C7 Petroleum Engine Caterpillar

• In-Line six cylinder

• Hydraulically Actuated Electronic Unit Injection (HEUI)

• Turbocharged

• Air-to-air aftercooled

Engine Specifications

Note: The front end of the engine is opposite the flywheel end of the engine. The left and the right sides of the engine are determined from the flywheel end. The number 1 cylinder is the front cylinder.

Illustration 1	g00407141
Cylinder and valve location (A) Exhaust valve (B) Inlet valve

Electronic Engine Features

The Caterpillar C7 Industrial Engines are designed for electronic controls. The integral on board computer controls the operation of the engine. Current operating conditions are monitored. The Electronic Control Module (ECM) controls the response of the engine to these conditions and to the demands of the operator. These conditions and operator demands determine the precise control of fuel injection by the ECM. The electronic engine control system provides the following features:

• Engine speed governor

• Automatic air/fuel ratio control

• Torque rise shaping

• Injection timing control

• System diagnostics

For more information on electronic engine features, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Features and Controls" topic (Operation Section).

Additional Features

The following additional features provide increased engine fuel economy and serviceability:

• Cold starting capability

• Tampering detection

• Diagnostics

Hydraulic Electronic Unit Injectors

Hydraulically Actuated Electronic Unit Injectors (HEUI) perform the following functions: pumping of fuel, fuel metering and fuel timing.

The unit injectors are controlled by the ECM which uses the camshaft position and the engine speed signals from the engine speed/timing sensors and the inlet air pressure sensors. The rated rpm of the engine is identified on the Information Plate.

Engine Diagnostics

The engine has built-in diagnostics in order to ensure that all of the components are functioning properly. In the event of a deviation from the programmed limits, the operator will be alerted to the condition by a "DIAGNOSTIC" lamp that is mounted on the control panel. Under certain conditions, the engine horsepower may be limited. A Caterpillar electronic service tool may be used to display the diagnostic code.

There are three types of diagnostic codes: active, logged and event.

Most of the diagnostic codes are logged and stored in the ECM. For additional information, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Diagnostics" topic (Operation Section).

The ECM provides an electronic governor that controls the injector output in order to maintain the desired engine rpm. The functionality of electronic governor is similar to the Caterpillar mechanical governor.

Engine Cooling and Lubrication

The cooling system consists of the following components:

• Centrifugal pump that is driven by belts

• Water temperature regulator which regulates the engine coolant temperature

• Oil cooler and radiator which incorporates a shunt system

The engine lubricating oil that is supplied is cooled. The engine lubricating oil is also filtered. Bypass valves provide unrestricted flow of lubrication oil to the engine components during the following conditions:

• High oil viscosity

• Plugged oil cooler or plugged oil filter elements (paper cartridge)

Engine Service Life

Engine efficiency and maximum utilization of engine performance depend on the adherence to proper operation and maintenance recommendations. In addition, use recommended fuels, coolants, and lubricants. Use the Operation and Maintenance Manual as a guide for required engine maintenance.

Expected engine life is predicted by the average power that is demanded. The average power that is demanded is based on fuel consumption of the engine over time. Reduced hours of operation at full throttle and/or operating at reduced throttle settings result in a lower average power demand. Reduced hours of operation will increase the length of operating time before an engine overhaul is required. For more information, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Overhaul Considerations" topic (Maintenance Section).

Aftermarket Products and Caterpillar Engines

When auxiliary devices, accessories, or consumables (filters, additives, catalysts, etc) which are made by other manufacturers are used on Caterpillar products, the Caterpillar warranty is not affected simply because of such use.

However, failures that result from the installation or use of other manufacturers' devices, accessories, or consumables are NOT Caterpillar defects. Therefore, the defects are NOT covered under the Caterpillar warranty.

Welding and Caterpillar Electronic Engines

To help avoid damage to the electronic controls, proper welding procedures are necessary. Before welding on an engine that is equipped with electronic controls, observe the following precautions:

1. Turn off the engine. Place the key start switch in the OFF position.

2. If the machine has a battery disconnect switch, open the switch. Otherwise, disconnect the negative "-" battery cable from the battery of the vehicle.

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NOTICE
Do not ground the welder to electrical components such as the ECM or sensors. Improper grounding can cause damage to the drive train bearings, hydraulic components, electrical components, and other components. Clamp the ground cable from the welder to the component that will be welded. Place the clamp as close as possible to the weld. This will help reduce the possibility of damage.

3. Clamp the ground cable from the welder to the component that will be welded. Place the clamp as close as possible to the weld.

4. Protect wiring harnesses from welding debris and spatter. Use proper welding procedures.