Noticeable changes in gauge readings can indicate potential gauge or engine problems. Problems may also be indicated by gauge readings that change even if the readings are within specifications. Determine and correct the cause of any significant change in the readings. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for assistance.
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If no oil pressure is indicated, STOP the engine. The engine will be damaged from operating without oil pressure. |
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Engine Oil Pressure - This gauge indicates the pressure of the engine oil. The pressure will be highest after a cold engine is started. The pressure will decrease as the engine warms up. The pressure will increase when the engine rpm is increased. The pressure will stabilize when the engine rpm is stable. |
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Oil Filter Differential Pressure - This gauge indicates the difference in pressure between the inlet side and the outlet side of the engine oil filters. As the oil filter elements become plugged, the pressure will increase. |
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Engine Oil Temperature - This gauge indicates the engine oil temperature after the oil has passed through the oil cooler. The oil cooler is thermostatically controlled. The oil temperature is controlled by an |
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Crankcase Pressure - This gauge indicates the pressure that is inside the crankcase. Changes in the pressure may indicate problems with the following components: crankcase breathers, pistons, piston rings and cylinder liners. |
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Aftercooler and Oil Cooler Water Temperature - This gauge indicates the temperature of the coolant at the inlet to the aftercooler and oil cooler circuit. The water temperature is regulated by water temperature regulators. If the cooling system cannot remove enough heat from the water, then the engine cannot be cooled properly. An oil temperature that exceeds the normal oil temperature may indicate that a problem has occurred in the lubrication system and/or the cooling system. Those problems may involve the following components: water temperature regulators, oil coolers, cylinder heads, cylinder liners, pistons and bearings. |
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Jacket Water Temperature - This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant at the outlet for the jacket water. The temperature may vary according to the load. The temperature should never be allowed to exceed the boiling temperature of the pressurized cooling system. The inlet temperature of the jacket water is regulated to |
If the engine is operating above the normal temperature range, perform the following procedure:
- Reduce the load and/or the engine rpm.
- Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
- Determine if the engine must be shut down immediately or if the engine can be cooled by reducing the load and/or the rpm.
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Inlet Manifold Air Temperature - This gauge indicates the inlet manifold air temperature after the aftercooler. As the inlet air increases in temperature the following conditions occur: expansion of the air, less oxygen in the cylinders and less power. If the temperature of the inlet air is too high during full speed and load operation, the engine may consume excessive fuel. |
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Inlet Manifold Air Pressure - This gauge indicates the air pressure (turbocharger boost pressure) in the air inlet manifold after the aftercooler. The pressure depends on the engine rating, the load, and the operating conditions. To establish the normal inlet manifold air pressure, compare the data from the gauge to the data from the engine commissioning and look for trends. |
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Air Restriction - This gauge indicates the difference in air pressure between the inlet side and the engine side of the air filter element. The air restriction is measured from the turbocharger air inlet. As the air filter element becomes plugged, the difference in pressure between the two sides of the air cleaner element will increase. For optimum engine performance, clean the elements or replace the elements when the air restriction reaches |
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Turbocharger Exhaust Inlet Temperature - This gauge indicates the temperature of the exhaust gas at the inlet of the turbocharger. |
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Exhaust Port Temperature - This gauge indicates the temperature of the exhaust gas from each individual cylinder. The temperature is measured at the exhaust port of each cylinder head. The exhaust temperature will vary slightly between the cylinders. Individual cylinder exhaust temperatures should not vary by more than |
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Tachometer - This gauge indicates the engine rpm. |
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To help prevent engine damage, never exceed the high idle rpm. An overspeed can result in serious damage to the engine. The engine can be operated at high idle without damage, but the engine should never be allowed to exceed the high idle rpm. |
Note: The high idle rpm and the full load rpm are stamped on the Information Plate.
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Engine Hours - This meter indicates the total hours of engine operation. |
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Fuel Pressure - This gauge indicates the fuel pressure to the engine from the fuel filter. The fuel pressure will decrease as the fuel filter differential pressure increases. A decrease in fuel pressure usually indicates a plugged fuel filter. |
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Fuel Filter Differential Pressure - This gauge indicates the difference in fuel pressure between the inlet side and the outlet side of the fuel filters. As the fuel filter elements become plugged, the difference in pressure between the two sides of the fuel filter increases. Replace the fuel filter elements when the fuel filter differential pressure reaches |
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Starting Motor Air Pressure - This gauge indicates the air pressure that is available for starting the engine. |
The nominal gauge readings during normal operation are listed in Table 1.
| Nominal Gauge Readings During Normal Operation | |
| Parameter | Gauge Reading |
| Aftercooler and oil cooler water temperature (1) | |
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| Air restriction | |
| Starting motor air pressure (vane) | |
| Crankcase pressure | |
| Engine oil filter differential pressure | |
| Engine oil pressure (low idle rpm) | |
| Engine oil pressure (above 650 rpm) | |
| Engine oil temperature | |
| Exhaust port temperature (2) | |
| Fuel filter differential pressure | |
| Fuel pressure | |
| Inlet manifold air pressure (2) | |
| Inlet manifold air temperature | |
| Jacket water outlet temperature | |
| Oil scavenge pump outlet pressure | |
| Turbocharger exhaust inlet temperature (2) | |
| (1) | The temperature depends on the specific cooling system and the ambient temperature. Compare the operating temperature to the data from the engine test cell and from the engine commissioning. |
| (2) | The reading depends on the engine rating. Compare the operating reading to the data from the engine test cell and from the engine commissioning. |