1986/04/01 Caterpillar


Troubleshooting Solid State Suppressors

Usage:


SR4 Generator Sets For 3200, 3300, 3400, 3500 Series Engines

Several improvements have been made to the voltage regulator assemblies used on the above generator sets, including the use of a solid state-type surge suppression diode (4W5272 or 4W5273 Suppressors).

Suppressors (surge suppression diodes) are used to prevent high voltage surges from damaging other voltage regulator components. If high voltage surges are a problem, and occur over a period of time, failure of the suppressor can occur. The new solid state suppressors are as reliable as the former selenium-type suppressors, but are more difficult to troubleshoot if a failure occurs.

A failure of the former selenium-type suppressor would produce a distinctive odor and/or burn spots on the suppressor. The new solid state suppressors do not show any easily detectable signs of failure. In some cases, the ohmmeter test described in the Service Manual may not identify a defective suppressor (CR11 Suppressor Diode). If the generator set voltage starts to rise but quickly returns to zero, or if the voltage regulator repeatedly blows fuses, use the following procedure to troubleshoot the CR11 Suppressor Diode.

Procedure To Detect A Failure Of The CR11 Suppressor Diode.

1. Shut the engine down and be sure there is no voltage on the generator.

2. Check the temperature of the suppressor. If it is hot to the touch it is probably defective. Use the illustrations and Step 3 to check the suppressor.

3. To test the suppressor it is necessary to apply AC voltage to the suppressor circuit. Illustration 1 shows the test using 120 Volt AC current to activate the suppressor. Illustration 2 shows the test using 240 Volt AC current to activate the suppressor. The chart shows the appropriate voltage to use for each suppressor and voltage regulator.


Illustration 1. Test using 120 Volt AC current.


Illustration 2. Test using 240 Volt AC current.

When the light bulb(s) are connected and voltage is applied, the bulbs should not light. If the bulb(s) light, even dimly, the CR11 Suppressor Diode being tested is defective and should be replaced.

Caterpillar Information System:

1986/03/01 New Clip Added To Water Lines Group
1986/03/01 Stronger Oil Pan Used
1986/03/01 Improved Cylinder Head Gasket
1986/03/01 New Fuel Injector Available To Reduce Smoke At Low RPM and Loads
1986/03/01 Screens Added To Inlet Air Manifolds
1986/03/01 Engine Oil Filter Element Has Metal Wrapper Instead Of Paper Wrapper
1986/03/01 High Silicates In Antifreeze
1986/03/01 Improved Sleeve Bearing Used In Drive End Of Fuel Injection Pump Housing
1986/03/01 New 8T2998 Lubricant Available
1986/03/01 Nylon Seals Used On Lockwire To Seal Critical Areas; Parts Service Seals Available For NACD Dealers
1986/02/01 Special Instructions Packaged With Turbocharger Cartridge Repair Kits May Be Incorrect
1986/02/01 New Cylinder Liner Available
1986/04/01 Incorrect Connection Of Battery Charger Can Open Circuit Breaker And Damage Woodward 2301 Governor Control
1986/04/01 Fuel Injection Timing Changed To 15° With New 3.5° Timing Advance
1986/04/01 Adjust Bridge Whenever Valve Clearance Adjustments Are Made
1986/04/01 Bleed Screw Washer (Seal) Must Be Replaced If Bleed Screw Removed From Fuel Nozzle
1986/04/01 New Bracket Used In Air Compressor Lines Group
1986/04/01 New Index Lists Engine Special Instructions By SMCS Code
1986/04/01 Remanufactured Short Block Available For 3204 Industrial Engines
1986/05/01 New Alternators Are Self-Energizing And Have Built-In Regulators
1986/05/01 Be Sure The Polarity Of The Electrical Connector On EG3P Woodward Actuator Assembly Is Correct
1986/05/01 Cylinder Liner Seat Insert Available
1986/05/01 New Wire Assemblies And Spark Plug Insulators Improve Service Life Of Ignition System
1986/05/01 Silicone Rubber Hoses Available For Engine Oil Cooler Water Lines
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