NEW CAT C15 / 3406E / C15 ACERT Universal Fully Loaded Cylinder Head — 2239250

This is a brand new casting — not remanufactured, not a resurfaced core with new valves dropped in. Fully loaded and ready to install, and one universal casting covers your 3406E, C15, C15 ACERT, C16, and C18. Designed, cast, and assembled in the USA.

Why C15 Heads Fail — and What We Changed

The C15 and 3406E share a well-documented failure pattern: cracking between the valve seats, driven by heat cycling and coolant flow across the deck. It shows up as coolant loss with no external leak, white smoke on cold start, and temperatures that keep creeping no matter how many thermostats you throw at it. We went after the root cause in the casting itself:

• 5% more nickel content — nickel is what gives cast iron its resistance to thermal fatigue. More nickel means a head that survives heat cycling instead of developing hairline cracks between the valves.

• 30% larger coolant passages — more coolant flow across the exhaust valve bridge, the hottest region of the head and the place most C15 failures start. Lower peak metal temperature, longer head life.

• Reinforced inner rib structure — added strength and rigidity under sustained heavy load.

• Inconel exhaust valves (Stage 2) — withstand higher temperatures and pressures than standard valves.

• Corrosion-resistant materials — built to combat pitting, cracking, and wear.

What's Included

• Fully loaded head: valves, springs, retainers, keepers, and seals installed

• OEM-spec or better components, assembled with precision

Fitment

Caterpillar 3406E, C15, C15 ACERT, C16, and C18 — single and twin turbo applications, model years 1994–2011. Common engine serial number prefixes: 5EK, 6NZ, 1LW, 2WS, 6TS, MXS, BXS, NXS, SDP, MBN.

Not sure which head you need? Send us your engine serial number before you order and we will confirm fitment.

Complete the Job — What Every C15 Head Swap Needs

Every C15 head job needs a spacer plate (6I4421 — standard to .004\" under) and a new head bolt kit (1241854 / 1241855) — the bolts are torque-to-yield and single-use, and the spacer plate should be replaced with the head, not reused.

Doing the head only? Add the C15 / 3406E Head Gasket Kit (2486740).
Doing a full in-frame overhaul? Skip the gasket kit — your overhaul kit already includes the upper gasket set. No reason to buy it twice.

Or get everything in one box: the C15 Cylinder Head Replacement Kit bundles the head, bolt kit, and your choice of spacer plate.

OEM Cross Reference Numbers

2239250 | 223-9250 | 20R2645 | 20R-2645 | 2237263 | 223-7263 | 20R2647 | 20R-2647 | 2430943 | 243-0943 | N223-9250EVS

Warranty, Core & Shipping

• 1-year warranty

• No core charge — this is a new head, nothing to send back

• Ships from Houston, TX

PLEASE NOTE: FIRE RING HEADS ARE MADE TO ORDER, ESTIMATED PREP TIME IS 1-3 DAYS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a new head or a remanufactured head?
New. A remanufactured head starts life as a used core that already failed once — the casting has been through hundreds of thousands of heat cycles before you install it. This one has not.

Will this fit both ACERT and non-ACERT engines?
Yes. This is a universal casting covering the 3406E, C15, C15 ACERT, and C16/C18 applications, model years 1994–2011. Send us your engine serial number and we will confirm your specific arrangement before shipping.

What makes this different from an OEM head?
Two things, both in the casting: 5% more nickel for thermal fatigue resistance, and 30% larger coolant passages for better flow across the exhaust valve bridge — both aimed directly at the spot where C15 heads crack.

How do I know if my C15 head is cracked?
Coolant loss with no visible leak, white smoke on startup that clears as the engine warms, bubbles in the surge tank, and overheating a new thermostat does not fix. A pressure test confirms it.

Can I get this head with fire rings?
Yes — fire ring heads are made to order with an estimated prep time of 1-3 days.

What else do I need for the job?
A spacer plate and a new head bolt kit on every job — head bolts are single-use. Add the head gasket kit (2486740) only if you are doing the head by itself; a full in-frame overhaul kit already includes the upper gasket set.