G3500 Generator Sets Caterpillar


Before Starting Engine

Usage:

G3520E GZE
Note: Certain procedures are required before an engine is started for the first time. See Special Instruction, REHS1438, "Installation and Initial Start-Up Procedure for G3500C and G3500E Engines".

Perform the required daily maintenance and other periodic maintenance before starting the engine. This maintenance can prevent major repairs later. See this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Maintenance Interval Schedule".

Walk-Around Inspection


NOTICE

For any type of leak, clean up the fluid. If leaking is observed, find the source and correct the leak. If leaking is suspected, check the fluid levels more often than recommended until the leak is found or fixed, or until the suspicion of a leak is proved to be unwarranted.


To obtain maximum service life for your engine, make a thorough inspection before starting the engine. Make a walk-around inspection of the installation. Look for items such as oil or coolant leaks, loose bolts, and trash buildup. Remove any trash. Make repairs, if necessary.

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

  • Ensure that the areas around the rotating parts are clear.

Air Inlet System

------ WARNING! ------

Unburned gas in the air inlet and exhaust system may ignite when the engine is started. Personal injury and/or property damage may result.

Before starting an engine that may contain unburned gas, purge the unburned gas from the air inlet and exhaust system. Refer to the topic on purging unburned gas in the "Starting the Engine" section.


  • Ensure that the air inlet piping and the air filters are in place and clean.

  • Ensure that all clamps and connections are secure.

  • Inspect the air cleaner service indicator (if equipped). Service the air cleaner filter element when the yellow diaphragm enters the red zone, or the red piston locks in the visible position.

Cooling System

  • Inspect the cooling system for leaks or loose connections. Inspect the condition of all the hoses and pipes for the cooling system. Ensure that the connections are properly clamped.

  • Inspect the water pumps for evidence of leaks.

  • Check the coolant level. Add coolant, if necessary. For information on the proper coolant to use, see this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" (Maintenance Section).

Driven Equipment

  • If necessary, check the oil levels of the driven equipment. Perform any maintenance that is required for the driven equipment. Refer to the literature that is provided by the OEM of the driven equipment.

  • If the engine is equipped with a clutch, ensure that the clutch is disengaged.

  • For generator set engines, ensure that the main circuit breaker is open.

Electrical System

Inspect the wiring for the following conditions:

  • Loose connections

  • Wiring that is worn or frayed

Inspect the gauge panel and the control panel for good condition. Reset any shutoff or alarm components.

Fuel System

------ WARNING! ------

NEVER use a flame to check for gas leaks. Use a gas detector.

An open flame can ignite mixtures of air and fuel. This will cause explosion and/or fire which could result in severe personal injury or death.


  • Check the fuel lines for leaks with a gas detector.

  • Inspect the fuel lines for loose fittings and leaks. Ensure that the fuel lines are properly clamped.

  • Ensure that the fuel is supplied to the engine at the correct pressure for the engine.

Lubrication System



Illustration 1g00760044
Oil level gauge (dipstick)
(1) "ADD" mark
(2) "FULL" mark


NOTICE

Excessive engine oil will increase oil consumption and result in excessive deposits in the combustion chamber. Do not overfill the engine with oil.


  • Check the engine crankcase oil level. Maintain the oil level between the "ADD" and "FULL" marks on the "ENGINE STOPPED WITH OIL COLD" side of the oil level gauge. For information on the proper oil to use, see this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" (Maintenance Section).

  • Check for leaks at the following components: crankshaft seals, crankcase, oil filters, oil gallery plugs, sensors, and valve covers.

  • Inspect the tubes, tee pieces, and clamps on the crankcase breathers.

Starting System

Note: If the engine is equipped with a system for external support, prepare the system before starting the engine. Ensure that all the systems for engine support are enabled. Perform all prestart checks for the control system.

Air Starting Motor

  • Drain moisture and sediment from the air tank and from any other air piping.

  • Check the oil level in the lubricator. Keep the lubricator at least half full. Add oil, if necessary.

  • Check the air pressure for starting. The air starting motor requires a minimum of 690 kPa (100 psi). The maximum allowable air pressure is 1030 kPa (150 psi). Open the air supply valve.

Electric Starting Motor

  • Disconnect any battery chargers that are not protected against the high current drain that is created when the electric starting motor engages.

