Excessive White Smoke
Note: Some white smoke may be present during cold start-up conditions when the engine is operating normally.
The probable root causes are listed in order below:
- Jacket water heater
- Thermostats
- Speed/Timing sensor
- Leaking injector
- Personality module
- Fuel supply
- Component wear
- Cooling system
- Turbocharger
Perform the following tests in order:
- Check for proper operation of installed starting aids. Check for proper operation of the jacket water heater. Repair the jacket water heater or replace the jacket water heater.
- Use the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) to verify that the engine has exited cold mode. Use the Cat ET to monitor the coolant temperature. If the reading is incorrect, refer to the diagnostic functional test Troubleshooting, "Engine Sensor Open/Short Test" for additional information.
- Verify that the engine reaches full operating temperature. If the engine does not reach full operating temperature, a thermostat may be stuck open. Remove the thermostat and inspect the thermostat. If necessary, repair the thermostat and/or replace the thermostat.
- Check the calibration of the Engine Speed/Timing Sensor. Refer to the calibration procedure Troubleshooting, "Engine Speed/Timing Sensor - Calibrate" for additional information.
- Verify that the crankshaft and camshaft drive gears are set with the proper orientation. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly Manual for additional information.
- Perform the Cylinder Cutout Test. Use similar conditions for the test that were experienced during operation. Refer to the diagnostic functional test Troubleshooting, "Injector Solenoids" for additional information.
- Cut out the individual cylinder for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Verify that the smoke decreases.
- Verify that the correct Personality Module is installed. Refer to the diagnostic procedure Troubleshooting, "Programming Parameters" for additional information.
- Inspect the fuel system components. Check for correct fuel pressure. Check fuel quality. Low cetane fuel can create white smoke. Replace the fuel with a higher cetane fuel. In temperatures below
0 °C (32 °F) , check for solidified fuel (wax). - Check the engine for the following problems: Excessive valve wear, piston wear, ring wear, liner wear, low cranking speed, and reduced compression pressure.
- Check for a coolant leak. Check the cooling system for the following problems: coolant in cylinder and coolant in exhaust system. Refer to the Systems Operation, "Cooling System" for additional information.
- Inspect the turbocharger for failure of turbocharger oil seal. Remove the exhaust outlet piping from the turbocharger. Visually inspect the piping for the presence of oil. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Turbocharger-Inspect" for additional information.
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