C18 Generator Set Caterpillar

Generator Alignment

Note: For the alignment procedure for two-bearing close coupled generators, see Special Instruction, SEHS7073, "Alignment Of Two Bearing Generators".

Note: A specific alignment procedure is not required for generators that are soft mounted.

Align Generator Sets With No Supports At The Flywheel Housing

Illustration 1	g00616479
A Generator set with no supports at the flywheel housing (1) Engine support (2) Base (3) Generator support

1. If the base (2) of the electric set is fastened to a foundation, loosen all the bolts that connect the base to the foundation. Loosen all bolts that fasten the generator supports (3) and engine supports (1) to the base (2).

2. Ensure that there is clearance between the bolts and the bolt holes in the base, the engine supports and the generator supports at all locations.

3. Check the clearance between the base and the foundation at all mounting locations. Shims should be used in order to prevent the deflection of the base as the bolts that connect the base to the foundation are tightened. When there is no deflection of the base, tighten all bolts that connect the base to the foundation to the final torque.

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Illustration 2	g00616477
(1) Base (2) Generator support (3) Shims

4. Check the clearance between the base (1) and the engine. Check the clearance between the base (1) and the engine supports. Check the clearance between the base and the generator supports (2). Check the clearance over the entire length of the supports. Shims should be used in order to prevent the deflection of the supports as the bolts are tightened. After all the necessary shims have been installed, finish tightening all mounting bolts to the final torque.

Align Generator Sets With Supports At The Flywheel Housing

Illustration 3	g00616490
Generator Set With Supports At The Flywheel Housing (1) Base

1. If base (1) of the electric set is fastened to a foundation, loosen all bolts that connect the base to the foundation. Loosen all bolts that fasten the engine supports and generator supports to the base.

2. Ensure that there is enough clearance between the bolts and the bolt holes in the base, engine supports, and generator supports at all locations.

3. Check the clearance between the base and the foundation at all mounting locations. Shims should be used in order to prevent the deflection of the base as the bolts that connect the base to the foundation are tightened. When there is no deflection in the base, tighten all bolts that connect the base to the foundation to the final torque.

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Illustration 4	g00295995
(2) Bolts

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Illustration 5	g00295996
(3) Support (4) Bolt (5) Shims

4. While the generator is supported by a crane, loosen all bolts (2) that fasten the generator to the flywheel housing. Tighten alternate bolts to the final torque.

5. Check the clearance between the base and the engine and generator supports at all four locations. Check the clearance over the entire length of the supports. Shims (5) should be installed until all of the mounting surfaces are flat and parallel.

6. Tighten all bolts that fasten the engine supports and the generator supports to the base to half of the final torque. Loosen all bolts (2) that fasten the generator to the flywheel housing. Measure the gap between the generator and the flywheel housing. Visually ensure that the bolts (2) are centered in the clearance holes.

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Illustration 6	g00295997

7. The gaps at locations (E), (G), (F), and (H) should be more than 0.03 mm (0.0012 inch) and less than 0.13 mm (0.005 inch). If the gaps at locations (E) and (G) are not correct, adjust the number of shims under each generator support. If the gaps at locations (F) and (H) are not correct, loosen the bolts in the generator supports. Move the rear of the generator to the right or left accordingly.

8. After a correction has been made to the thickness in the shims, tighten the generator support bolts to half of the final torque 450 N·m (332.0 lb ft). Check the gap at locations (E), (G), (F), and (H). Repeat this procedure until the gap measurements are 0.13 mm (0.005 inch) or less. Begin with Step 6.

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Illustration 7	g00616519
(1) Base (2) Support (3) Bolt

9. Install a dial indicator on the base (1) with the indicator tip next to a support mounting bolt (3). Put the indicator tip on the support (2). Check the indicator while you are tightening the bolt to the final torque. If the indicator moves more than 0.13 mm (0.005 inch), the thickness of the shim is incorrect under that bolt. Install the correct number of shims. Repeat this procedure until the mounting bolts for the engine support and the mounting bolts for the generator support have been tightened.