Inspect the wiring, the electrical cables, and the battery for the following conditions:

  • Loose connections

  • Wires that are worn or frayed

  • Corrosion

Caterpillar Information System:

Certain Excavators Have Been Equipped With Serial Number Plate With Mistyped Information {7405, 7557, 7563} Certain Excavators Have Been Equipped With Serial Number Plate With Mistyped Information {7405, 7557, 7563}
G3500 Generator Sets Starting Motor - Inspect
The Fuel Vent Tube May Crack on Certain C175–16 Marine Engine {1274} The Fuel Vent Tube May Crack on Certain C175–16 Marine Engine {1274}
New Engine Harness Assembly is Now Available For Certain Excavators and Mobile Hydraulic Power Units {1408} New Engine Harness Assembly is Now Available For Certain Excavators and Mobile Hydraulic Power Units {1408}
New Engine Software for Certain C7.1 Engines {1920} New Engine Software for Certain C7.1 Engines {1920}
New Solenoid Assembly is Now Used on Fuel Injectors for Certain C9.3 Industrial Engines {1251, 1290} New Solenoid Assembly is Now Used on Fuel Injectors for Certain C9.3 Industrial Engines {1251, 1290}
New Shipping Procedure Is Now Used for Stick Cylinder Pinned in Shipping Position on Certain 308 and 309 Mini Hydraulic Excavators {0355} New Shipping Procedure Is Now Used for Stick Cylinder Pinned in Shipping Position on Certain 308 and 309 Mini Hydraulic Excavators {0355}
Improved Auxiliary Sea Water Pump Group is Now Used on Certain C12 Marine Engines {1371} Improved Auxiliary Sea Water Pump Group is Now Used on Certain C12 Marine Engines {1371}
New Tooling and Installation Process for Crankshaft Seal on C27 and C32 Engines {0701, 1160, 1161} New Tooling and Installation Process for Crankshaft Seal on C27 and C32 Engines {0701, 1160, 1161}
Identifying Oil Leaks on Certain 3500 Mining Machine Engines {1151, 1348} Identifying Oil Leaks on Certain 3500 Mining Machine Engines {1151, 1348}
New Engine Software Is Now Used for Certain C175 Locomotive Engines {1920} New Engine Software Is Now Used for Certain C175 Locomotive Engines {1920}
An Improved Fuel Injector is Now Used on Certain C9.3 Machine Engines {1251, 1254, 1290, 1713} An Improved Fuel Injector is Now Used on Certain C9.3 Machine Engines {1251, 1254, 1290, 1713}
G3500 Generator Sets Refill Capacities
G3500 Generator Sets Generator Start-up Checklist
Inspection of the Rear of the Engine on Certain C4.4 Machine Engines {1201} Inspection of the Rear of the Engine on Certain C4.4 Machine Engines {1201}
G3500 Generator Sets Maintenance Interval Schedule
Magnetic Switch Assembly for the Operator Arrangement May Become an Open Circuit on Certain Mini Hydraulic Excavators {1408} Magnetic Switch Assembly for the Operator Arrangement May Become an Open Circuit on Certain Mini Hydraulic Excavators {1408}
Procedure to Replace Drive Assembly of Starter Motor On All Cat® Products {1453} Procedure to Replace Drive Assembly of Starter Motor On All Cat® Products {1453}
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Adapter and Front Gear Inspection for Certain C175–16 and C175–20 Engines {1242, 125H} High-Pressure Fuel Pump Adapter and Front Gear Inspection for Certain C175–16 and C175–20 Engines {1242, 125H}
Transmission Planet Gear Failure May Occur on Certain 797, 797B, and 797F Off-Highway Trucks {3030, 3160} Transmission Planet Gear Failure May Occur on Certain 797, 797B, and 797F Off-Highway Trucks {3030, 3160}
New Engine Software and Aftertreatment Software are Now Used for 797F Tier 4 Off-Highway Trucks {1920, 7620} New Engine Software and Aftertreatment Software are Now Used for 797F Tier 4 Off-Highway Trucks {1920, 7620}
A New Fuel Priming Pump Switch and Guard are Now Used on Certain 3512C Engines {1261} A New Fuel Priming Pump Switch and Guard are Now Used on Certain 3512C Engines {1261}
Improved Head to Block Joint on Certain C175 Reman Engines {1000} Improved Head to Block Joint on Certain C175 Reman Engines {1000}
PM620, PM622, PM820 and PM822 and PM825 Cold Planer Machine Systems Mixing Chamber
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