C15 and C18 Industrial Engines Caterpillar

Note: If the problem is intermittent and the problem cannot be duplicated, refer to Troubleshooting, "Power Is Intermittently Low or Power Cutout Is Intermittent".

Note: If the problem only occurs under certain conditions, test the engine under those conditions. Examples of certain conditions are high rpm, full load and engine operating temperature. Troubleshooting the symptoms under other conditions can give misleading results.

Probable Causes

• Diagnostic codes

• Fuel supply

• Throttle

• Air intake and exhaust system

• Cylinder performance

• Electrical connectors

• Electronic unit injectors

Recommended Actions

Diagnostic Codes

Check for active diagnostic codes on Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET). Troubleshoot any active codes before continuing with this procedure.

Fuel Supply

1. Visually check the fuel level. Do not rely on the fuel gauge only. If necessary, add fuel. If the engine has been run out of fuel, it will be necessary to purge the air from the fuel system. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual for more information.

2. Ensure that the fuel supply valve (if equipped) is in the full OPEN position.

3. Check the fuel lines for the following problems: restrictions, collapsed lines, pinched lines and loose connections. If problems are found with the fuel lines, repair the lines and/or replace the lines.

4. Prime the fuel system if any of the following procedures have been performed:
   • Replacement of the fuel filters

   • Service on the low pressure fuel supply circuit

   • Replacement of unit injectors

   Note: A sight glass in the low pressure supply line is helpful in diagnosing air in the fuel. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting.

5. Check the fuel tank for foreign objects which may block the fuel supply.

6. Check the fuel filters.

7. Check the diesel fuel for contamination. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting.

8. Cold weather adversely affects the characteristics of the fuel. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for information on improving the characteristics of the fuel during cold weather operation.

Throttle

There may be a problem with the throttle. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Speed Control - Test".

Air Intake and Exhaust System

1. Check the air filter restriction indicator, if equipped. Clean plugged air filters or replace plugged air filters. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual.

2. Check the air inlet and exhaust system for restrictions and/or leaks. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting.

Cylinder Performance

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

2. Check for correct installation of the unit injector connectors. Check for correct installation of all other applicable connectors. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electrical Connectors - Inspect".

3. Perform the "Cylinder Cutout Test" on Cat ET in order to identify any injectors that might be misfiring.

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

5. 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

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

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

Electronic Unit Injectors

1. Perform the "Injector Solenoid Test" on Cat ET in order to determine if all of the injector solenoids are being energized by the ECM.

2. Perform the "Cylinder Cutout Test" on Cat ET in order to identify any injectors that might be misfiring.

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

4. Ensure that the repairs have eliminated the problem. If there is still a problem, refer to Troubleshooting, "Injector Solenoid - Test".