C18 Marine Generator Set Engines Caterpillar


Timing - Calibrate

Usage:

C18 MGS
Use this procedure if the diagnostic code in Table 1 is active.

Table 1
Diagnostic Codes Table 
Description  Conditions which Generate this Code  System Response 
261-11 Engine Timing Offset fault  The wiring to the sensors has the wrong polarity.  The code is logged. 
261-13 Engine Timing Calibration calibration required  A timing calibration is required for a new engine, replacing an Electronic Control Module (ECM) that fails to communicate or following work on the front gear train, the camshaft, or the crankshaft.  The code is logged. 

If a 261-11 diagnostic code is active, verify that the wiring is installed correctly to the engine speed/timing sensors.

The ECM has the ability to calibrate the mechanical differences between the Top Center (TC) of the flywheel and the TC of the timing gear on the camshaft. A magnetic transducer signals the TC of the flywheel to the ECM when a notch on a counterweight passes by the transducer. The engine speed/timing sensor signals the TC of the timing gear to the ECM. Any offset between the TC of the flywheel and the TC of the timing gear is stored into the memory of the ECM.

Note: A timing calibration will not increase the available engine power.

Table 2 lists the special tools that are required to perform this procedure.

Table 2
Required Special Tools 
Part Number  Description 
7X-1171  Transducer Adapter 
6V-2197  Transducer 
7X-1695  Cable As 
170-3519  Harness (1) 
(1) This item is not required if the engine harness has a connector for timing calibration.

  1. Install the Transducer Adapter.

    1. Remove the electrical power from the ECM.

    2. Use the appropriate engine turning tool to put either the No. 1 piston or the No. 6 piston at top center. Refer to the Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting.

    3. Refer to Table 3. After the top center position has been located, rotate the crankshaft for the number of degrees that is applicable to your engine model. Be sure to rotate the crankshaft in the direction of rotation that is specified in the Table.

      Table 3
      Crankshaft Rotation 
      Engine Model  Number of Degrees  Direction of Rotation 
      C7  100  Normal Rotation 
      C-9  85  Normal Rotation 
      C-10  60  Opposite Normal Rotation 
      C11  75  Normal Rotation 
      C-12  60  Opposite Normal Rotation 
      C13  75  Normal Rotation 
      C-15  60  Opposite Normal Rotation 
      C15  60  Opposite Normal Rotation 
      C-16  60  Opposite Normal Rotation 
      C18  30  Opposite Normal Rotation 

    4. Refer to Table 4. Locate the engine's timing calibration port.

      Table 4
      Location of the Timing Calibration Port 
      Engine Model  Crankshaft Counterweight  Engine Location 
      C7  Left Side 
      C-9  Left Side 
      C-10  Right Side 
      C11  Left Side 
      C-12  Right Side 
      C13  Left Side 
      C-15  Left Side 
      C15  Left Side 
      C-16  Left Side 
      C18  Left Side 

    5. Remove the plug from the timing calibration port.

    6. Thread the transducer adapter into the port.

      Continue to the next test step.

  2. Install the Transducer.


      NOTICE

      If the crankshaft is not in the correct position when the transducer is installed, the transducer will be damaged when the engine is started.


    1. Apply clean engine oil to a 2D-6392 O-Ring Seal. Install the O-ring seal on the end of the 6V-2197 Transducer.

    2. Push the transducer through the transducer adapter until the transducer contacts the crankshaft counterweight.

    3. Withdraw the transducer 1.0 mm (0.04 inch) and hand tighten the nut on the adapter sleeve to secure the transducer. Move the O-ring seal against the adapter.

      Continue to the next test step.

  3. Connect the 7X-1695 Cable As.

    1. If the engine harness is equipped with a connector for timing calibration, connect the 7X-1695 Cable As to the connector for timing calibration and to the transducer.

    2. If the engine harness is not equipped with a connector for timing calibration, perform the following procedure:

      Disconnect the P2 connector from the ECM.

      Determine the number of terminals on the P2 connector.

      Refer to Table 5. Remove the sealing plugs from the appropriate terminals. Do not discard the sealing plugs. The sealing plugs may be reinstalled when the timing calibration is complete.

      Table 5
      P2 Locations for Connection of the 7X-1695 Cable As 
      Wire Color  70-pin Connector  120-pin Connector 
      White  22  26 
      Yellow  23  36 

      Install the WH(White)wire of the 170-3519 Harness into the appropriate location.

      Install the YL(Yellow)wire of the 170-3519 Harness into the appropriate location. Disregard the pin-outs on the label of the harness.

      Note: Ensure that each wire is installed into the correct location. The timing calibration will not be successful if the wires are installed incorrectly.

      Connect the J2/P2 connectors. Tighten the allen head screw on the P2 connector to the appropriate torque. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electrical Connectors - Inspect" for the correct torque value.

      Connect the 7X-1695 Cable As to the connector for timing calibration and to the transducer.

      Continue to the next test step.

  4. Start the Engine and Check for Diagnostic Codes.

    1. Connect Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) to the service tool connector. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electronic Service Tools".

    2. Start the engine and run the engine until the engine is at the normal operating temperature.

    3. Check for active diagnostic codes. Wait at least 30 seconds in order for the codes to become active.

      The engine must not have any active diagnostic codes during the timing calibration except for a 261-13 Engine Timing Calibration required.

  5. Calibrate the Timing.

    1. Set the engine speed to 1100 ± 50 rpm. The engine speed must be steady within this rpm range in order for the calibration to be successful.

    2. After the engine has warmed up, access the "Timing Calibration" screen on the Cat ET. Access the following display screens in order:

      • Service

      • Calibrations

      • Timing Calibration

    3. To calibrate the timing, select "Continue" on Cat ET. Wait until Cat ET indicates that the timing is calibrated.

      Perform the following procedure if Cat ET indicates that the timing is calibrated:

      Set the engine speed to low idle.

      Note: Disconnect the 7X-1695 Cable As before you exit the "Timing Calibration" screen. Otherwise, diagnostic codes may be activated.

      Disconnect the 7X-1695 Cable As.

      Exit the "Timing Calibration" screen on Cat ET.

      Remove the electrical power from the ECM.

      Remove the transducer and remove the adapter.

      Install the plug into the timing calibration port.

      If you installed a 170-3519 Harness, you may remove the harness or you may permanently install the harness for future use. If you remove the harness, install the sealing plugs into the unused cavities of the P2 connector. Otherwise, moisture and debris will enter the connector.

      If you choose to permanently install the harness, fasten the harness to the existing engine wiring harness with cable ties. Also, install a 3E-3364 Receptacle and two 8T-8737 Seal Plugs on the P400 timing calibration probe connector to prevent moisture and debris from entering the connector.

      The following conditions can cause the timing calibration to fail:

      • The crankshaft and camshaft gears have been reassembled incorrectly.

      • The timing calibration probe is not installed correctly.

      • The engine speed is not correct and the engine speed is unstable. If the engine speed is unstable, refer to Troubleshooting, "Engine Misfires, Runs Rough or Is Unstable".

      • There is a problem with the transducer or with the cables. Obtain a new transducer and/or a new cable and repeat the timing calibration.

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