C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Caterpillar


Engine Misfires, Runs Rough or Is Unstable

Usage:

C7.1 770
Note: If the fault is intermittent and the fault cannot be duplicated, refer to Troubleshooting, "Power Is Intermittently Low or Power Cutout Is Intermittent".

Note: If the fault only occurs under certain conditions, test the engine under those conditions. Examples of certain conditions are high rpm, full load, and engine operating temperature. Troubleshooting the symptoms under other conditions can give misleading results.

Probable Causes

  • Diagnostic codes

  • Air intake and exhaust system

  • Fuel supply

  • Transfer Pump Inlet Regulator (TPIR)

  • Electric Fuel Lift Pump (EFLP)

  • Return fuel lines

  • Throttle position sensor

  • CAN data link

  • High-pressure fuel pump

  • Low compression (cylinder pressure)

  • Electronic unit injectors

  • Individual malfunctioning cylinder

Recommended Actions

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

Table 1
Troubleshooting Test Steps  Values  Results 

1. Diagnostic Codes

A. Establish communication between the electronic service tool and the Electronic Control Module (ECM). Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electronic Service Tools", if necessary.

B. Download the Warranty Report and the Product Status Report with Histograms before performing any troubleshooting or clearing any diagnostic codes.

Note: The downloaded information will be required by the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN) if troubleshooting assistance is needed.


C. Use the electronic service tool to check for active or logged codes.
 

Codes
 

Result: There are active codes.

Repair: Troubleshoot any active codes before continuing with this procedure.

Result: There are no active codes.

Proceed to Test Step 2.
 

2. Air Intake and Exhaust System

A. Check the air filter restriction indicator, if equipped.

B. Ensure that the air filter is clean and serviceable.

C. Check the air intake and exhaust systems for the following defects:
· Blockages
· Restrictions
· Damage to lines or hoses
 

Air intake and exhaust system
 

Result: The air filter is blocked.

Repair: Install a new air filter. Check that the fault has been eliminated.

Result: The air intake or exhaust system is blocked or damaged.

Repair: Repair the air intake or exhaust system. Check that the fault has been eliminated.

Result: The air intake and exhaust system are not blocked or damaged.

Proceed to Test Step 3.
 

3. Fuel Supply

A. Visually check the fuel tank for fuel. The fuel gauge may be faulty.

B. Ensure that the vent in the fuel cap is not filled with debris.

C. Ensure that the fuel supply valve (if equipped) is in the full OPEN position.

D. Check the primary filter/water separator for water in the fuel.

E. Check for fuel supply lines that are restricted.

F. Check that the Electric Fuel Lift Pump (EFLP) is operating. If the EFLP is suspect, refer to Troubleshooting, "Relay - Test (Electric Fuel Lift Pump)".

G. Check for air in the fuel system. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Air in Fuel - Test".

H. Obtain a fuel analysis to confirm that the correct fuel is being used. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Fuel Quality - Test" for the correct procedure.
 

Fuel supply
 

Result: There is air in the fuel system.

Repair: Prime the fuel system. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Fuel System - Prime".

Result: The fuel quality is not OK.

Repair: Replace the fuel. Replace the in line fuel filter that is upstream of the EFLP. Replace the primary and secondary fuel filters. Verify that the repair eliminated the fault.

Proceed to Test Step 14.

Result: The fuel quality is OK.

Proceed to Test Step 4.
 


Illustration 1g03750256
Transfer Pump Inlet Regulator (TPIR) components
(1) Transfer Pump Inlet Regulator (TPIR)
(2) TPIR return port


Illustration 2g02355128
Minimum TPIR flow rate in a 12 VDC system


Illustration 3g02355130
Minimum TPIR flow rate in a 24 VDC system

Table 2
Troubleshooting Test Steps  Values  Results 

4. Transfer Pump Inlet Regulator (TPIR) Flow Test

Refer to Illustration 1.

A. Disconnect the TPIR return line from the drain port on the TPIR. Install a suitable blanking cap on the open port in the TPIR return line.

B. Connect a temporary drain line to the drain port on the TPIR.

C. Place the end of the temporary drain line into a suitable calibrated container.

D. With the isolator switch in the ON position but the engine not running, use a suitable multimeter to measure the input voltage to the EFLP. Record the reading.

