C175-16 Marine Engines Caterpillar


Testing the Cooling System

Usage:

C175-16 M6A
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. It is more difficult to create an air pocket or a steam pocket with this type of cooling system.



Illustration 1g01106438
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 affect 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 radiator and all lines to heaters or the engine contain hot coolant or steam. Any contact can cause severe burns.

Remove filler cap slowly to relieve pressure only when engine is stopped and radiator cap 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 
9S-8140  Pressurizing Pump 
9U-7400  Multitach Tool Group 
245-5829  Coolant/Battery Tester Gp 

------ 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 2g00313246
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

The 9U-7400 Multitach Tool Group is used to check the fan speed. Refer to Operating Manual, NEHS0605, "Tool Operating Manual (9U-7400 Multitach II Group, 9U-7401 Multitach II, 9U-7402 Multitach Photo Group)" for the testing procedure.



Illustration 4g00286369
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.

Check the coolant frequently in cold weather for the proper glycol concentration. Use the 245-5829 Coolant/Battery Tester Gp in order to ensure adequate freeze protection. The tester gives immediate, accurate readings. The tester can be used for coolants that contain ethylene or propylene glycol. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for additional information on the correct coolant mixture.

Checking the Coolant Recovery System

The following information will aid in troubleshooting problems that could be found during a routine check of the cooling system on a marine engine.

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

Leaking Coolant is Visible on Top of the Expansion Tank

The following items should be checked if coolant leaks from the top of the expansion tank.

  1. Verify that the recovery bottle is ventilated to the atmosphere and verify that there is not an obstruction in the vent.

  2. Remove the pressure cap on the expansion tank and check for foreign material between the top seal of the cap and the top of the filler neck. If foreign material is present, clean the cap and reinstall the cap.

  3. Check the condition of the filler neck on the expansion tank. If the filler neck is distorted, replace the filler neck. Also, if the neck contains nicks or excess solder, use an abrasive cloth to smooth the neck. Replace the filler neck or replace the expansion tank if the damage is beyond repair.

  4. Pressure test the top seal on the pressure cap.

    1. Pressurize the expansion tank with 34.5 kPa (5 psi) air through the recovery bottle by using 9S-8140 Pressurizing Pump. Ensure that the hose between the expansion tank and the recovery bottle is clear. If the hose is not clear, repair the hose before continuing.

    2. If leaking occurs between the pressure cap and the neck, replace the cap. After replacing the cap, repeat the test.

    3. If a leak still exists, replace the filler neck or replace the expansion tank, as needed.

Excessive Coolant is Being Passed to the Recovery Bottle

The following procedure can be used to diagnose an excessive amount of coolant flow to the recovery bottle.

Note: It is normal in marine applications for coolant to be transferred from the expansion tank to the recovery bottle during a typical warm-up period.

  1. Verify that the release for the primary pressure valve for the cap is 89.6 ± 20.7 kPa (13 ± 3 psi) by using 9S-8140 Pressurizing Pump. If the pressure is not within the specifications, replace the cap and retest the system.

  2. Verify that the expansion tank holds a minimum of 68.9 kPa (10 psi) pressure with the cap installed. If the expansion tank will not hold pressure, repair the tank or replace the tank.

Coolant Does not Leak Back into the Expansion Tank

The following procedure can be used to diagnose coolant that does not leak back into the expansion tank after the engine cools down.

  1. Perform a pressure test on the coolant recovery system at 34.5 kPa (5 psi). Refer to Step 4 of "Leaking Coolant is Visible on Top of the Expansion Tank" for the test procedure.

  2. Pressure should not leak off more than 3.4 kPa (0.5 psi) in five minutes. If the leak is excessive, inspect the following items for leaks:

    • Top seal on the cap

    • Neck

    • Recovery bottle

    • Connecting hose for the recovery bottle

    Note: A leak in the system can allow air to be sucked into the expansion tank when the engine is cooling down. This will result in coolant left in the recovery bottle.

Checking the Filler Cap

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

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



Illustration 5g01096114
Typical schematic of filler cap
(1) Sealing surface of both filler cap and radiator

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

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

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

Remove filler cap slowly to relieve pressure only when engine is stopped and radiator cap 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.

