3126B Petroleum Engine Caterpillar

Excessive White Smoke

Usage:

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The connection of any electrical equipment and the disconnection of any electrical equipment may cause an explosion hazard which may result in injury or death. Do not connect any electrical equipment or disconnect any electrical equipment in an explosive atmosphere.

Note: Some white smoke may be present during cold start-up conditions when the engine is operating normally. If the white smoke persists, there may be a problem.

Probable Causes

Active diagnostic codes
Malfunctioning coolant sensor
Water temperature regulators
Incorrect engine timing
Engine misfire
Incorrect flash file
Fuel quality
Cooling system problem
Component wear

Recommended Actions

Active Diagnostic Codes

Check for active diagnostic codes on the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET). Troubleshoot any active codes before continuing with this procedure.

Malfunctioning coolant sensor

Use the Cat ET to verify that the engine has exited cold mode.

Compare the coolant temperature from Cat ET to the coolant temperature that is obtained from the 6V-9130 Temperature Adapter (MULTIMETER).

Water Temperature Regulators

Check the water temperature regulators for correct operation. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Water Temperature Regulator - Test" for the proper procedure.

Incorrect Engine Timing

Check the calibration of the engine speed/timing sensor. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Engine Speed/Timing Sensor - Calibrate".

Remove the engine's front cover. Ensure that crankshaft/camshaft timing is oriented so that the timing marks are in alignment. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly for the corresponding procedures.

Engine Misfire

Use Cat ET to perform the cylinder cutout test. Try to simulate the conditions for the test that were experienced during operation. Cut out each cylinder individually for approximately one minute in order to isolate any misfiring cylinders. If the misfire can be isolated to a specific cylinder, proceed to Troubleshooting, "Injector Solenoid Circuit - Test".

Incorrect Flash File

Verify that the correct flash file is installed in the Electronic Control Module (ECM). The part number for the flash file that is installed in the ECM will be displayed on the "Configuration" screen in Cat ET.

Fuel Quality

Cold weather adversely affects the characteristics of the fuel. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for information on improving the characteristics of the fuel during cold weather operation.

Cooling System Problem

Check for an internal coolant leak. Check for coolant in the engine oil, coolant in the cylinders, and coolant in the exhaust system. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System - Test".