2007/04/02 Caterpillar

Make Sure That The Turbocharger Coolant Is Vented {1052}

Usage:

Engine: 3512C (S/N: R1A1-UP)
Pumper: SPF343C (S/N: RTX1-UP)

The engines that are equipped with the 287-7215 Turbocharger Gp or with the 296-3616 Turbocharger Gp have connections for vent lines in order to ensure proper cooling flow. The lack of vent lines could result in overheating of the turbochargers if the turbochargers are not allowed to cool down properly.

The connections for vent lines are capped. The customer must remove the caps. The customer must add vent lines to the top of the front two turbochargers in order to allow coolant to properly flow. The customer must pipe some vent lines to the expansion tank or to the highest point in the cooling system.

Ensure that the engines that are listed above are equipped with vent lines.

For maximum service life of the water cooled components, all of the air must be purged from the water jacket of each component. The presence of air can allow some of the coolant/antifreeze to convert into steam. This changes the properties of the coolant/antifreeze. Removal of the air reduces the possibility of the conversion. Removal of the air improves the service life of the coolant/antifreeze.

The preferred method for venting of the engine's cooling system is the installation of vent lines. Follow these guidelines:

The vent line must be routed from the highest point of the cooling system on the engine to a point that is higher than any of the engine's water cooled components.
Each component that is in a position which can trap air must be vented. For example, the turbocharger and the exhaust bypass valve are usually located at the highest points of the cooling system. One line cannot remove the air from both components. If only one of the components is vented, the other component can still trap air. Both of the components must be vented.
For each cooling circuit, route the vent line into the bottom of the expansion tank.
The vent line must have a continuous upward slope. To avoid blockage in the vent line, make sure that the vent line is routed in a manner that will avoid trapped fluid. Do not allow any dips in the routing of the vent line.
The vent lines for the turbocharger are 15.8750 mm (0.625 inch). The vent lines that are installed by the customer must have a minimum diameter of 15.8750 mm (0.625 inch).

In some applications, it may not be possible to install the recommended vent lines. In these cases, automatic vent lines must be installed. Install an automatic valve that is 0.6 to 0.9 m (2.00 to 3.00 ft) above the highest point of the cooling system on the engine.

Note: An automatic valve requires periodic service. Make sure that the valve is not plugged. If the coolant/antifreeze leaks from a valve, correct the condition immediately. A valve that malfunctions can allow air to enter the cooling system after the engine is shut down.

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