E. With the isolator switch in the ON position but the engine not running, measure the fuel flow from the temporary drain line.

F. Refer to Illustration 2 or 3 for the minimum acceptable flow rate.

G. Remove the temporary drain line from the drain port on the TPIR. Connect the TPIR return line to the TPIR.
 

TPIR flow rate
 

Result: The fuel flow is greater than the minimum limit.

Proceed to Test Step 6.

Result: The fuel flow is less than the minimum limit.

Proceed to Test Step 5.
 


Illustration 4g02527498
Minimum EFLP flow rate in a 12 VDC system


Illustration 5g02527518
Minimum EFLP flow rate in a 24 VDC system

Table 3
Troubleshooting Test Steps  Values  Results 

5. EFLP Flow Test at the Primary Fuel Filter Inlet

A. Make sure the keyswitch is in the OFF position.

B. Disconnect the fuel inlet connection from the primary fuel filter head.

C. Install a suitable blank on the fuel inlet port on the primary fuel filter head.

D. Place the open end of the fuel inlet line in a suitable calibrated container.

E. With the keyswitch in the ON position, measure the input voltage at the EFLP. Record the result.

F. With the keyswitch in the ON position, measure the flow from the fuel inlet line. Record the result.

G. Check the recorded voltage and fuel flow on the graph in Illustration 4 or 5.
 

EFLP flow
 

Result: The fuel flow is below the minimum value for the recorded voltage.

Repair: Replace the EFLP. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Fuel Priming Pump - Remove and Install".

Result: The fuel flow is above the minimum value for the recorded voltage.

Proceed to Test Step 6.
 

6. Check the Return Fuel Lines

A. Make sure that the TPIR return line is not blocked or kinked.

B. If the TPIR return line is clear, confirm that the Electric Fuel Lift Pump (EFLP) is operating. Make sure that fuel lines between the EFLP and the TPIR are not blocked or kinked.
 

Return lines
 

Result: The TPIR return line or the fuel lines between the EFLP and the TPIR are blocked or kinked.

Repair: Clear or replace the blocked line.

Proceed to Test Step 14.

Result: The TPIR return line and the fuel lines between the EFLP and the TPIR are clear.

Repair: Replace the EFLP.

If the fault is still present, proceed to Test Step 7.

If the fault is eliminated, proceed to Test Step 14.
 

7. Throttle Position Sensor

Note: This Test Step is only applicable if the machine has a hand or foot throttle.

A. Use the electronic service tool and observe the signal for the throttle position sensor. Make sure that the throttle response is smooth and progressive.
 

Throttle
 

Result: The throttle position sensor response is erratic.

Repair: Test the throttle position sensor. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Speed Control (Analog) - Test" or Troubleshooting, "Speed Control (PWM) - Test".

Proceed to Test Step 14.

Result: The throttle position sensor response is OK.

Proceed to Test Step 8.
 

8. Check the CAN Data Link

Note: This Test Step is only applicable if the desired engine speed signal is sent through the CAN data link.

A. Use the electronic service tool to check for diagnostic codes that are related to the CAN data link.
 

Throttle
 

Result: The CAN data link is suspect.

Repair: Test the CAN data link. Refer to Troubleshooting, "CAN Data Link - Test".

Proceed to Test Step 14.

Result: The CAN data link is OK.

Proceed to Test Step 9.
 

9. High-Pressure Fuel Pump SCV

A. Use the electronic service tool to perform a solenoid test on the fuel injection pump. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Solenoid Valve - Test". 

HP fuel pump 

Result: The solenoid valve test fails.

Repair: Replace the HP fuel pump SCV and solenoid assembly.

Proceed to Test Step 14.

Result: The solenoid valve test passes successfully.

Proceed to Test Step 10.
 

10. High-Pressure Fuel Pump

Note: The fuel injection pump that is installed by the factory is a nonserviceable item. If any fault occurs within the fuel injection pump, the fuel injection pump must be replaced.

A. Use the electronic service tool to select the correct screen to display any diagnostic trouble codes that relate to the fuel injection pump. 

HP fuel pump 

Result: There are diagnostic codes associated with the high-pressure fuel pump.

