3512C Marine Auxiliary Generator Set Engines with Dynamic Gas Blending Caterpillar


Detonation Occurrence

Usage:

3512C GDM
Detonation occurrences will only limit the amount of gas that can be substituted in to the engine. The control system tries to reach the requested substitution level, but the primary focus is to protect the engine by reducing the actual amount of gas that is substituted when a detonation event occurs

Use this procedure in order to troubleshoot an occurrence of detonation for the engine. Also, use this procedure if one of the following diagnostic codes is active or logged.

Table 1
Diagnostic Codes Table    
J1939 Code and Description     Conditions which Generate this Code     System Response    
1352-15
Engine Cylinder #1 Knock Level : High - least severe (1)    
The level of detonation has exceeded the trip point.
The level of detonation has exceeded the trip point.    
The code is logged.
The alarm output is activated.
Gas substitution is reduced until the level detonation goes below the trip point.    
1353-15
Engine Cylinder #2 Knock Level : High - least severe (1)    
1354-15
Engine Cylinder #3 Knock Level : High - least severe (1)    
1355-15
Engine Cylinder #4 Knock Level : High - least severe (1)    
1356-15
Engine Cylinder #5 Knock Level : High - least severe (1)    
1357-15
Engine Cylinder #6 Knock Level : High - least severe (1)    
1358-15
Engine Cylinder #7 Knock Level : High - least severe (1)    
13539-15
Engine Cylinder #8 Knock Level : High - least severe (1)    
1360-15
Engine Cylinder #9 Knock Level : High - least severe (1)    
1361-15
Engine Cylinder #10 Knock Level : High - least severe (1)    
1362-15
Engine Cylinder #11 Knock Level : High - least severe (1)    
1363-15
Engine Cylinder #12 Knock Level : High - least severe (1)    

Probable Causes

  • Gas fuel quality

  • Excessive load

  • Excessive inlet air pressure

  • High inlet air temperature

  • Incorrect timing calibration

  • Faulty circuit for the detonation sensor

  • Excessive deposits in the combustion chamber

  • Cylinder misfire

  • Valve lash

  • Low inlet manifold air temperature

  • Incorrect air/fuel ratio

Recommended Actions

Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in the order of the listed test steps.

Table 2
Troubleshooting Test Steps     Values     Results    

1. Check for Active Codes and Logged Codes

A. Establish communication between Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) and the ECM. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electronic Service Tools", if necessary.

B. Monitor the diagnostic codes on Cat ET. Determine if a code is active or logged.

Note: Wait at least 30 seconds in order for diagnostic codes to become active.
   

Codes
   

Result: A code is active or logged.

Repair: Troubleshoot any codes before continuing with this procedure.

Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.

Result: A code is not active or logged.

Proceed to Test Step 2.
   

2. Check the Gas Fuel Quality

A. Obtain a gas sample. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual for directions using Gas Engine Rating Program (GERP) to determine the Methane Number.
   

Methane Number
   

Result: Methane Number is NOT OK.

Repair: Refer to Application and Installation Guide, LEBW4977, "Gaseous Fuels" to make sure the proper quality and filtration is being used.

Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.

Result: Methane Number is OK.

Proceed to Test Step 3.
   

3. Check for Excessive Load

Ensure that the load is not excessive. If necessary, disengage the driven equipment and test the engine.
   

Excessive Load
   

Result: The engine has an excessive load.

Repair: Repair or replace any necessary components.

Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.

Result: No excessive load on the engine.

Proceed to Test Step 4.
   

4. Check for Excessive Inlet Air Pressure

Note: The calculated engine load will increase as the inlet air pressure increases.

A. Measure the inlet air pressure during engine operation with a load. For specific data on the engine, refer to the performance data sheet for the engine.
   

Air Pressure
   

Result: The code was logged during a heavy load.

Repair: Reduce the load on the engine.

Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.

Result: The code was not logged during a heavy load.

Proceed to Test Step 5.
   

