Caterpillar C18 - Daily Maintenance

Coolant Level - Check

• Remove the cooling system filler cap slowly in order to relieve pressure.

• Maintain the coolant level within 13 mm (0.5 inch) of the bottom of the filler pipe. If the engine is equipped with a sight glass, maintain the coolant level to the proper level in the sight glass.

• Clean the cooling system filler cap and check the condition of the filler cap gaskets. Replace the cooling system filler cap if the filler cap gaskets are damaged. Reinstall the cooling system filler cap.

• Inspect the cooling system for leaks.

Engine Air Cleaner Service Indicator - Inspect (If Equipped)

• If your engine is equipped with a different type of service indicator,= follow the OEM recommendations in order to service the air cleaner service indicator.

• Observe the service indicator. The air cleaner element should be cleaned or the air cleaner element should be replaced

Engine Air Precleaner - Check/Clean

• Remove wing nut (1) and cover (2). Check for an accumulation of dirt and debris in body (3). Clean the body, if necessary.

• After cleaning the precleaner, install cover (2) and wing nut (1).

• Note: When the engine is operated in dusty applications, more frequent cleaning is required.

Engine Oil Level - Check

• Remove the oil filler cap and check the oil level. Maintain the oil level between the “ADD” mark (Y) and the “FULL” mark (X) on the oil level gauge (1). Do not fill the crankcase above “FULL” mark (X).

• In order to choose the correct type of oil for this engine, refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Fluid Recommendations”.

• Clean the oil filler cap. Install the oil filler cap.

• Record the amount of oil that is added. For the next oil sample and analysis, include the total amount of oil that has been added since the previous sample in order to provide the most accurate oil analysis.

Fuel System Primary Filter/Water Separator - Drain

• Bowl (2) should be monitored daily for signs of water. If water is present, drain the water from the bowl.

• Open drain (3). The drain is a self-ventilated drain. Catch the draining water in a suitable container. Dispose of the water properly.

• Close drain (3).

Fuel Tank Water and Sediment - Drain

• 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.

• Refer to Special Publication, NENG2500, “Cat Dealer Service Tool Catalog” or refer to Special Publication, PECJ0003, “Cat Shop Supplies and Tools Catalog” for tools and supplies suitable to collect and contain fluids on Cat products.

• Dispose of all fluids according to local regulations and mandates.

Power Take-Off Clutch - Check

• Fuel Tank

• Fuel quality is critical to the performance and to the service life of the engine. Water in the fuel can cause excessive wear to the fuel system. Condensation occurs during the heating and cooling of fuel.

• The condensation occurs as the fuel passes through the fuel system and the fuel returns to the fuel tank. This causes water to accumulate in fuel tanks.

• Draining the fuel tank regularly and obtaining fuel from reliable sources can help to eliminate water in the fuel.

• Drain the Water and the Sediment

• Fuel tanks should contain some provision for draining water and draining sediment from the bottom of the fuel tanks.

• Open the drain valve on the bottom of the fuel tank in order to drain the water and the sediment. Close the drain valve.

• Note: Failure to properly close the drain can allow air into the system, which could have detrimental results to performance.

• Check the fuel daily. Drain the water and sediment from the fuel tank after operating the engine or drain the water and sediment from the fuel tank after the fuel tank has been filled. Allow five to ten minutes before performing this procedure.

• Fill the fuel tank after operating the engine in order to drive out moist air. This will help prevent condensation. Do not fill the tank to the top. The fuel expands as the fuel gets warm. The tank may overflow.

• Some fuel tanks use supply pipes that allow water and sediment to settle below the end of the fuel supply pipe. Some fuel tanks use supply lines that take fuel directly from the bottom of the tank. If the engine is equipped with this system, regular maintenance of the fuel system filter is important.

Walk-Around Inspection

• Inspect the Engine for Leaks and for Loose Connections.

• The guards must be in the proper place. Repair damaged guards or replace missing guards.

• Wipe all caps and plugs before the engine is serviced in order to reduce the chance of system contamination.

• Ensure that the cooling lines are properly clamped and that the cooling lines are tight. Check for leaks. Check the condition of all pipes.

• Inspect the water pumps for coolant leaks.

• Note: The water pump seal is lubricated by coolant in the cooling system. It is normal for a small amount of leakage to occur as the engine cools down and the parts contract.

• Inspect the lubrication system for leaks at the front crankshaft seal, the rear crankshaft seal, the oil pan, the oil filters and the valve cover.

• Inspect the fuel system for leaks. Look for loose fuel line clamps or for loose fuel line tie-wraps.

• Inspect the piping for the air inlet system and the elbows for cracks and for loose clamps. Ensure that hoses and tubes are not contacting other hoses, tubes, wiring harnesses, etc.

• Inspect the alternator belt and the accessory drive belts for cracks, breaks or other damage.

• Drain the water and the sediment from fuel tanks on a daily basis in order to ensure that only clean fuel enters the fuel system.

• Inspect the wiring and the wiring harnesses for loose connections and for worn wires or frayed wires.

• Inspect the ground strap for a good connection and for good condition.

• Inspect the ECM to the cylinder head ground strap for a good connection and for good condition.

• Disconnect any battery chargers that are not protected against the current drain of the starting motor. Check the condition and the electrolyte level of the batteries, unless the engine is equipped with a maintenance free battery.

• Check the condition of the gauges. Replace any gauges that are cracked. Replace any gauge that can not be calibrated.