C1.5 and C2.2 Industrial Engines Caterpillar

Note: Some white smoke may be present during cold start-up conditions and during acceleration after a prolonged period at low idle. If the white smoke persists, there may be a fault.

Probable Causes

• Diagnostic codes

• Coolant temperature sensor circuit

• Low coolant temperature

• Cooling system

• Glow plugs

• Fuel quality

• Valve lash

• Low compression (cylinder pressure)

Recommended Actions

Diagnostic Codes

Use one of the following methods to check for active diagnostic codes:

• The electronic service tool

• The display on the control panel

Electronic Service Tool

1. Connect the electronic service tool to the diagnostic connector.

2. Check for active diagnostic codes on the electronic service tool.

3. Investigate any active codes before continuing with this procedure. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Troubleshooting with a Diagnostic Code".

Display on the Control Panel

Note: The following procedure is only applicable if the application is equipped with a display on the control panel.

1. Check the display on the control panel for active diagnostic codes.

2. Troubleshoot any active codes before continuing with this procedure. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Troubleshooting with a Diagnostic Code".

Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit

1. Connect the electronic service tool to the diagnostic connector.

2. Monitor the display screen on the electronic service tool in order to verify the presence of active diagnostic codes for the coolant temperature. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Engine Temperature Sensor Open or Short Circuit - Test".

3. If the fault has not been eliminated, proceed to "Low Coolant Temperature".

Low Coolant Temperature

Check that the water temperature regulator is operating correctly. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Water Temperature Regulator - Test".

If the water temperature regulator is operating correctly, proceed to "Cooling System".

Cooling System

Check for an internal coolant leak into the cylinder and/or the exhaust. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System".

If the cooling system has no leaks, proceed to "Glow Plugs".

Glow Plugs

1. Check for correct operation of the glow plugs. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing and Adjusting, "Glow Plugs - Test".

2. If necessary, replace faulty glow plugs. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Glow Plug - Remove and Install".

3. If the repairs do not eliminate the fault, proceed to "Fuel Quality".

Fuel Quality

1. Check the diesel fuel for quality. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Fuel Quality - Test".

   Note: Diesel fuel with a low cetane value is likely to cause white smoke.

2. If the repair does not eliminate the fault, proceed to "Valve Lash".

Valve Lash

1. Ensure that the valve lash is correct. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Engine Valve Lash - Inspect".

2. If the repair does not eliminate the fault, proceed to "Low Compression (cylinder pressure)".

Low Compression (cylinder pressure)

1. Perform a compression test. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Compression - Test ".

2. If low compression is noted on any cylinders, investigate the cause and rectify the cause.

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

   • Loose glow plugs

   • Faulty piston

   • Faulty piston rings

   • Worn cylinder bores

   • Worn valves

   • Faulty cylinder head gasket

   • Damaged cylinder head

3. Perform all necessary repairs.

4. Ensure that the repair has eliminated the fault.

5. If the repair does not eliminate the fault, contact the Technical Communicator at a Cat® dealer.