C7 and C9 Petroleum Engines Caterpillar

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The connection of any electrical equipment and the disconnection of any electrical equipment may cause an explosion hazard which may result in injury or death. Do not connect any electrical equipment or disconnect any electrical equipment in an explosive atmosphere.

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 (if applicable)

• Coolant temperature sensor

• Engine speed/timing

• Unit injectors

• Flash file

• Fuel supply

• Component wear

• Cooling system

Recommended Actions

Cold Mode

Excessive white smoke emissions may occur during cold mode operation of the engine. During cold mode operation of the engine, the Electronic Control Module (ECM) may modify the injection timing and the ECM may cut out certain engine cylinders. This will increase startability and this will reduce warm up time. Cold mode is activated whenever the engine coolant temperature falls below a predetermined value. Cold mode remains active until the engine has warmed or a time limit is exceeded.

Starting Aids (If Applicable)

1. If a jacket water heater is installed on your application, check for proper operation of the circuit. Repair the circuit for the jacket water heater, if necessary.

2. If an air inlet heater is installed on the application, ensure that the heater is operating correctly. Refer to the particular test procedure for your application.

3. If the application has an ether injection system, ensure that the ether canister is not empty or low. Replace the ether canister if the ether canister is empty or low. If an electrical problem with the ether injection system is suspected, refer to the particular test procedure for your application.

Coolant Temperature Sensor

Compare the coolant temperature from Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) to the coolant temperature that is obtained from the 6V-9130 Temperature Adapter (MULTIMETER). Ensure that the temperature readings are reasonable for the conditions that are present.

Engine Speed/Timing

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

2. Verify that the timing of the crankshaft and camshaft drive gears are set with the proper orientation. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly for information that is related to the correct gear installation.

Unit Injectors

1. Perform the "Cylinder Cutout Test" on Cat ET in order to try to isolate any cylinders that may be misfiring. A misfiring cylinder could be related to an injector that is worn or in poor repair. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Injector Solenoid - Test".

2. Cut out each individual cylinder for 30 to 60 seconds. Verify that the smoke decreases.

3. If Cat ET indicates a problem, remove the electronic unit injector from the suspect cylinder. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly.

Flash File

Verify that the correct flash file is installed in the ECM. Refer to Troubleshooting, "ECM Software - Install".

Fuel Supply

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

Component Wear

1. Check the valve lash and reset the valve lash, if necessary. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting.

2. Possible causes of low compression are shown in the following list:

   • Faulty piston

   • Faulty piston rings

   • Worn cylinder bores

   • Worn valves

   • Faulty cylinder head gasket

   • Damaged cylinder head

3. Perform all necessary repairs. Ensure that the repairs have eliminated the problem.

4. If the repair does not eliminate the problem, reinstall the electronic unit injectors that were removed and continue with this test procedure.

Cooling System

Check for an internal coolant leak into the cylinder and/or the exhaust. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting for information on inspecting the cooling system.