Gauges provide indications of engine performance. Ensure that the gauges are in good working order. Determine the normal operating range by observing the gauges over a period of time.
Noticeable changes in gauge readings indicate potential gauge or engine problems. Problems may also be indicated by gauge readings that change even if the readings are within specifications. Determine the cause of any significant change in the readings. Then, correct any cause of any significant change in the readings. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for assistance.
Caterpillar requires two lamps in addition to the gauge package that is normally provided.
The "Diagnostic" lamp is yellow or amber. The "Diagnostic" lamp will communicate the status of the electronic system of the engine.
The "Warning" lamp is red. This red "Warning" lamp warns the operator of engine problems.
The following conditions are some examples of the problems:
- Low oil pressure
- High coolant temperature
- Low coolant level
- High inlet air temperature
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Be ready to activate the engine shutoff manually, if there is no oil pressure . Damage to the engine will result if the engine continues to run without the correct oil pressure. |
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Engine Oil Pressure - Typical oil pressure for 3176B Industrial Engines at rated speed with SAE 10W30 or with SAE 15W40 is |
A lower oil pressure is normal at low idle. If the load is stable and the gauge reading changes, perform the following procedure:
- Remove the load.
- Reduce engine speed to low idle.
- Shut down the engine, and allow time for the oil to settle back into the engine oil pan.
- Check the oil level. Maintain the oil level at the proper amount.
The diagnostic lamp will turn on if the oil pressure drops below a safe range. A safe range for the oil pressure is determined by the engine protection system. The diagnostic code will be logged in the Engine Control Module (ECM).
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Engine Oil Temperature - This gauge indicates the engine oil temperature. Maximum oil temperature at rated speed with a full load is |
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Coolant Temperature - The typical range for coolant temperature is |
If the engine is operating above normal temperature range and steam becomes apparent, perform the following steps:
- Reduce the engine load and the engine rpm.
- Inspect the cooling system for any leaks.
- Determine if the engine must be immediately shutdown or if the engine can be cooled by reducing the load.
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Ammeter - This gauge indicates the amount of charge or of discharge in the battery charging circuit. Operation of the indicator should be to the right side of "0"(zero). |
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Tachometer - The tachometer indicates engine rpm. When the throttle control lever is moved to the full speed position with no load, the engine is running at high idle. When the throttle control lever is at full speed with full load, the engine is running at the full load rpm. |
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Service Hour Meter - This gauge indicates the total number of clock hours that the engine has operated. Hours of operation are logged in the ECM. A service tool is needed to retrieve the hours from the ECM. A Service Hour Meter may be installed on the engine. |
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Fuel Pressure - This gauge indicates fuel pressure to the electronic unit injectors from the fuel filter. The indicator should indicate the "NORMAL" range. Typical fuel pressure at low idle is |
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Fuel Level - This gauge indicates fuel level in the fuel tank. The gauge is electronically operated. The gauge will only register fuel when the keyswitch is ON. |
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Inlet Air Temperature - This gauge indicates inlet manifold air temperature. As the inlet air increases in temperature the following conditions occur: expansion of the air, less oxygen in the cylinders and less available power. If the temperature of the inlet air is too high during full speed and load operation, the engine may be overfueled. Maximum inlet manifold air temperature is |
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Exhaust Stack Temperature - This gauge indicates exhaust gas temperature. Maximum exhaust temperature is approximately |