C7 On-highway Engine Caterpillar

Show/hide table

Disconnect batteries before performance of any service work.

Show/hide table

Hot engine components can cause injury from burns. Before performing maintenance on the engine, allow the engine and the components to cool.

Show/hide table

Personal injury can result from rotating and moving parts. Stay clear of all rotating and moving parts. Never attempt adjustments while the machine is moving or the engine is running unless otherwise specified. The machine must be parked on a level surface and the engine stopped.

Before you begin inspection of the turbocharger, be sure that the inlet air restriction is within the specifications for your engine. Be sure that the exhaust system restriction is within the specifications for your engine. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Air Inlet and Exhaust System - Inspect".

The condition of the turbocharger will have definite effects on engine performance. Use the following inspections and procedures to determine the condition of the turbocharger.

• Inspection of the compressor and the compressor housing

• Inspection of the turbine wheel and the turbine housing

Inspection of the Compressor and the Compressor Housing

Illustration 1	g01524466
Right side view (1) Turbine (2) Compressor (3) Actuator assembly (4) Piping for the clean gas induction

1. Remove the piping for the clean gas induction (4) from the actuator assembly (3) .

2. Remove the actuator assembly (3) from the compressor inlet (2) .

3. Inspect the compressor wheel for damage from a foreign object. If there is damage, determine the source of the foreign object. As required, clean the inlet system and repair the intake system. If there is no damage, go to Step 5.

4. Clean the compressor wheel and clean the compressor housing if you find buildup of foreign material. If there is no buildup of foreign material, go to Step 3.

5. Turn the rotating assembly by hand. While you turn the assembly, push the assembly sideways . The assembly should turn freely. The compressor wheel should not rub the compressor housing. If there is no rubbing or scraping, go to Step 6.

6. Inspect the compressor and the compressor wheel housing for oil leakage. An oil leak from the compressor may deposit oil in the aftercooler. Drain and clean the aftercooler if you find oil in the aftercooler.

   1. Check the oil level in the crankcase. If the oil level is too high, adjust the oil level.

   2. Inspect the air cleaner element for restriction. If restriction is found, correct the problem.

   3. Inspect the engine crankcase breather. Clean the engine crankcase breather if the engine crankcase breather is plugged.

   4. Remove the oil drain line for the turbocharger. Inspect the drain opening. Inspect the oil drain line. Inspect the area between the bearings of the rotating assembly shaft. Look for oil sludge. Inspect the oil drain hole for oil sludge. Inspect the oil drain line for oil sludge in the drain line. If necessary, clean the rotating assembly shaft. If necessary, clean the oil drain hole. If necessary, clean the oil drain line.

   5. If Steps 6.a through 6.d did not reveal the source of the oil leakage, the turbocharger has internal damage.

Inspection of the Turbine Wheel and the Turbine Housing

Remove the exhaust elbow from the turbine outlet casing (1) . Refer to Illustration 1 for a view of the components.

1. Inspect the turbine for damage by a foreign object. If there is damage, determine the source of the foreign object. If there is no damage, go to Step 4.

2. Inspect the turbine wheel for buildup of carbon and other foreign material. Inspect the turbine housing for buildup of carbon and foreign material. Clean the turbine wheel and clean the turbine housing if you find buildup of carbon or foreign material. If there is no buildup of carbon or foreign material, go to Step 3.

3. Turn the rotating assembly by hand. While you turn the assembly, push the assembly sideways. The assembly should turn freely. The turbine wheel should not rub the turbine wheel housing. Replace the turbocharger if the turbine wheel rubs the turbine wheel housing. If there is no rubbing or scraping, go to Step 4.

4. Inspect the turbine and the turbine wheel housing for oil leakage. Inspect the turbine and the turbine wheel housing for oil coking. Some oil coking may be cleaned. Heavy oil coking may require replacement of the turbocharger. If the oil is coming from the turbocharger center housing go to Step 4.a. Otherwise go to "Inspection of the Wastegate".

   1. Remove the oil drain line for the turbocharger. Inspect the drain opening. Inspect the area between the bearings of the rotating assembly shaft. Look for oil sludge. Inspect the oil drain hole for oil sludge. Inspect the oil drain line for oil sludge. If necessary, clean the rotating assembly shaft. If necessary, clean the drain opening. If necessary, clean the drain line.

   2. If crankcase pressure is high, or if the oil drain is restricted, pressure in the center housing may be greater than the pressure of the turbine housing. Oil flow may be forced in the wrong direction and the oil may not drain. Check the crankcase pressure and correct any problems.

   3. If the oil drain line is damaged, replace the oil drain line.

   4. Check the routing of the oil drain line. Eliminate any sharp restrictive bends. Make sure that the oil drain line is not too close to the engine exhaust manifold.

   5. If Steps 4.a through 4.d did not reveal the source of the oil leakage, the turbocharger has internal damage.