Repair: Diagnose the codes. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Troubleshooting with a Diagnostic Code".

If necessary, replace the high-pressure fuel pump.

Proceed to Test Step 14.

Result: The high-pressure fuel pump is OK.

Proceed to Test Step 11.
 

11. Low Compression (Cylinder Pressure)

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

Cylinder compression
 

Result: The results of the compression test are outside the specifications.

Repair: Investigate the cause and rectify any faults.

Note: 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

Proceed to Test Step 14.

Result: The results of the compression test are OK.

Proceed to Test Step 12.
 

------ WARNING! ------

Contact with high pressure fuel may cause fluid penetration and burn hazards. High pressure fuel spray may cause a fire hazard. Failure to follow these inspection, maintenance and service instructions may cause personal injury or death.



NOTICE

Contact with high-pressure fuel may cause personal injury or death. Wait 10 minutes after the engine has stopped to allow fuel pressure to purge before any service or repair is performed on the engine fuel lines.


Table 4
Troubleshooting Test Steps  Values  Results 

12. Electronic Unit Injectors

A. Use the electronic service tool to perform the automatic "Cylinder Cut Out Test".

Note: If the compression test that was performed in Test Step 11 was satisfactory, the "Cylinder Cut Out Test" will identify any faulty injectors.
 

Electronic Unit Injectors
 

Result: A faulty injector is indicated.

Repair: Remove any faulty electronic unit injectors. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Electronic Unit Injector - Remove".

Install new electronic unit injectors. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Electronic Unit Injector - Install".

Repeat the automatic "Cylinder Cut Out Test". If the fault is still apparent, remove the replacement electronic unit injector and install the original electronic unit injector. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Electronic Unit Injector - Remove" and Disassembly and Assembly, "Electronic Unit Injector - Install".

Proceed to Test Step 14.

Result: All injectors are OK.

Proceed to Test Step 13.
 

13. Individual Malfunctioning Cylinders

A. With the engine speed at a fast idle, use the electronic service tool to perform the manual "Cylinder Cut Out Test".

As each cylinder is cut out, listen for a change in the sound from the engine. When a cylinder is cut out, there should be a noticeable change in the sound of the engine.

If a change in the sound of the engine is not noted, the isolated cylinder is not operating under normal conditions. If the isolation of a cylinder results in a change in the sound that is less noticeable, the cylinder may be operating below normal performance.
 

Cylinders
 

Result: The test indicates a faulty cylinder.

Repair: Investigate the cause of the fault on any cylinder that is not operating. Investigate the cause of the fault on any cylinder that is operating below normal performance.

Proceed to Test Step 14.

Result: The test indicates that all cylinders are OK.

Contact the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).
 

14. Check the Aftertreatment System for Oil or Fuel

A. Remove excess oil or fuel from the piping with a clean cloth.

B. Remove the Clean Emissions Module (CEM). Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Clean Emissions Module - Remove and Install".

C. Support the CEM over a suitable container with the exhaust inlet downwards. Leave the CEM to drain for 8 hours.

D. Check the quantity of drained oil or fuel in the container.
 

CEM
 

Result The volume of drained oil or fuel is greater than 1.0 L (1.05669 qt).

Repair: Install a replacement CEM. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Clean Emissions Module - Remove and Install".

Return the unit to service.

Result The volume of drained oil or fuel is less than 1.0 L (1.05669 qt).

Proceed to Test Step 15.
 

15. Recover the Aftertreatment System

A. Clean any remaining oil or fuel from the piping and the CEM inlet with a clean cloth.

B. Install the Clean Emissions Module (CEM). Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Clean Emissions Module - Remove and Install".

C. Run the engine at high idle with no load for a minimum of 20 minutes.

D. Use the electronic service tool to perform the "Aftertreatment Recovery Procedure". While the procedure is progressing, check for smoke from the exhaust. Some smoke will be evident during the procedure. The smoke must dissipate before the procedure is completed.
 

CEM
 

Result: The "Aftertreatment Recovery Procedure" completes with a soot load of less than 80% and no smoke from the exhaust.

Return the unit to service.

Result The "Aftertreatment Recovery Procedure" completes with a soot load of more than 80% or smoke from the exhaust.

Contact the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).
 

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