C7 Marine Engine Caterpillar


Cooling System - Test

Usage:

C7 C7B
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. The formation of an air pocket or a steam pocket in this type of cooling system is difficult.




Illustration 1g00921815

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! ------

Personal injury can result from hot coolant, steam and alkali.

At operating temperature, engine coolant is hot and under pressure. The heat exchanger and all lines to heaters or the engine contain hot coolant or steam. Any contact can cause severe burns.

Remove the filler cap slowly to relieve pressure only when the engine is stopped and the filler cap for the heat exchanger is cool enough to touch with your bare hand.

Cooling System Conditioner contains alkali. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

----------------------

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.

The level of the coolant should not be more than 13 mm ( 0.5 inch) from the bottom of the filler pipe. If the cooling system is equipped with a sight glass, the coolant should be to the proper level in the sight glass.

Test Tools For Cooling System

Table 1
Tools Needed    
Part Number     Part Name     Quantity    
4C-6500     Digital Thermometer     1    
9S-8140     Pressurizing Pump     1    
9U-7400
or
1U-6602    
Multitach Tool Group
or
Photo-Tachometer    
1    
1U-7297     Coolant/Battery Tester     1    
1U-7298     Coolant/Battery Tester     1    

------ 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 2g00876179

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 3g00286276

9U-7400 Multitach Tool Group

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.

The 9U-7400 Multitach Tool Group can measure engine rpm from a magnetic pickup. This magnetic pickup is located in the flywheel housing. The magnetic pickup also uses the ability to measure engine rpm from visual engine parts that are rotating.




Illustration 4g00296064

1U-6602 Photo-Tachometer

The 1U-6602 Photo-Tachometer is a photo-tachometer that is held by hand for general use. The 1U-6602 Photo-Tachometer is a phototach, so this tachometer only registers basic input frequency on any visible, rotating part. The basic input frequency equals one revolution per a piece of reflective tape. The 1U-6602 Photo-Tachometer does not replace the 9U-7400 Multitach Tool Group.




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 Antifreeze 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 antifreeze 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 to the same freeze protection as your cooling system. The following chart assists in determining the concentration of antifreeze to use. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, " General Coolant Information".

Checking the Filler Cap

Table 2
Tools Needed    
Part Number     Part Name     Quantity    
9S-8140     Pressurizing Pump     1    

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




Illustration 7g01063350

(1) Sealing surface of filler cap and heat exchanger

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

Personal injury can result from hot coolant, steam and alkali.

At operating temperature, engine coolant is hot and under pressure. The heat exchanger and all lines to heaters or the engine contain hot coolant or steam. Any contact can cause severe burns.

Remove the filler cap slowly to relieve pressure only when the engine is stopped and the filler cap for the heat exchanger is cool enough to touch with your bare hand.

Cooling System Conditioner contains alkali. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

----------------------

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.

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

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

  1. Compare the gauge's reading with the opening pressure that is listed on the filler cap.

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

Testing The Heat Exchanger And Cooling System For Leaks

Table 3
Tools Needed    
Part Number     Part Name     Quantity    
9S-8140     Pressurizing Pump     1    

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

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

    Personal injury can result from hot coolant, steam and alkali.

    At operating temperature, engine coolant is hot and under pressure. The heat exchanger and all lines to heaters or the engine contain hot coolant or steam. Any contact can cause severe burns.

    Remove the filler cap slowly to relieve pressure only when the engine is stopped and the filler cap for the heat exchanger is cool enough to touch with your bare hand.

    Cooling System Conditioner contains alkali. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

    ----------------------

  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 heat exchanger.

  1. Ensure that the heat exchanger is full of coolant.

  1. Install the 9S-8140 Pressurizing Pump onto the heat exchanger.

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

  1. Check the heat exchanger for leakage on the outside.

  1. 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 4
Tools Needed    
Part Number     Part Name     Quantity    
4C-6500
or
2F-7112    
Digital Thermometer
or
Thermometer    
1    

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

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 heat exchanger.

----------------------

------ 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 (ET or ECAP).




Illustration 8g01054111

Test Location

(1) Plug

Remove the plug from one of ports (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. The reading on the water temperature indicator should agree with the test thermometer within the tolerance range of the water temperature indicator.

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