C13 Generator Set Caterpillar

Intended Use

This Power Generator is intended for generating electrical power.

Engine Information

These Caterpillar Engines provide the following features:

• Four stroke cycle

• Electronic engine control

• Direct injection fuel system

• Mechanically actuated electronic unit injectors

• Turbocharger

• Air-to-air aftercooler

Engine Specifications

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

Illustration 1	g00284836
Cylinder and valve locations (A) Inlet valves (B) Exhaust valves

Electronic Engine Features

These Caterpillar Engines are designed for electronic controls. These engines have an integral on board computer that is called an Electronic Control Module (ECM). The ECM monitors current engine conditions and power requirements. The optimum engine response is calculated and instructions are sent to the engine control systems. The systems respond and the engine responds accordingly. Total engine control is realized through the control of the fuel system and the engine speed/timing system. The electronic engine control system provides the following features:

• Engine speed governing

• Injection timing control

• Automatic air/fuel ratio control

• Torque rise shaping

• Engine monitoring and protection

The ECM provides the electronic governing of fuel delivery in order to dictate the following engine controls: engine speed setpoint, engine timing accuracy, air/fuel ratio control and torque rise fuel setting.

Electronically controlled, mechanically actuated unit injectors combine pumping, electronic fuel metering (duration and timing), and injecting elements of the fuel system into a single unit. Each cylinder has an independent unit injector.

Fuel metering is controlled by an electrical signal that is sent to the injector solenoid from the ECM. High fuel injection pressures are produced by the unit injector pump. High injection pressures and accurate fuel metering ensure good fuel atomization and thorough combustion. This state-of-the-art technology provides the engine with the following benefits: reduced fuel consumption, controlled smoke emissions and electronically controlled acceleration ramp rates.

The engine timing control and speed control are provided by the ECM. The speed/timing circuit consists of two speed/timing sensors. During engine cranking, the ECM uses the timing signal from the secondary speed/timing sensor. The timing signal from the primary speed/timing sensor is used by the ECM while the engine speed is greater than cranking speed. Utilizing two sensors for this circuit has several advantages. Each of the speed/timing sensors is treated as a discrete component by the ECM. If the signal from a sensor becomes suspect the ECM will use the signal from the other sensor in order to keep the engine operational.

Injection duration is also managed by the ECM. The duration of the fuel injection cycle determines the engine speed. The placement of the injection cycle in relation to the crankshaft position will determine the timing advance. The speed/timing circuit provides information to the fuel cooled ECM for detection of crankshaft position and engine speed. This information is utilized by the ECM in order to control desired engine speed and engine timing.

The ECM changes injection timing according to engine operating conditions and demand. Improved timing control results in improved performance. Improvements in several aspects of engine operation will be realized: better engine starting ability, shorter response times, reduced emissions, reduced noise and optimized fuel consumption.

Engine monitoring and interactive diagnostics are also provided by the ECM. Essential engine operating conditions and diagnostic information are monitored and recorded in the ECM memory. The ECM quantifies the information. The information is then compared to an acceptable range of values. If the values are not within the acceptable range, then the diagnostic information is communicated to the operator and the abnormal condition is stored in ECM memory.

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

Engine Cooling and Lubrication

The cooling system consists of the following components:

• Self-priming centrifugal type pump that is driven by gears

• Water temperature regulators which regulate the engine coolant temperature

• Engine oil cooler which is used to transfer excess heat from the engine oil to the cooling system

• Radiator

The engine lubricating oil is supplied by a high-pressure oil pump. The engine lubricating oil is cooled and 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 a period. 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 Operation and Maintenance Manual, SEBU7902, "Overhaul Considerations".

Generator Description

These brushless generators are used with the following loads: mixed loads of motors and lights, SCR-controlled equipment, computer centers, installations of communications and petroleum drilling applications. The elimination of the brushes in the field circuit reduces maintenance. The elimination of the brushes in the field circuit increases reliability. The elimination of brushes provides a higher degree of protection in potentially hazardous atmospheres.

The generator set packages can be utilized for prime power generation or standby power generation. The generator set packages can be used in land-based applications or marine applications.

The generators have four poles. The generators have six or twelve lead configurations. The configuration depends on the frame size. The generators can produce electrical power in either 50 Hz or 60 Hz applications.

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.