C8.7 and C12.9 Marine Engines Caterpillar

Exhaust Has Excessive Black Smoke

Usage:

C8.7 CS7

Check for the following problems if there is excessive black exhaust smoke.

Probable Causes

Air inlet or exhaust system
Atmospheric pressure sensor
Flash file
Fuel quality
Valve adjustment

Recommended Actions

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Table 1
Troubleshooting Test Steps	Values	Results
1. Air Inlet or Exhaust System A. Check the air inlet system for restrictions and/or for leaks. B. Check for an air filter restriction. C. Perform a visual inspection of the system for restrictions and/or for leaks in the air inlet piping. D. Ensure that the turbocharger is in good repair. E. Check the exhaust system for restrictions.	Air Inlet or Exhaust System	Result: There are no signs of damage or failure in the air inlet or exhaust system. Proceed to Test Step 2. Result: There are signs of damage or failure in the air inlet or exhaust system. Repair the air inlet or exhaust system.
2. Atmospheric Pressure Sensor A. Check the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) for active diagnostic codes on the sensor. If no active diagnostic code exists, the sensor may be used. The correct reading for the atmospheric pressure is between 50 kPa (7.25 psi) and 100 kPa (14.5 psi).	Atmospheric Pressure Sensor	Result: There are no codes present for the Atmospheric Pressure Sensor. Proceed to Test Step 3. Result: There are codes present for the Atmospheric Pressure Sensor. Troubleshoot the codes before continuing with this procedure.
3. Flash File A. Verify that the latest flash file is installed. Refer to Troubleshooting, "ECM Software - Install" for information.	Flash File	Result: The latest flash file is installed. Proceed to Test Step 4. Result The latest flash file is not installed. Install the correct flash file. Verify that the problem has been resolved.
4. Fuel Quality A. Cold weather adversely affects the characteristics of the fuel. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual for information on improving the characteristics of the fuel during cold-weather operation.	Fuel Quality	Result The fuel quality is within the engine specifications. . Proceed to Test Step 5. Result The fuel quality is not within the engine specifications. Replace the fuel with fuel that is within the engine specifications. Verify that the problem has been resolved.
5. Valve Adjustment A. Check the valve adjustment. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting for information that is related to valve adjustments.	Valve Adjustment	Result The valve adjustment is not within engine specifications. Make the appropriate adjustment. Verify that the problem has been resolved.

Complete the procedure in the order in which the steps are listed.

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).