3406E and 3456 Generator Set Engines Caterpillar

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

• Cold mode

• Starting aids

• Coolant temperature sensor

• Water temperature regulators

• Engine speed/timing

• Unit injectors

• Personality module (flash file)

• Fuel supply

• Component wear

• Cooling system

Recommended Actions

Cold Mode

Use the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) to verify that the engine has exited cold mode. Cold mode operation varies the fuel injection amount for white smoke cleanup. Cold mode operation also varies the timing for white smoke cleanup.

Starting Aids

1. Check for proper operation of the jacket water heater. Repair the jacket water heater or replace the jacket water heater.

2. Ensure that the ether canister is not empty or low. Replace the ether canister if the ether canister is empty or low.

3. Actuate the ether injection system manually after start-up, and observe the results. The ether system will not operate if the coolant temperature is too high. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Ether Injection System - Test".

Coolant Temperature Sensor

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

2. Monitor the status of the coolant temperature on Cat ET. The coolant temperature should be equal to or greater than the ambient temperature prior to engine start-up. The temperature should increase slowly as the engine nears the normal operating temperature.

Water Temperature Regulators

1. Check the water temperature regulators for correct operation. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System" for the proper procedure.

2. If necessary, replace the water temperature regulators. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Water Temperature Regualtor - Remove and Install" for more information.

Engine Speed/Timing

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

2. Verify that the crankshaft and camshaft drive gears are set with the proper orientation. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Camshaft - Remove and Install".

Unit Injectors

1. Perform the "Cylinder Cutout Test" on Cat ET in order to try to isolate any injectors that might be misfiring. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Injector Solenoid Circuit - Test".

2. Cut out the individual cylinder for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Verify that the smoke decreases.

Personality Module

Verify that the correct personality module (flash file) is installed. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Programming Parameters".

Fuel Supply

1. Inspect the fuel system components.

2. Check for correct fuel pressure.

3. Check the fuel quality. Low cetane fuel can create white smoke. If necessary, replace the fuel with a higher cetane fuel.

4. In temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F), check for solidified fuel (wax). Refer to Special Instruction, SEBD0717, "Diesel Fuels And Your Engine".

Component Wear

1. Check the engine for the following problems: Excessive valve wear, piston wear, ring wear, liner wear and reduced compression pressure.

Cooling System

1. Check for an internal coolant leak into the cylinder and/or the exhaust. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System".