Caterpillar Diesel Engine C18

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?

Cooling System Coolant Level - Check

Is the coolant level within 13 mm (0.5 inch) of the bottom of the filler pipe?

Engine Air Cleaner Service Indicator - Inspect

Is the yellow diaphragm in the red zone or the red piston locked in the visible position?

Engine Air Precleaner - Check/Clean

Is there an accumulation of dirt and debris in body?

Is the oil level between the “ADD” mark (Y) and the “FULL” mark (X) on the oil level gauge (1)?

Fuel System Primary Filter/Water Separator - Drain

Jacket water heaters help to improve startability in ambient temperatures that are below 21 °C (70 °F). All installations that require automatic starting should have jacket water heaters.

Check the operation of the jacket water heater

For an ambient temperature of 0 °C (32 °F), enter the heater's jacket water coolant temperature

Is the jacket water coolant temperature approximately 32 °C (90 °F)?

Sign off on the jacket water heater check

Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 2) - Obtain

NOTICE: Always use a designated pump for oil sampling, and use a separate designated pump for coolant sampling. Using the same pump for both types of samples may contaminate the samples that are being drawn. This contaminate may cause a false analysis and an incorrect interpretation that could lead to concerns by both dealers and customers.

Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 1) - Obtain” for the guidelines for proper sampling of the coolant.

Upload the coolant sample for Level 2 analysis

Additional information about coolant analysis

Sign off on the coolant sample analysis

Are there any loose connections in the alternator?

Is the alternator properly charging the battery?

Is the ammeter (if equipped) functioning properly during engine operation?

Is the alternator and the battery charger operating properly?

Are the batteries properly charged?

Is the battery able to crank the engine?