C-15, C-16, and C-18 Engines Caterpillar

Above normal coolant temperatures can be caused by many conditions. Use the following procedure to determine the cause of above normal coolant temperatures:

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Personal injury can result from escaping fluid under pressure. If a pressure indication is shown on the indicator, push the release valve in order to relieve pressure before removing any hose from the radiator.

1. Check the coolant level in the cooling system. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Cooling System Coolant Level - Check". If the coolant level is too low, air will get into the cooling system. Air in the cooling system will cause a reduction in coolant flow and bubbles in the coolant. Air bubbles will keep coolant away from the engine parts, which will prevent the transfer of heat to the coolant. Low coolant level is caused by leaks or incorrectly filling the radiator.

2. Check the mixture of antifreeze and water. The mixture should be approximately 50 percent water and 50 percent antifreeze with 3 to 6 percent coolant conditioner. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "General Coolant Information". If the coolant mixture is incorrect, drain the system. Put the correct mixture of water, antifreeze and coolant conditioner in the cooling system.

3. Check for air in the cooling system. Air can enter the cooling system in different ways. The most common causes of air in the cooling system are not filling the cooling system correctly and combustion gas leakage into the cooling system. Combustion gas can get into the system through internal cracks, a damaged cylinder head, or a damaged cylinder head gasket. Air in the cooling system causes a reduction in coolant flow and bubbles in the coolant. Air bubbles keep coolant away from the engine parts, which prevents the transfer of heat to the coolant.

4. Check the fan clutch, if equipped. A faulty fan clutch can cause improper air speed across the radiator core. The lack of proper air flow across the radiator core can prevent the coolant from decreasing in temperature before the coolant re-enters the engine.

5. Check the water temperature gauge. A water temperature gauge that is malfunctioning will not show the correct temperature. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System - Inspect".

6. Check the sensor. The temperature sensor sends a signal to the mounted gauge. If the sensor malfunctions, the gauge can show an incorrect reading. Also if the electric wire breaks or if the electric wire shorts out, the gauge can show an incorrect reading.

7. Check the radiator.

   1. Check the radiator for a restriction to coolant flow. Check the radiator for debris, dirt, or deposits on the inside of the radiator core. Debris, dirt, or deposits will restrict the flow of coolant through the radiator.

   2. Check for debris or damage between the fins of the radiator core. Debris between the fins of the radiator core restricts air flow through the radiator core. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System - Inspect".

   3. Ensure that the radiator is the proper size according to the OEM's specifications. An undersized radiator does not have enough surface area for the effective release of heat. This may cause the engine to run at a temperature that is higher than normal.

8. Check the filler cap. A faulty filler cap can cause the boiling point to be lower. This can cause the cooling system to boil at a lower temperature. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System - Test".

9. Check the fan and/or the fan shroud.

   1. The fan must be large enough to pull air through most of the area of the radiator core. Ensure that the size of the fan and the position of the fan are according to the OEM specifications.

   2. The fan shroud must be the proper size and the fan shroud must be positioned correctly. Ensure that the size of the fan shroud and the position of the fan shroud are according to the OEM specifications.

10. Check for loose drive belts. A loose fan drive belt will cause a reduction in the air flow across the radiator. Check the fan drive belt for proper belt tension. Adjust the tension of the fan drive belt, if necessary. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Belt - Inspect".

11. Check the cooling system hoses and clamps. Damaged hoses with leaks can normally be seen. Hoses that have no visual leaks can soften during operation. The soft areas of the hose can become kinked or crushed during operation. These areas of the hose can cause a restriction in the coolant flow. Hoses become soft and/or get cracks after a period of time. The inside of a hose can deteriorate, and the loose particles of the hose can cause a restriction of the coolant flow. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Hoses and Clamps - Inspect/Replace".

12. High cylinder temperatures cause higher than normal temperatures in the cooling system. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Air Inlet and Exhaust System - Inspect".

13. Check the shunt line. The shunt line must be submerged in the expansion tank. A restriction of the shunt line from the radiator top tank to the engine water pump inlet will cause a reduction in water pump efficiency. A reduction in water pump efficiency will result in low coolant flow and overheating.

14. Check the water temperature regulator. A water temperature regulator that does not open, or a water temperature regulator that only opens part of the way can cause overheating. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Water Temperature Regulator - Test".

15. Check the water pump. A water pump with a damaged impeller does not pump enough coolant for correct engine cooling. Remove the water pump and check for damage to the impeller. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Water Pump - Test".

16. Check the air flow through the engine compartment. The air flow through the radiator comes out of the engine compartment. Ensure that the filters, air conditioner, and similar items are not installed in a way that prevents the free flow of air through the engine compartment.

17. Check the aftercooler. A restriction of air flow through the air to air aftercooler (if equipped) can cause overheating. Check for debris or deposits which would prevent the free flow of air through the aftercooler. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Aftercooler - Test".

18. Consider high outside temperatures. High outside temperatures will reduce the effectiveness of the cooling system. This may cause the engine to run at a higher temperature than the normal operating temperature.

19. Consider high altitude operation. The cooling capacity of the cooling system goes down as the engine is operated at higher altitudes. A pressurized cooling system that is large enough to keep the coolant from boiling must be used.

20. The engine may be running in the lug condition. When the load that is applied to the engine is too large, the engine will run in the lug condition. When the engine is running in the lug condition, engine rpm does not increase with an increase of fuel. This lower engine rpm causes a reduction in air flow through the radiator. This lower engine rpm also causes a reduction in coolant flow through the system. This combination of less air and less coolant flow during high input of fuel will cause above normal heating.