C32 Marine Engine Caterpillar

Cooling System - Check - Overheating

Usage:

C32 RXB

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

Show/hide table

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.

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.
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.
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 inside 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.
Check the water temperature gauge. A water temperature gauge which does not work correctly will not show the correct temperature. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System - Inspect".
Check the sending unit. In some conditions, the temperature sensor in the engine sends signals to a sending unit. The sending unit converts these signals to an electrical impulse which is used by a mounted gauge. If the sending unit 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.
Check the filler cap. A pressure drop in the radiator can cause the boiling point to be lower. This can cause the cooling system to boil. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System - Test".
Check for loose drive belts.
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".
Check for a restriction in the air inlet system. A restriction of the air that is coming into the engine can cause high cylinder temperatures. High cylinder temperatures require higher than normal temperatures in the cooling system. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Air Inlet and Exhaust System - Inspect".
1. If the measured restriction is higher than the maximum permissible restriction, remove the foreign material from the engine air cleaner element or install a new engine air cleaner element. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Air Cleaner Element - Clean/Replace".
2. Check for a restriction in the air inlet system again.
3. If the measured restriction is still higher than the maximum permissible restriction, check the air inlet piping for a restriction.
Check for a restriction in the exhaust system. A restriction of the air that is coming out of the engine can cause high cylinder temperatures.
1. Make a visual inspection of the exhaust system. Check for damage to exhaust piping or for a damaged muffler. If no damage is found, check the exhaust system for a restriction. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Air Inlet and Exhaust System - Inspect".
2. If the measured restriction is higher than the maximum permissible restriction, there is a restriction in the exhaust system. Repair the exhaust system, as required.
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.
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".
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".
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.
Check the aftercooler. A restriction of air flow through the aftercooler 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".
Consider high outside temperatures. When outside temperatures are too high for the rating of the cooling system, there is not enough of a temperature difference between the outside air and coolant temperatures.
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.