C18 Marine Auxiliary and Marine 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 operation

• Jacket water heater

• Air inlet heater

• Coolant temperature

• Coolant leak

• Engine speed/timing sensor

• Flash file

• Unit injector

• Fuel quality

• Gear group

• Valve lash

Recommended Actions

Table 1

Troubleshooting Test Steps	Values	Results
1. Cold Mode Operation	Cold mode	Excessive white smoke emissions can occur during cold mode operation of the engine. During cold mode operation of the engine, the ECM can modify the injection timing and the ECM can cut out certain engine cylinders. This will increase startability and reduces 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.
2. Jacket Water Heater A. Check for proper operation of the jacket water heater, if applicable.	Heater	Result: The jacket water heater is OK. Proceed to Test Step 3. The jacket water heater is NOT OK. Repair the circuit for the jacket water heater, if necessary.
3. Air Inlet Heater A. Check for proper operation of the air inlet heater, if applicable.	Heater	Result: The air inlet heater is OK. Proceed to Test Step 4. Result: The air inlet heater is NOT OK. Refer to the particular test procedure for the application.
4. Coolant Temperature A. Check the coolant temperature.	Temperature	Result: The coolant temperature is reasonable for the conditions that are present. Proceed to Test Step 5. Result: The temperature is NOT reasonable for the conditions that are present. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Water Temperature Regulator - Test"
5. Coolant Leak A. Check for an internal coolant leak into the cylinder and/or the exhaust. Inspect the following components for defects that can cause internal coolant leakage: - Cylinder head - Cylinder head gasket - Cylinder liners - Turbocharger	Leak	Result: There is NOT an internal coolant leak. Proceed to Test Step 6. Result: There is an internal coolant leak. Make the necessary repairs. Verify that the problem is resolved.
6. Engine Speed/Timing Sensor A. Check the calibration of the engine speed/timing sensors.	Sensors	Result: The engine speed/timing sensors are calibrated correctly. Proceed to Test Step 7. Result: The engine speed/timing sensors are NOT calibrated correctly. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Timing - Calibrate" for more information.
7. Flash File A. Verify that the latest flash file is installed.	Software	Result: The latest flash file is installed. Proceed to Test Step 8. Result: The latest flash file is NOT installed. Install the latest flash file.
8. Injector A. Perform the "Cylinder Cutout Test" on Cat ET in order to isolate any cylinders that can be misfiring. A misfiring cylinder could be related to an injector that is worn or not operating properly. B. Cut out each individual cylinder for 30 to 60 seconds. Verify that the smoke decreases.	Unit Injector	Result: Cat ET does NOT indicate a problem. Proceed to Test Step 9. Result: Cat ET indicates a problem. Remove the electronic unit injector from the suspect cylinder. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly
9. Fuel Quality A. Obtain a fuel analysis. Low cetane fuel can create white smoke. If necessary, replace the fuel with a higher cetane fuel.	Fuel	Result: The fuel quality is OK. Proceed to Test Step 11. The fuel quality is NOT OK. Drain the fuel, and replace the fuel.
10. Front Gear Group A. Verify that the timing of the crankshaft and camshaft drive gears are set with the proper orientation.	Components	Result: The timing of the crankshaft and camshaft are oriented properly. Proceed to Test Step 11. Result: The timing of the crankshaft and camshaft are NOT oriented properly. Make the necessary repairs. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly for information that is related to the correct gear installation.
11. Valve Lash A. Check the valve lash.	Valve lash	Result: The valve lash is within specification. Result: The valve lash is NOT within specification. Set the valve lash to the correct specifications. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Engine Valve Lash - Inspect/Adjust"