3406C Industrial Engine Caterpillar

Your engine may not have the same gauges or all of the gauges that are described. For more information about the gauge package, see the OEM information.

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 a potential problem with a gauge or with the engine. 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, and/or correct the cause of any significant change in the readings. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for assistance.

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NOTICE
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.

Engine Oil Pressure - Typical oil pressure for an engine at rated speed with SAE 10W30 or with SAE 15W40 is 275 to 606 kPa (40 to 88 psi).

A lower oil pressure is normal at low idle. If the load is stable and the gauge reading changes, perform the following procedure:

1. Remove the load.

2. Reduce engine speed to low idle.

3. Check and maintain the oil level.

The minimum recommended oil pressure at 600 rpm is 103 kPa (15 psi). If low oil pressure or no oil pressure is indicated, stop the engine and determine the cause of the problem. Refer to Troubleshooting for further information or consult with your Caterpillar dealer.

Jacket Water Coolant Temperature - Typical temperature range is 87 to 98°C (189 to 208°F). The maximum allowable temperature with the pressurized cooling system is 104 °C (219 °F). Higher temperatures may occur under certain conditions. The water temperature reading may vary according to load. The reading should never exceed the boiling point for the pressurized system that is being used.

If the engine is operating above the normal range and steam becomes apparent, perform the following procedure:

1. Reduce the load and the engine speed (rpm).

2. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.

3. Determine if the engine must be shut down immediately or if the engine can be cooled by reducing the load.

Tachometer - This gauge indicates engine speed (rpm). When the throttle control lever is moved to the full throttle position without load, the engine is running at high idle. The engine is running at the full load rpm when the throttle control lever is at the full throttle position with maximum rated load.

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NOTICE
Engine overspeed may cause serious damage. Keep the tachometer indicator in the green operating range.

Note: The high idle speed (rpm) and the full load speed (rpm) are stamped on the Information Plate.

Ammeter - This gauge indicates the amount of charge or discharge in the battery charging circuit. Operation of the indicator should be to the right side of "0"(zero).

Service Hour Meter - This gauge indicates the total number of clock hours that the engine has operated.

Fuel Pressure - This gauge indicates fuel pressure to the injection pump. The indicator should indicate the "NORMAL" range. If the indicator moves to the "OUT" position or registers below 160 kPa (23 psi) when equipped with a numerical gauge, the engine will not operate properly. A decrease in fuel pressure usually indicates a plugged fuel filter.