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

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

  4. Compare the gauges reading with the opening pressure that is listed on the filler cap.

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

Testing The Heat Exchanger And Cooling System For Leaks

Table 4
Tools Needed 
Part Number  Part Name  Quantity 
9S-8140  Pressurizing Pump 

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 radiator and all lines to heaters or the engine contain hot coolant or steam. Any contact can cause severe burns.

    Remove filler cap slowly to relieve pressure only when engine is stopped and radiator cap 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.

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

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

  4. Take the pressure reading on the gauge to 20 kPa (3 psi) more than the pressure on the filler cap. The pressure on a typical filler cap is 48.3 kPa (7 psi) to 103.42 kPa (15 psi).

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

  6. 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.

Note: Check the engine oil for evidence of coolant leakage.

The inside of the engine cooling system has leakage only if the following conditions exist:

  • The reading on the gauge goes down.

  • You do NOT observe any outside leakage.

  • Evidence of coolant on the engine oil gauge.

Make any repairs, as required.

Test For The Water Temperature Gauge

Table 5
Tools Needed 
Part Number  Part Name  Quantity 
4C-6500
or
2F-7112 
Digital Thermometer
or
Thermometer 

------ 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 radiator.


------ 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 coolant temperature indicator or coolant 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 Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET).

Remove a plug from one of the ports on the water manifold. 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. If necessary, place a cover over part of the exchanger in order to cause a restriction of the air flow. The reading on the water temperature indicator should agree with the test thermometer within the tolerance range of the coolant temperature indicator.

Caterpillar Information System:

2012/03/28 New Oil Cooler Cover Gaskets and Torque Sequence Are Used on Certain C7 and 3126 Marine Engines {1378, 7555}
2012/04/24 New Engine Software Is Used on Tier 4 Interim C9.3 Through C18 Industrial Engines {1901, 1902, 1920}
C175-16 Marine Engines Engine Oil Pressure - Test
Thermal Spray Procedures for OHT Front Duo-Cone Seal Retainer {0679, 3259, 4201, 4205} Thermal Spray Procedures for OHT Front Duo-Cone Seal Retainer {0679, 3259, 4201, 4205}
Thermal Spray Procedures for OHT Rear Duo-Cone Seal Retainer and Spacer {0679, 4051, 4201, 4251, 4267} Thermal Spray Procedures for OHT Rear Duo-Cone Seal Retainer and Spacer {0679, 4051, 4201, 4251, 4267}
140H and 160H Motor Graders Engine Supplement Air Compressor - Assemble
140H and 160H Motor Graders Engine Supplement Air Compressor - Disassemble
SPF343 and SPF343C Trailer Mounted Pumpers Engine Oil and Filter - Change
C175-16 Marine Engines Air Starting System
C175-16 Marine Engines Restriction of Air Inlet and Exhaust
SPF343 and SPF343C Trailer Mounted Pumpers Safety Messages - Type 2 Safety Messages
C175-16 Marine Engines Finding the Top Center Position for the No. 1 Piston
3500 Generator Sets Coolant (ELC) - Change
G3512 EPA Emergency and Non-Emergency Standby Generator Sets Coolant Level - Check
3516C Industrial Engine Configuration Parameters
3500 Generator Sets Coolant Temperature Regulator - Replace
C175-16 Marine Engines Coolant Temperature Sensor - Test
C175-16 Locomotive Engine Power Is Intermittently Low or Power Cutout Is Intermittent
CX48-P2300 Petroleum Transmission Transmission Torque Converter Housing
C1.5 and C2.2 Industrial Engines Alternator and Fan Belts - Inspect/Adjust
C175-16 Marine Propulsion Engines Engine Design
3500 Generator Sets Generator Winding - Test
PM3516 Power Modules Generator Winding Insulation - Test
G3512 EPA Emergency and Non-Emergency Standby Generator Sets Rotating Rectifier - Inspect/Test
Back to top
The names Caterpillar, John Deere, JD, JCB, Hyundai or any other original equipment manufacturers are registered trademarks of the respective original equipment manufacturers. All names, descriptions, numbers and symbols are used for reference purposes only.
CH-Part.com is in no way associated with any of the manufacturers we have listed. All manufacturer's names and descriptions are for reference only.