5. Check for High Inlet Air Temperature

A. Check for a restriction to the air flow through the aftercooler.
   

Air Temperature
   

Result: The inlet air temperature is high.

Repair: Refer to Troubleshooting, "Inlet Air Temperature Is High".

Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.

Result: The inlet air temperature is not high.

Continue with Test Step 5.

Result: The engine aftercooler was obstructed.

Repair: Remove the obstruction from the aftercooler.

Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.

Result: The engine aftercooler was not obstructed.

Proceed to Test Step 6.
   

6. Check for an Incorrect Timing Calibration

A. Perform a timing calibration on the engine.

Note: Only perform this procedure if work on the engine may have affected the engine timing. Also, perform this procedure if the engine speed/timing sensor has not been calibrated
   

Timing Calibration
   

Result: The timing calibration is not correct.

Repair: Refer to Troubleshooting, "Timing - Calibrate".

Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.

Result: The timing calibration is correct.

Proceed to Test Step 7.
   

7. Check for a Faulty Detonation Sensor Circuit

A. Check for active diagnostic codes or logged diagnostic codes that are related to the circuit for the detonation sensors.

B. Check the detonation sensors torque.
   

Codes and Torque
15 ± 3 N·m (11 ± 2 lb ft)
   

Result: A code is active or logged.

Repair: Troubleshoot the circuit for the detonation sensors, if necessary. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Detonation - Test".

Result: A code is not active or logged.

Continue with Test Step 7.

Result: The detonation sensors torque is OK.

Proceed to Test Step 8.

Result: The detonation sensors torque is NOT OK.

Repair: Torque detonation sensor.

Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.
   

8. Excessive Deposits in the Combustion Chamber

A. Check the oil level.

B. Use a borescope to inspect the cylinders. Look for the following conditions:

- Deposits on the valve seats
- Deposits on the valve faces
- Deposits on the cylinder walls that are above the upper limit of the piston stroke
- Signs of internal leaks

Note: Signs of internal leaks include excessive consumption of engine oil, blue smoke, and excessive detonation.
   

Engine Oil Level and Excessive Deposits
   

Result: The engine oil level is overfull.

Repair: Drain the engine oil to the correct level.

Result: The engine oil level is not overfull.

Continue with Test Step 8.

Result: Deposits and/or signs of internal leaks are found.

Repair: Investigate the cause of the condition. Make repairs, as needed.

Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.

Result: Deposits and/or signs of internal leaks are not found.

Proceed to Test Step 9.
   

9. Check for a Cylinder Misfire

Cylinder misfire can lead to detonation for an engine that is heavily loaded.
   

Misfire
   

Result: There is a misfire.

Repair: Troubleshoot the cause of the misfire. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Engine Misfires, Runs Rough, or Is Unstable".

Result: There is not a misfire.

Proceed to Test Step 10.
   

10. Check the Valve Lash
   

Valve Lash
   

Result: The valve lash is OK.

Proceed to Test Step 11.

Result: The valve lash is NOT OK.

Repair: Adjust the valve lash. Refer to Test and Adjust "Valve Lash - Adjust"
   

11. Check for Low Inlet Manifold Air Temperature

A. Check the inlet manifold air temperature.
   

Air Temperature
   

Result: The inlet manifold air temperature is OK.

Proceed to Test Step 12.

Result: The inlet manifold air temperature is NOT OK.

Repair: Troubleshoot the circuit and the temperature sensor. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Sensor Signal (Analog, Passive) - Test".

Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.
   
12. Check for Incorrect Air/Fuel Ratio

A. Verify the correct mixing tubes are installed..
   

Mixing Tubes
   

Result: Mixing tubes are OK.

Result: Mixing tubes are NOT OK.

Repair: Install the correct mixing tubes.

Verify that the repair eliminated the problem.
   

If the procedure did not correct the issue, contact your Cat dealer Technical Communicator (TC). For further assistance, your TC can confer with the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).

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