37

Troubleshooting Section

Recommended Repairs
Check for a Low Coolant Level and/or
Coolant Leakage
Note: Low coolant level can be the effect of
overheating rather than the cause.

Check the coolant level.

Run the engine to operating temperature. Inspect

the cooling system for leaks.

Determine whether the leak occurs before the

engine overheats.

Add coolant, if necessary. If leaking is found, make

the necessary repairs.

Check for Aeration of the Coolant

Air can enter the cooling system if the pressure
cap is not operating properly. Check the operation
of the pressure cap. Replace the pressure cap, if
Engine Coolant Temperature necessary.
(High) Install a ball check valve at the outlet of the water
SMCS Code: 1901-038 pump. Start the engine. Open the ball check valve
in order to check for aeration of the coolant. If air
bubbles are found in the coolant, determine the
Probable Causes source of the air.

• Low coolant level and/or coolant leakage
• Aeration of the coolant
• Problem with the water pump
• High ambient temperature and/or high inlet air
temperature
If the coolant has been changed recently, make
sure that the air has been purged from the cooling
system. Make sure that the cooling system is
properly vented.
The supply pressure to the water pump must be
sufficient in order to prevent cavitation. Measure the
supply pressure at the inlet to the water pump.

• Insufficient flow of air or coolant through the Water Pump

radiator or heat exchanger
• Faulty water temperature regulators
• Faulty coolant temperature sensor and/or circuit
• Insufficient flow of coolant through the engine
• Exhaust restriction
• Excessive load
• Incorrect air/fuel ratio
• Combustion gas in the coolant
The engine will overheat if the water pump is not
operating properly. Measure the coolant pressure at
the outlet of the water pump. Make sure that the
water pump is in good condition.
Check for High Ambient Temperature
and/or High Inlet Air Temperature
Determine if the ambient air temperature is within
the design specifications for the cooling system.
Make sure that the engine’s exhaust does not heat
the radiator or the heat exchanger.

Check for high inlet air temperature. Refer to

Troubleshooting, “Inlet Air Temperature (High)”.
38
Troubleshooting Section
Determine the cause of the high air temperature.
Make corrections, when possible.
Check for Insufficient Flow of Air and
Coolant Through the Radiator or Heat
Exchanger
Measure the coolant temperature at the inlet for the
coolant.
Radiator
Check the fins of the radiator for obstructions.
Check the fan for proper operation.
If the radiator fins are obstructed, clean the fins.
If the fan does not operate properly, make the
necessary repairs.
Heat Exchanger
Check for sufficient flow and temperature of the
cooling water through the heat exchanger. If the
flow of cooling water through the heat exchanger
is insufficient, determine the location of the
obstruction.
Check the Water Temperature Regulators
Check the water temperature regulators for proper
operation. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and
Adjusting, RENR5908, “Cooling System”.
Replace the water temperature regulators, if
necessary.
Check the Coolant Temperature Sensor
and/or the Circuit
Check the reading of the coolant temperature on
ET. The temperature should rise steadily as the
engine is warmed. Ensure that the temperature is
reasonable.
If the reading on ET for the coolant temperature
is not reasonable, troubleshoot the circuit
and the coolant temperature sensor. Refer to
Troubleshooting, “Analog Sensor Signal”.
Check the Flow of Coolant Through the
Engine
During normal operation, check the inlet pressure
of the engine coolant and the outlet pressure of the
engine coolant.
Measure temperatures and pressures at various
points in the cooling system in order to identify
possible locations of restrictions.
If a buildup of deposits restricts the coolant flow,
clean the cooling system.
If the flow of coolant through the engine is not
sufficient, determine the cause of the obstruction.
Make necessary repairs.
Check the Exhaust Restriction
Check the back pressure of the exhaust system.
Refer to the engine’s Technical Marketing
Information.
If the back pressure exceeds the specifications for
the engine, determine the cause of the excessive
back pressure. Make the necessary repairs.
Excessive Load
Make sure that the load is not excessive. Reduce
the load. If necessary, disengage the driven
equipment and test the engine.
Air/Fuel Ratio
An air/fuel mixture that is too rich will cause
overheating. A change in the fuel energy content
will change the air/fuel ratio. Obtain a fuel analysis.
The fuel supply pressure must be adequate and
stable.
Ensure that the electrohydraulic actuator for the fuel
is operating correctly.
Verify that the exhaust emissions are correct.
Check for Combustion Gas in the Coolant
The following conditions can indicate that
combustion gas is entering the cooling system:
• Steam is escaping from the expansion tank.
• A cylinder is misfiring.
• The cylinder temperature is too hot or too cold.
If a leaking precombustion chamber is suspected,
operate the engine at a low load. Monitor the
exhaust port temperatures and the combustion burn
times.
When a suspect cylinder is identified, shut down
the engine. Inspect the spark plug for moisture and
for evidence of deposits from coolant. Remove the
combustion sensor and insert a borescope through
the opening. Inspect the precombustion chamber
for evidence of coolant. If evidence of coolant is
found, replace the seals. Refer to the engine’s
Disassembly and Assembly manual.