Usage:
The combustion process of a diesel engine produces exhaust products such as smoke (visible), hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen (invisible). The dark smoke emitted by a diesel engine is soot or carbon particles and even in low concentration make the diesel exhaust highly visible and offensive to most people. Every effort must be made to eliminate smoke even though it can be considered more of a nuisance than a pollutant.
Under certain conditions oxides of nitrogen react with certain hydrocarbons to form smog which can become irritating and toxic if large concentrations accumulate. Concentrations of this pollutant combined with pollution of other sources all contribute to the total air quality problem.
As an engine manufacturer, our goal is to see that environmental standards are met with a minimum additional complexity or cost to the product. Throughout the years, continuing research and design improvements have been directed at minimizing exhaust emissions. Caterpillar has incorporated items such as -
TURBOCHARGING: Reduces exhaust noise and provides more air per cylinder allowing the fuel to burn more efficiently. These engines are integrally designed for turbocharging.
AIR-FUEL RATIO CONTROL FOR TURBOCHARGED ENGINES: Limits the amount of fuel during acceleration to minimize smoke levels.
RECOMMEND FUELS, LUBRICATING OILS AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES: To assure minimum exhaust emissions.
Caterpillar Truck Engines are certified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to comply with smoke emission standard limits prescribed by Federal laws at the time of manufacture.
Efficiency of emission control and good engine performance depend on adherence to proper operation and maintenance recommendations, use of recommended fuels and lubricating oils. It is recommended that major adjustments and repair be entrusted to your authorized dealer.
Various chemical fuel additives are commercially available that claim to reduce visible smoke. Although additives have been used by individuals to solve some isolated smoke problems in the field, they are not recommended for general use. Federal smoke regulations require the certification of engines without a smoke depressant.
The corrective steps taken immediately on discovery of worn parts, which may affect emission levels, will help assure proper operation of emission control systems. The use of genuine Caterpillar parts is recommended. Suppliers of non-Caterpillar parts must assure the user that the use of such parts will not adversely affect emission levels.
Regular service intervals along with special emphasis on the following items are necessary to keep exhaust emissions within acceptable limits for the useful life of the engine. Refer to the Lubrication and Maintenance Section of this Operation Guide for details and maintenance schedule. If the engine is operating under severe conditions, adjust maintenance schedule accordingly. See your authorized dealer to help analyze your specific maintenance schedule.
The following explanation of required emission related component maintenance has been keyed by number to correspond with item number in the maintenance chart.
- 1. COOLANT - LEVEL AND PROTECTION: Check the engine coolant level daily with the engine stopped and cool. Release cooling system pressure before checking. Fill to proper level with permanent-type antifreeze and water as free as possible from scale forming minerals. DO NOT USE SOFTENED WATER.
- 2. CRANKCASE LUBRICATING OIL LEVEL: Check oil level before starting engine and when refueling. Check with the engine stopped. Add oil of proper classification and grade as to starting temperatures.
- 3. CRANKCASE LUBRICATING OIL: Change oil according to Lubrication and Maintenance Chart. After filling to proper level start engine and check for leaks.
- 4. CRANKCASE LUBRICATING OIL FILTER: Change filters at each oil change period. Check for leaks after engine is started.
- 5. AIR CLEANER: Excessive engine exhaust smoke or loss of power may indicate the need for servicing. Never service the air cleaner while the engine is running. Service as recommended in Lubrication and Maintenance Chart or at the interval recommended by the truck manufacturer. Inspect air inlet and exhaust piping for damage which may cause restriction or leaks.
- 6. CRANKCASE BREATHER: Remove breather element and wash with clean solvent every 30,000 miles. Inspect gaskets and replace if necessary.
- 7. GOVERNOR: Check the engine high and low idle RPM at the first oil change and every 50,000 miles or 1,000 service hours thereafter. The engines were tested for certification at the specified speeds and should be operated within these limits. It is recommended these adjustments be made by an authorized dealer.
- 8. AIR-FUEL RATIO CONTROL: The air-fuel ratio control is a device to control the smoke emission of an engine during its operation when low inlet manifold pressure exists. Low inlet manifold pressure occurs during operation at low power output due to low engine speed or low torque output. During this type of operation the air-fuel ratio control regulates the maximum fuel injected into each cylinder. If the controlling diaphragm within the air-fuel ratio control should rupture, the fuel system will be restricted the same as it would be with low inlet manifold pressure. Slow engine response and low power may indicate a need for adjustment or repair. Authorized dealers are equipped with the necessary tools, personnel and procedures to perform these services.
- 9. VALVE LASH: Check and adjust valve lash in accordance with procedures given in the topic VALVE ADJUSTMENT.
- 10. THERMOSTAT: Check the thermostat annually and replace if necessary. It is preferable this be done when preparing for cold weather operation.
- 11. FUEL FILTER ELEMENTS: Replace final fuel filter and clean primary fuel filter as instructed in the Lubrication and Maintenance Section of this Operation Guide.
- 12. FUEL INJECTION NOZZLES: Defective fuel nozzles will normally cause the engine to misfire, run rough and smoke. Check every 200,000 miles and replace if necessary. Fuel nozzles can be tested by an authorized dealer.
- 13. TURBOCHARGER: Check for any unusual sound or vibration in the turbocharger. Inspect inlet and exhaust piping and connections. Every 200,000 miles check bearing condition and rebuild or replace as necessary.