C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Caterpillar

Note: Some white smoke may be present during cold start-up conditions and during acceleration after a prolonged period at low idle. If the white smoke persists, there may be a fault.

Probable Causes

• Diagnostic codes

• ECM Flash file

• Glow plugs

• Ether injection

• Coolant temperature

• Cooling system

• Fuel quality

• Valve lash

• Low compression (cylinder pressure)

• Electronic unit injectors

• Individual malfunctioning cylinder

• Aftertreatment system contains oil or fuel

Recommended Actions

Diagnostic Codes

Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in order.

Table 1

Troubleshooting Test Steps	Values	Results
1. Diagnostic Codes A. Establish communication between the electronic service tool and the Electronic Control Module (ECM) . Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electronic Service Tools", if necessary. B. Download the Warranty Report and the Product Status Report with Histograms before performing any troubleshooting or clearing any diagnostic codes. Note: The downloaded information will be required by the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN) if troubleshooting assistance is needed. C. Determine if a code is active or logged.	Diagnostic codes	Result: A code is active or logged. Repair: Troubleshoot any active codes before continuing with this procedure. Result: A code is not active or logged. Proceed to Test Step 2.
2. ECM Flash File A. Verify that the latest flash file is installed in the ECM.	Flash file	Result: The latest flash file is not installed. Repair: Install the latest flash file. Refer to Troubleshooting, "ECM Software - Install" for the correct procedure. Verify that the repair eliminates the fault. Result: The latest flash file is installed. Proceed to Test Step 3.
3. Glow Plugs Note: Faulty glow plugs will only affect the production of white smoke when the ambient temperature is between 5° C (41° F) and −25° C (−13° F). A. Check operation of glow plugs. Verify that the glow plugs are operating correctly. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Glow Plug Starting Aid - Test". B. Check the configuration screen on the electronic service tool to verify that ether injection is not enabled.	Glow plugs	Result: The glow plugs are not operating correctly. Repair: Make the necessary repairs. Verify that the repair corrected the fault. Result: The glow plugs are operating correctly. Proceed to Test Step 4.
4. Ether Injection Note: A faulty ether starting aid will only affect the production of white smoke when the ambient temperature is below −25° C (−13° F). A. Use the electronic service tool to test the ether starting aid.	Glow plugs	Result: The ether starting aid is faulty. Repair: Test the ether system. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Ether Starting Aid - Test". Result: The ether starting aid is operating correctly. Proceed to Test Step 5.
5. Coolant Temperature A. Check that the water temperature regulator is operating correctly. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Water Temperature Regulator - Test".	Coolant temperature	Result: The water temperature regulator is not operating correctly. Repair: Replace the water temperature regulator. Verify that the repair corrected the fault. Result: The water temperature regulator is operating correctly. Proceed to Test Step 6.
6. Cooling System A. Check for an internal coolant leak into the cylinder and/or the exhaust. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System".	Internal coolant leak	Result: There is an internal coolant leak. Repair: Make the necessary repairs. Verify that the repair eliminated the fault. Result: There is not an internal coolant leak. Proceed to Test Step 7.
7. Fuel Quality A. Check the fuel quality. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Fuel Quality - Test". B. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual for information on the proper characteristics of the fuel for the engine.	Fuel	Result: The fuel quality is not OK. Repair: Drain the fuel system and replace the fuel filters. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System Primary Filter (Water Separator) Element - Replace" and Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System Filter - Replace". Fill the fuel system with fuel that meets the standard in the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fluid Recommendations". Prime the fuel system. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime". Proceed to Test Step 12. Result: The fuel quality is OK. Proceed to Test Step 8.
8. Valve Lash Note: The valve lash can affect the performance of the engine. A. Check the valve lash.	Valve lash	Result: The valve lash is not set correctly. Repair: Check the valve lash. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Engine Valve Lash - Inspect" for the correct procedure. Proceed to Test Step 12. Result: The valve lash is correct. Proceed to Test Step 9.
9. Low Compression (Cylinder Pressure) A. Perform a compression test. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Compression - Test".	Cylinder compression	Result: The results of the compression test are outside the specifications. Repair: Investigate the cause and rectify any faults. Note: Possible causes of low compression are shown in the following list: · Loose glow plugs · Faulty piston · Faulty piston rings · Worn cylinder bores · Worn valves · Faulty cylinder head gasket · Damaged cylinder head Proceed to Test Step 12. Result: The results of the compression test are OK. Proceed to Test Step 10.
10. Electronic Unit Injectors A. Use the electronic service tool to perform the automatic "Cylinder Cut Out Test". Note: If the compression test that was performed in Test Step 9 was satisfactory, the "Cylinder Cut Out Test" will identify any faulty injectors.	Electronic Unit Injectors	Result: A faulty injector is indicated. Repair: Remove any faulty electronic unit injectors. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Electronic Unit Injector - Remove". Install new electronic unit injectors. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Electronic Unit Injector - Install". Repeat the automatic "Cylinder Cut Out Test". If the fault is still apparent, remove the replacement electronic unit injector and install the original electronic unit injector. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Electronic Unit Injector - Remove" and Disassembly and Assembly, "Electronic Unit Injector - Install". Proceed to Test Step 12. Result: All injectors are OK. Proceed to Test Step 11.
11. Individual Malfunctioning Cylinders A. With the engine speed at a fast idle, use the electronic service tool to perform the manual "Cylinder Cut Out Test". As each cylinder is cut out, listen for a change in the sound from the engine. When a cylinder is cut out, there should be a noticeable change in the sound of the engine. If a change in the sound of the engine is not noted, the isolated cylinder is not operating under normal conditions. If the isolation of a cylinder results in a change in the sound that is less noticeable, the cylinder may be operating below normal performance.	Cylinders	Result: The test indicates a faulty cylinder. Repair: Investigate the cause of the fault on any cylinder that is not operating. Investigate the cause of the fault on any cylinder that is operating below normal performance. Proceed to Test Step 12. Result: The test indicates that all cylinders are OK. Contact the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).
12. Check the Aftertreatment System for Oil or Fuel A. Remove excess oil or fuel from the piping with a clean cloth. B. Remove the Clean Emissions Module (CEM). Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Clean Emissions Module - Remove and Install". C. Support the CEM over a suitable container with the exhaust inlet downwards. Leave the CEM to drain for 8 hours. D. Check the quantity of drained oil or fuel in the container.	CEM	Result The volume of drained oil or fuel is greater than 1.0 L (1.05669 qt). Repair: Install a replacement CEM. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Clean Emissions Module - Remove and Install". Return the unit to service. Result The volume of drained oil or fuel is less than 1.0 L (1.05669 qt). Proceed to Test Step 13.
13. Recover the Aftertreatment System A. Clean any remaining oil or fuel from the piping and the CEM inlet with a clean cloth. B. Install the Clean Emissions Module (CEM). Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Clean Emissions Module - Remove and Install". C. Run the engine at high idle with no load for a minimum of 20 minutes. D. Use the electronic service tool to perform the "Aftertreatment Recovery Procedure". While the procedure is progressing, check for smoke from the exhaust. Some smoke will be evident during the procedure. The smoke must dissipate before the procedure is completed.	CEM	Result: The "Aftertreatment Recovery Procedure" completes with a soot load of less than 80% and no smoke from the exhaust. Return the unit to service. Result The "Aftertreatment Recovery Procedure" completes with a soot load of more than 80% or smoke from the exhaust. Contact the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).