C18 Petroleum Engine Caterpillar

Illustration 1	g01233007

Warning Lamp (1) - There is a general fault in the engine. Refer to the Messenger display for any additional information that may be available.

Circuit Breaker (2) - Reset the circuit breaker if a circuit breaker trips. Press the button in order to reset the circuit breaker. If the electrical system is working properly, the button will remain pressed. If the button does not remain pressed or if the circuit breaker trips soon after being reset, check the appropriate electrical circuit. Repair the electrical circuit, if necessary.

Diagnostic Lamp (3) - The diagnostic lamp is used to indicate the existence of a fault by flashing a fault code. For a more detailed discussion of the diagnostic lamp, please see this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Diagnostic Lamp" topic.

Start Switch (4) - The start switch has three positions: OFF, RUN and START. When the start switch is turned clockwise to the RUN position, the lamps will flash for five seconds during the system test. The lamps will then shut off. In the RUN position, the ECM and electronic systems are powered up.

Idle Speed Switch (5) - When the switch is in the up position, the engine speed increases to HIGH IDLE. When the switch is in the down position, the engine speed decreases to LOW IDLE.

Service Meter (6) - This display indicates the total operating hours of the engine. Use the display in order to determine the service hour maintenance intervals. Hours of operation are logged in the ECM. A service tool is needed to retrieve the hours from the ECM.

Shutdown Switch (7) - Use the engine shutdown switch in order to stop the engine. Push the shutdown switch in order to put the switch in the OFF position. This will stop the engine. After the engine stops, turn the knob clockwise. This will reset the engine shutdown switch to the ON position.

Tachometer (8) - This gauge indicates engine speed (rpm). When the throttle control lever is moved to the full throttle position without load, the engine is running at high idle. The engine is running at the full load rpm when the throttle control lever is at the full throttle position with maximum rated load.

Voltmeter (9) - This gauge indicates the voltage of the electrical system. The needle in the red range indicates low voltage or high voltage.

Fuel Pressure (10) - This gauge indicates fuel pressure to the fuel injection pump from the fuel filter. A decrease in fuel pressure usually indicates a dirty fuel filter or a plugged fuel filter. As the fuel filter becomes plugged, there will be a noticeable reduction in the engine's performance.

Ammeter (11) - This gauge indicates the amount of electrical charge or of discharge in the battery charging circuit. Operation of the indicator should be to the right side of "0"(zero).

Engine Oil Pressure (12) - The oil pressure should be greatest after a cold engine is started. The pressure will decrease as the engine warms up. The pressure will increase when the engine rpm is increased. The pressure will stabilize when the engine rpm is stable.

A lower oil pressure is normal at low idle. If the load is stable and the gauge reading changes, perform the following procedure:

1. Remove the load.

2. Reduce engine speed to low idle.

3. Check and maintain the oil level.

Note: The high idle rpm and the full load rpm are stamped on the Information Plate.

Jacket Water Coolant Temperature (13) - Typical temperature range is 87 to 98°C (189 to 208°F). Higher temperatures may occur under certain conditions. The water temperature reading may vary according to load. The reading should never exceed the boiling point for the pressurized system that is being used.

Engine Oil Temperature - This gauge indicates the engine oil temperature. Maximum oil temperature at rated speed with a full load is 115 °C (239 °F).