C32 Marine Engine Caterpillar


Cooling System - Test

Usage:

C32 RXB
This engine has a pressure type cooling system. A pressure type cooling system has two advantages. The cooling system can be operated in a safe manner at a temperature higher than the normal boiling point (steam) of water.

This type of system prevents cavitation in the water pump. Cavitation is the forming of low pressure bubbles in liquids that are caused by mechanical forces.



Illustration 1g00286266
Boiling point of water

Remember that temperature and pressure work together. When a diagnosis is made of a cooling system problem, temperature and pressure must be checked. Cooling system pressure will have an effect on the cooling system temperature. For an example, refer to Illustration 1. This will show the effect of pressure on the boiling point (steam) of water. This will also show the effect of height above sea level.

------ WARNING! ------

At operating temperature, the engine coolant is hot and under pressure.

Steam can cause personal injury.

Check the coolant level only after the engine has been stopped and the filler cap is cool enough to touch with the bare hand.

Remove the filler cap slowly to relieve pressure.

Cooling system conditioner contains alkali. Avoid contact with skin and eyes to prevent personal injury.


The coolant level must be to the correct level in order to check the coolant system. The engine must be cold and the engine must not be running.

After the engine is cool, loosen the pressure cap in order to relieve the pressure out of the cooling system. Then remove the pressure cap.

Test Tools For Cooling System

Table 1
Tools Needed 
Part Number  Part Name  Quantity 
4C-6500  Digital Thermometer 
8T-2700  Blowby/Air Flow Indicator 
9S-8140  Pressurizing Pump 
9U-7400  Multitach Tool Group 

------ WARNING! ------

Making contact with a running engine can cause burns from hot parts and can cause injury from rotating parts.

When working on an engine that is running, avoid contact with hot parts and rotating parts.




Illustration 2g00286267
4C-6500 Digital Thermometer

The 4C-6500 Digital Thermometer is used in the diagnosis of overheating conditions and in the diagnosis of overcooling conditions. This group can be used to check temperatures in several different parts of the cooling system. Refer to Operating Manual, NEHS0554, " 4C-6500 Digital Thermometer Group" for the testing procedure.



Illustration 3g00286269
8T-2700 Blowby/Air Flow Indicator

The 8T-2700 Blowby/Air Flow Indicator is used to check the air flow through the radiator core. Refer to Special Instruction, SEHS8712, "Using the 8T-2700 Blowby/Air Flow Indicator" for the test procedure for checking blowby.



Illustration 4g00286276
9U-7400 Multitach

The 9U-7400 Multitach Tool Group is used to check the fan speed. Refer to Operating Manual, NEHS0605, " 9U-7400 Multitach Tool Group " for the testing procedure.



Illustration 5g00286369
9S-8140 Pressurizing Pump

The 9S-8140 Pressurizing Pump is used to test the filler caps. This pressurizing pump is also used to pressure test the cooling system for leaks.



Illustration 6g00439083
1U-7297 Coolant/Battery Tester or 1U-7298 Coolant/Battery Tester

Check the coolant frequently in cold weather for the proper glycol concentration. Use either the 1U-7297 Coolant/Battery Tester or the 1U-7298 Coolant/Battery Tester in order to ensure adequate freeze protection. The testers are identical except for the temperature scale. The testers give immediate, accurate readings. The testers can be used for antifreeze/coolants that contain ethylene or propylene glycol.

Making the Correct Coolant Mixtures

Adding pure antifreeze as a makeup solution for the cooling system top-off is an unacceptable practice. Adding pure antifreeze increases the concentration of coolant in the cooling system. This increases the concentration of the dissolved solids and the undissolved chemical inhibitors in the cooling system. Add the antifreeze and water mixture in the same concentration as your cooling system. The following chart assists in determining the correct concentration of antifreeze and water. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "General Coolant Information".

Table 2
Coolant Concentrations 
Temperature  Concentration 
Protection to −15 °C (5 °F)  30% antifreeze and 70% water 
Protection to −23 °C (−10 °F)  40% antifreeze and 60% water 
Protection to −37 °C (−34 °F)  50% antifreeze and 50% water 
Protection to −51 °C (−60 °F)  60% antifreeze and 40% water 

Checking the Filler Cap

Table 3
Tools Needed 
Part Number  Part Name  Quantity 
9S-8140  Pressurizing Pump 

One cause for a pressure loss in the cooling system can be a damaged seal on the radiator filler cap.



Illustration 7g00296067
Typical schematic of filler cap
(1) Sealing surface of both filler cap and radiator

------ WARNING! ------

At operating temperature, the engine coolant is hot and under pressure.

Steam can cause personal injury.

Check the coolant level only after the engine has been stopped and the filler cap is cool enough to touch with the bare hand.

Remove the filler cap slowly to relieve pressure.

Cooling system conditioner contains alkali. Avoid contact with skin and eyes to prevent personal injury.


To check for the amount of pressure that opens the filler cap, use the following procedure:

  1. After the engine cools, carefully loosen the filler cap. Slowly release the pressure from the cooling system. Then, remove the filler cap.

    Carefully inspect the filler cap. Look for any damage to the seals and to the sealing surface. Inspect the following components for any foreign substances:

    • Filler cap

    • Seal

    • Surface for seal

    Remove any deposits that are found on these items, and remove any material that is found on these items.

