1981/09/14 Caterpillar

Troubleshooting: Water Pump Failures {1361,1350}

Usage:

3208 Engines

Reference: "Cooling System Cleaner Removes Rust And Corrosion" in the April 6, 1981, Service Magazine on Pages 6 and 7.

There have been reports that some 3208 Engines have had several water pump failures. It has been found that many of these failures were caused by problems other than the water pump. Bent or out-of-balance fans, fan belts which are not adjusted correctly, or foreign material in the cooling system are just a few problems that can decrease the service life of the water pump.

If foreign material (rust and scale) is found in the cooling system, it is possible the complete cooling system will need to be flushed to remove the rust and scale. There are several different chemical additives which can be used to remove the rust and scale. The publication "Know Your Cooling System," SEBD0518, has a list of some of these additives.

To flush the cooling system on 3208 Engines the water temperature regulator and the top radiator hose must be removed. The regulator housing can then be installed and the source of water connected to the outlet. The water will flow opposite the normal direction of flow. This will make it easier to remove the rust and scale.

At times it can be necessary to remove the three core plugs from the cylinder block to remove all of the rust and scale.

Make sure that all the foreign material is flushed from the cooling system. If a chemical additive was used, the cooling system must be flushed with enough clean water to remove all of the additive.

NOTE: Make sure the temperature regulators are installed after the cooling system has been cleaned.

Caterpillar Information System:

1981/09/14 Changes To BrakeSaver Groups Give Longer Service Life {1155}

1981/09/14 Updated, Improved Issue of Special Instruction, "Bench Testing Hydraulic Components," Now Available {0374,5050}

1981/09/14 New High Pressure Quick Disconnect Couplers And Nipples For Hydraulic Test Equipment {0651}

1981/09/07 New Support Prevents Vibration Of Left Side Oil Filters{1306,1318}

1981/09/07 One-Piece Panel Used For Oil Pan Sound Suppression{7260,1801,1302}

1981/09/07 New Exhaust Gas Recirculation Solenoid Used{1080}

1981/09/07 Use Hardware Rack To Keep Small Parts Together During Engine Disassembly And Assembly{0633}

1981/09/07 Plates Can Be Fabricated For Removal Of Spherical Bearings From Hydraulic Cylinders{0651,0623}

1981/09/07 Use Correct Parts In Oil Pressure Relief Valve{1315,1304}

1981/08/31 Thrust Washer Used In Pump Housing For Sleeve Metering Fuel System{1253,1286}

1981/08/31 6V3100 Diesel Timing Indicator Group Available To Check Engine/Fuel System Timing And Mechanical Advance During Operation{0653,1206,1156}

1981/08/31 FT1632 Bolt Used During Removal Of Sleeve From Sleeve Metering Fuel System{0621,1251,1253}

1981/09/14 Exhaust Manifold And Air Lines Changes Prevent Broken Studs And Exhaust Leaks {1059,1061}

1981/09/14 Timing Pin Removed From Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group; Change To Service Manuals {1286}

1981/09/14 Low Idle Instability: New Low Idle Setting {1264}

1981/09/14 Spring Pins No Longer Used In Water Pump Drive Gear {1361}

1981/09/21 Preventive Maintenance For Natural Gas Engine Spark Ignition System{1550,1552,1555,1558}

1981/09/21 New Dual Speed Switch Is Now Available{7418,7410,7411,1400}

1981/09/21 Use Only EPA-Approved Rack And Idle Setting; Change Seal, Date Plate{1257,1251,1264}

1981/09/21 Lubricant Gives Protection To Camshaft And Roller During Initial Start-Up{1210,1209}

1981/09/28 Oil Pan Drain Plug Has More Threads{1302}

1981/09/28 Wrong Assembly Or Adjustment Of Governor Linkage Can Cause Failure{1289,1264,1265}

1981/10/05 Service Manual Information About Inside Diameters Of Valve Guides{1104,0374}

1981/10/05 Hydraulic Cylinder Repair Stands And Kits Now Available From Caterpillar Parts Department{0623,0626}