Caterpillar Engine C-12

Belt tension should be checked initially between the first 20 to 40 hours of engine operation.

Sign off on the engine maintenance

WARNING: Be sure the engine cannot be started while this maintenance is being performed. To prevent possible injury, do not use the starting motor to turn the flywheel.

Hot engine components can cause burns. Allow additional time for the engine to cool before measuring/adjusting the unit injectors.

The electronic unit injectors use high voltage. Disconnect the unit injector enable circuit connector in order to prevent personal injury. Do not come in contact with the injector terminals while the engine is running.

Electronic Unit Injector - Inspect/Adjust

Adjust the electronic unit injector at the same interval as the valve lash adjustment. The operation of Caterpillar engines with improper adjustments of the electronic unit injector can reduce engine efficiency. This reduced efficiency could result in excessive fuel usage and/or shortened engine component life.

Engine Valve Lash - Inspect/Adjust

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

Only qualified service personnel should perform this maintenance. Refer to the Service Manual or your Caterpillar dealer for the complete valve lash adjustment procedure.

Operation of Caterpillar engines with improper valve adjustments can reduce engine efficiency. This reduced efficiency could result in excessive fuel usage and/or shortened engine component life.

Remove the core. Refer to the Service Manual for the procedure.

Turn the aftercooler core upside-down to remove debris.

NOTICE: Do not use a high concentration of caustic cleaner to clean the core. A high concentration of caustic cleaner can attack the internal metals of the core and cause leakage. Only use the recommended concentration of cleaner.

Back flush the core with cleaner.

Caterpillar recommends the use of Hydrosolv liquid cleaner. Table 37 lists Hydrosolv liquid cleaners that are available from your Caterpillar dealer.

Steam clean the core to remove any residue. Flush the fins of the aftercooler core. Remove any other trapped debris.

Wash the core with hot, soapy water. Rinse the core thoroughly with clean water.

WARNING: Personal injury can result from air pressure. Personal injury can result without following proper procedure. When using pressure air, wear a protective face shield and protective clothing. Maximum air pressure at the nozzle must be less than 205 kPa (30 psi) for cleaning purposes.

WARNING: Batteries give off combustible gases which can explode. A spark can cause the combustible gases to ignite. This can result in severe personal injury or death.

Ensure proper ventilation for batteries that are in an enclosure. Follow the proper procedures in order to help prevent electrical arcs and/or sparks near batteries. Do not smoke when batteries are serviced.

The battery cables or the batteries should not be removed with the battery cover in place. The battery cover should be removed before any servicing is attempted.

Removing the battery cables or the batteries with the cover in place may cause a battery explosion resulting in personal injury.

Turn the key start switch to the OFF position. Remove the key and all electrical loads.

Turn OFF the battery charger. Disconnect the charger.

The NEGATIVE “-” cable connects the NEGATIVE “-” battery terminal to the ground plane. Disconnect the cable from the NEGATIVE “-” battery terminal.

The POSITIVE “+” cable connects the POSITIVE “+” battery terminal to the starting motor. Disconnect the cable from the POSITIVE “+” battery terminal.

Cooling System Coolant (ELC) - Change

Oil has entered the cooling system and the coolant is contaminated?

Fuel has entered the cooling system and the coolant is contaminated?

Cooling system filler cap removed?

Cooling system drain valve opened or cooling system drain plugs removed?