Caterpillar Diesel Engine C18

WARNING: Cooling system coolant additive contains alkali. To help prevent personal injury, avoid contact with the skin and eyes. Do not drink cooling system coolant additive.

NOTICE: Excessive supplemental coolant additive concentration can form deposits on the higher temperature surfaces of the cooling system, reducing the engine’s heat transfer characteristics. Reduced heat transfer could cause cracking of the cylinder head and other high temperature components.

NOTICE: Care must be taken to ensure that fluids are contained during performance of inspection, maintenance, testing, adjusting and repair of the product. Be prepared to collect the fluid with suitable containers before opening any compartment or disassembling any component containing fluids.

Note: Caterpillar recommends an S·O·S coolant analysis (Level 1).

Test the Concentration of the SCA

Pressurized System: Hot coolant can cause serious burns. To open the cooling system filler cap, stop the engine and wait until the cooling system components are cool. Loosen the cooling system pressure cap slowly in order to relieve the pressure.

Remove the cooling system filler cap slowly.

If necessary, drain some coolant in order to allow space for the addition of the SCA.

Cooling System Coolant (ELC) - Change

Does the engine overheat frequently?

Is there foaming of the coolant?

Has oil entered the cooling system and contaminated the coolant?

Has fuel entered the cooling system and contaminated the coolant?

When the cooling system is cleaned, only clean water is needed when the ELC is drained and replaced.

Inspect the water pump and the water temperature regulator after the cooling system has been drained.

Is it necessary to replace the water pump, the water temperature regulator and the hoses?

Belts - Inspect/Adjust/Replace Alternator Belt Adjustment

2. Loosen mounting bolts (1) and adjusting bolt (2).

3. Move the assembly in order to increase or decrease the belt tension.

4. Tighten adjusting bolt (2). Tighten mounting bolts (1).

If new drive belts are installed, check the drive belt tension again after 30 minutes of engine operation at the rated rpm.

Adjustment of the Fan Drive Belt

Warning: All lead-acid batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn the skin and clothing. Always wear a face shield and protective clothing when working on or near batteries.

Battery Electrolyte Level - Check

Check the condition of the electrolyte with the 245-5829 Coolant Battery Tester Refractometer.

Keep the batteries clean. Clean the battery case with one of the following cleaning solutions.

Electronics Grounding Stud - Inspect/Clean/Tighten

Engine Crankcase Breather - Clean

Fuel System Primary Filter (Water Separator) Element - Replace

Fuel System Secondary Filter - Replace

Warning: Only qualified service personnel should perform this maintenance.

Ensure that the engine can not be started while this maintenance is being performed.

Hot engine components can cause burns. Allow additional time for the engine to cool before measuring/adjusting valve lash clearance.

Note: For procedures on adjusting the valve lash and adjusting the valve bridge, consult your Caterpillar dealer for assistance.

The initial valve lash adjustment on new engines, rebuilt engines, or remanufactured engines is recommended at the first scheduled oil change.

The adjustment is necessary due to the initial wear of the valve train components and to the seating of the valve train components.

Check the valve bridge and adjust the valve bridge, if necessary. Perform the procedure for both valve bridges for each cylinder.