  2. Install the filler cap on the 9S-8140 Pressurizing Pump.

  3. Look at the gauge for the exact pressure that opens the filler cap.

  4. Compare the gauge reading with the opening pressure that is listed on the filler cap.

  5. If the filler cap is damaged, replace the filler cap.

Testing The Expansion Tank And Cooling System For Leaks

Table 4
Tools Needed 
Part Number  Part Name  Quantity 
9S-8140  Pressurizing Pump 

Use the following procedure in order to check the cooling system for leaks:

    ------ WARNING! ------

    At operating temperature, the engine coolant is hot and under pressure.

    Steam can cause personal injury.

    Check the coolant level only after the engine has been stopped and the filler cap is cool enough to touch with the bare hand.

    Remove the filler cap slowly to relieve pressure.

    Cooling system conditioner contains alkali. Avoid contact with skin and eyes to prevent personal injury.


  1. After the engine is cool, loosen the filler cap slowly and allow pressure out of the cooling system. Then remove the filler cap from the expansion tank.

  2. Ensure that the coolant level is at the proper level.

  3. Install the 9S-8140 Pressurizing Pump onto the expansion tanks.

  4. Take the pressure reading on the gauge to 20 kPa (3 psi) more than the pressure on the filler cap.

  5. Check the expansion tank for leakage on the outside.

  6. Check all connection points for leakage, and check the hoses for leakage.

The cooling system does not have leakage only if the following conditions exist:.

  • You do NOT observe any outside leakage.

  • The reading remains steady after five minutes.

The inside of the cooling system has leakage only if the following conditions exist:

  • The reading on the gauge goes down.

  • You do NOT observe any outside leakage.

Make any repairs, as required.

Test For The Water Temperature Gauge

Table 5
Tools Needed 
Part Number  Part Name  Quantity 
4C-6500
or
2F-7112 
Digital Thermometer
or
Thermometer 

------ WARNING! ------

Making contact with a running engine can cause burns from hot parts and can cause injury from rotating parts.

When working on an engine that is running, avoid contact with hot parts and rotating parts.


Check the accuracy of the water temperature indicator or water temperature sensor if you find either of the following conditions:

  • The engine runs at a temperature that is too hot, but a normal temperature is indicated. A loss of coolant is found.

  • The engine runs at a normal temperature, but a hot temperature is indicated. No loss of coolant is found.

Coolant temperature can also be read on the display screens of the Electronic Service Tool.



Illustration 8g00681430
Typical example
(1) Water manifold assembly

Remove a plug from water manifold assembly (1). Install one of the following thermometers in the open port:

A temperature indicator of known accuracy can also be used to make this check.

Start the engine. Run the engine until the temperature reaches the desired range according to the test thermometer. If necessary, place a cover over part of the radiator in order to cause a restriction of the air flow. The reading on the water temperature indicator should agree with the test thermometer within the tolerance range of the water temperature indicator.

Caterpillar Information System:

C15 Petroleum Generator Set Engines Inlet Manifold Air Pressure Sensor
C32 Marine Engine Cooling System - Check - Overheating
C32 Marine Engines Aftercooler - Test
C32 Marine Engine Exhaust Temperature - Test
C32 Marine Engine Cooling System
C7 Marine Engine Coolant Level Sensor - If Equipped
C7 Marine Engine Engine Oil Temperature Sensor
2004/03/29 Thermocouple Assembly (Exhaust) Measures Engine Exhaust Temperatures {0701, 0776, 0781}
C7 Marine Engine Fuel Pressure Sensor - If Equipped
3126B Petroleum Engine Auxiliary Water Pump
C9 Marine Engines and C9 Marine Generator Sets Air Inlet Heater - Install
C9 Marine Engines and C9 Marine Generator Sets Air Inlet Heater - Remove
CIPI UNDERCARRIAGE Arrangements: 9Q5221, 9Q5234, 9Q5243, 9Q5245, 9Q5246, 9Q5247, 9Q5385, 9Q5433, 9Q5482, 9Q5622, 9Q5661, 9Q5719, 9Q5720, 9Q5721, 9Q5722, 9Q5830, 9Q5840, 9Q5857, 9Q5874, 9Q5883, 9Q5930 and 9Q5940 Maintenance Interval Schedule
Installation Instructions for the 9W-1490, 9W-1491, 9W-1494, 9W-1495 Service Meter Kits {7478} Installation Instructions for the 9W-1490, 9W-1491, 9W-1494, 9W-1495 Service Meter Kits {7478}
Cat Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations Extended Life Coolant
3600 and C280 Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations Extended Life Coolant Cooling System Maintenance
C7 Marine Engine Electric Starting Motor
C7 Marine Engine Electric Starting Motor
C32 Marine and Marine Generator Set Engines Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) System
C7 Marine Engine Valve Mechanism
C15 On-Highway Engine Compression - Test
C32 Marine and Marine Generator Set Engines Engine Oil Pressure - Test
2004/03/01 Hydraulically Fractured Connecting Rods are Now In Production for 3054, 3054B, 3054C, 3054E and 3056E Engines {1218}
2004/02/16 Hydraulically Fractured Connecting Rods are Now In Production for 3054, 3054B, 3054C, 3054E and 3056E Engines {1218}
Back to top
The names Caterpillar, John Deere, JD, JCB, Hyundai or any other original equipment manufacturers are registered trademarks of the respective original equipment manufacturers. All names, descriptions, numbers and symbols are used for reference purposes only.
CH-Part.com is in no way associated with any of the manufacturers we have listed. All manufacturer's names and descriptions are for reference only.