The design of the fuel system is a Hydraulic Electronic Unit Injector (HEUI). This type of system eliminates many of the mechanical components that are used in a pump-and-line system. The electronic control and hydraulic actuation of the HEUI provides increased control of the timing and increased control of the fuel injection pressure. The timing advance is achieved by precise control of the unit injector timing. Engine speed is controlled by adjusting the injection duration. A special speed-timing wheel provides information to the Electronic Control Module (ECM) for detection of cylinder position and engine speed.
The engine has built-in diagnostics in order to ensure that all of the components are operating properly. In the event of a system component failure, the operator will be alerted to the condition by the "Check Engine" light. The Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET) can be used to read the numerical code of the faulty component or condition. Intermittent faults are also logged and stored in memory.
The engine's ECM will automatically provide the correct amount of fuel in order to start the engine. Do not hold the throttle down while the engine is cranking. If the engine fails to start in twenty seconds, release the starting switch. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes before using the starting motor again.
The ECM will set the cold start strategy when the coolant temperature is below 20 °C (68 °F).
When the cold start strategy is activated, low idle rpm will be increased and engine power will be limited.
Cold mode operation will be deactivated when any of the following conditions have been met:
- Coolant temperature reaches 20 °C (68 °F).
- The engine has been running for twelve minutes.
Cold mode operation uses a modified control map, that is stored in the ECM, in order to adjust the fuel injection timing and the injection duration for white smoke cleanup. The engine will usually exit the cold mode operation before the walk-around inspection is completed. During cold mode operation, the engine will remain at the elevated rpm that has been specified for the engine.
After the cold mode is completed, the engine should be operated at low rpm until normal operating temperature is reached. The engine will reach normal operating temperature faster when the engine is operated at low rpm and low power demand.
The engine is capable of being programmed for several programmable parameters. For a brief explanation of each of the programmable parameters, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for your engine.