermarket cross brandsAvailable as Reliance, CTP, and PAI (PAI 351567) equivalents

Technical notes

The 7N-2048 is an individual camshaft bearing used across Caterpillar's 3500-series engines, including the 3508, 3512, and 3516 platforms that share the 3512B marine valve-train architecture. It is a sleeve-type insert that supports a camshaft journal in its block bore. Distributor data describes a sintered tri-metal construction — a copper/lead and tin base alloy with a nickel dam and a Babbitt top layer — chosen for higher load-carrying capacity and fatigue resistance than aluminum or plain copper/lead bearings. The bearing is sold individually rather than as a set, so the full camshaft bore count for a given 3512B build determines required quantity. Aftermarket equivalents are offered by Reliance, CTP, and PAI; original Caterpillar 7N-2048 should be specified where genuine fitment is required.

Compliance

Standard internal engine wear component with no specific marine class-society or emissions certification claimed by distributors; verify genuine-vs-aftermarket sourcing against the engine maintenance manual.

Compatibility

Other parts in this series

Related

RFQ answered within ~4 h at major hubs routed to vetted suppliers no public pricing

Frequently asked questions

Does the Caterpillar 7N-2048 camshaft bearing fit the 3512B marine engine?
Yes. The 7N-2048 is cataloged for the Caterpillar 3508, 3512, and 3516 engines, which share the valve-train design used in the 3512B marine diesel.
Is 7N-2048 only for spark-ignited gas engines like the G3512?
No. While it is also listed for the G3508/G3512 gas engines, it is a shared component that fits the 3508/3512/3516 diesel engines, so it is applicable to the 3512B diesel.
What is the bearing made of?
Distributor specifications describe a sintered tri-metal bearing with a copper/lead and tin base alloy, a nickel dam, and a Babbitt top layer for improved load capacity and fatigue resistance.
Is it sold individually or as a set?
The 7N-2048 is sold as an individual camshaft bearing, so the number required depends on the camshaft bore count of the specific engine.
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