1985/11/01 Caterpillar


Engine Information Plate Contains More Data; Use Of Performance Specifications

Usage:


All Caterpillar Truck Engines

Reference: "Comparison Of Fuel Timing Tolerances For Field Settings " in this same issue.

The purpose of this article on the engine information plate is to inform dealers of the importance of the data on the plate, how to replace the plate, and to explain some of the specifications and their tolerances.

An understanding of performance specifications and their tolerances, and the correct adjustment of all fuel system and governor settings are important to ensure the factory designed performance and fuel economy.

More Data Added To Engine Information Plate

The engine information plate installed on all engines in all applications has been expanded to include the full torque static fuel setting (A), and air/fuel ratio dynamic (running) setting (B). See Illustration 1. Previously this data was only available in the fuel setting and related information (0T) Microfiche. The other information on the plate remains the same, but has been rearranged. This plate is not serviced by the "9L" number on the plate.


Illustration 1. New information plate.

The engine information plate is located on the valve cover, except on the 3500 Series Engines where it is on the middle inspection plate below the cylinder head.

Changing The Engine Information

A new 4W5140 Parts Service Engine Information Plate is available for use when engine arrangements or ratings are changed in the field. See Illustration 2. Items (A) and (B) have also been added to this parts service plate. The plate has blank spaces for all the engine specifications. It must be installed on top of the old plate so the original serial number shows. Do not remove the existing plate.


Illustration 2. The special parts service plate to use if the ratings are changed in the field.

To install the parts service plate:

1. Thoroughly clean the old plate.

2. Stamp the new information and the unchanged information on the parts service plate. Straighten the plate if necessary.

3. Pull off the protective back and break off the lower section of the plate at the scribed mark.

4. Use Loctite Company "Depend®" two part adhesive to provide a permanent bond between the old plate and the parts service plate. Follow the instructions for the adhesive carefully. If the adhesive is premixed, it will not bond properly.

5. Position the plate so the "arrangement number " block is directly over the "arrangement number" block on the old plate.

NOTE: Loctite "Depend®" is now being used to install the original engine information plates at the factories. It is planned to make this available from Caterpillar.

Replacing An Entire Information Plate

If the entire information plate is missing, the model, serial number and performance specification number on the engine serial number plate can be used to temporarily locate performance specifications until a replacement information plate can be obtained. A replacement information plate is available from the factory at no charge. However, a replacement information plate cannot be ordered by part number. To protect the user, dealers must verify ownership of the engine or equipment. The model, serial number, arrangement number and performance specification number can then be provided to the Dealer Marketing Manager at the factory (or appropriate Engine Division Manager in Subsidiaries). After approval, a new complete plate (not just the 4W5140 Plate) will be furnished. The original performance specifications can be provided for engines manufactured since 1980 if the engine rating or arrangement has not been changed.

NOTE: Anytime a dealer or user changes the arrangement parts, make sure this is entered in the Product Information System for later reference.

Performance Specifications And Setting Tolerances

It is extremely important to understand that the performance specifications on the original engine information plate on the valve cover are the BEST source for fuel and fuel ratio control settings, since they are strictly controlled for the engine's factory dynamometer test. Now that the full torque fuel setting and fuel ratio control setting are stamped on the engine information plate, it is no longer necessary to use the fuel setting and related information in the microfiche to obtain ANY fuel settings.

The fuel system settings on the engine information plate will not always agree exactly with the settings in the microfiche. This is because the fuel system setting specifications in the microfiche are not normally changed when small changes to engine specifications occur. Under normal conditions, only when the fuel system setting specifications for the factory dynamometer test change up or down by .25 mm (.010 ") or more, will the microfiche specifications be changed and a serial number range determined for the previous settings. Use the fuel system specifications in the microfiche only if the engine is being set to a new rating, or if the information plate is missing.

The maximum altitude, power, full load rpm and fuel timing specifications on the engine information plate and in the microfiche are the same for all engine with the same performance specification number and serial number range.

It is important to note that the high idle rpm setting on the engine information plate is a "Bare" engine dynamometer specification with the engine at full operating temperature. Do not use this specification as an "Installed" specification, because it does not include any rpm drop caused by the engine fan and accessories. The installed setting will be LOWER than the bare engine specification and will vary from engine to engine depending on the amount of accessory loads. On cold engines, the high idle may be higher than or equal to that on the information plate. Engine temperature will affect high idle. A high idle rpm adjustment MUST only be used to get the correct full load rpm.

A high idle rpm check is used only to check for full governor linkage movement, or to determine if the governor speed droop is correct, or as a reference for a full load rpm adjustment. Refer to the November 23, 1983 Truck Engine News, Page 2, "Explanation Of Engine High Idle RPM And Correct Adjustment Of Engine Setpoint ".

The tolerances for all specifications, except fuel settings, that are on the engine information plate are listed in the 0T Microfiche. The static and the dynamic tolerance for the fuel settings and fuel ratio control are ±0.25 mm (±.010"). This tolerance is ONLY for checking the settings, not for actual adjustments. This tolerance is based on manufacturing tolerances plus service tool and procedure tolerances. When checking a setting, if the setting is within the tolerance range, NO adjustment should be made. If the setting is outside the tolerance for the specification, the setting MUST be adjusted to the specification value stamped on the engine information plate. The minimum or maximum tolerance must NOT be used when an adjustment is required. Adjustments outside the tolerance can shorten the life of engine components. When setting the timing, refer to the previously mentioned Reference Article.

Making an adjustment to the minimum or maximum side of the specification may appear to resolve a problem, but in reality only masks the real cause of the problem. In most cases, it will cause another problem. For example, a complaint of low power may appear to be temporarily corrected by an adjustment to the maximum side of the fuel setting specification, but it will most likely cause a high fuel consumption problem. Unnecessary adjustments will cause the original problem to be even more difficult to diagnose. Other engine systems, the engine rating, and the driven components or how the equipment is operated often cause or contribute to the problem in ways that are not immediately obvious. All factors must be considered in order to locate the true cause(s) of the problem.

Care should also be taken when using metric dial indicators and gauges. Sometimes wrong adjustments are made because of misinterpretation of metric readings, since these metric measurements are 25.4 times greater in numeric value than their English equivalent. For example, the metric fuel setting tolerance of 0.25 mm, which is .010 ", is easily confused with .025", since both 0.25 mm and .025 " are 1/4of a revolution of the needle on their respective dial indicators.

An understanding of performance specifications and their tolerances, and the correct adjustment of all fuel system and governor settings are important to ensure both performance and fuel economy. The new engine information plate and the parts service plate will make it easier for service technicians to locate the correct performance specifications for new or rerated Caterpillar Engines.

Caterpillar Information System:

1985/11/01 Comparison Of Fuel Timing Tolerances For Field Settings
1985/11/01 Special Bolts Help Prevent Unauthorized Modification Of Fuel System And Governor Settings
1985/11/01 Two Different Piston Oil Ring Designs Used
1985/10/01 Fuel Economy Is Often Elusive, But It's Been There All Along
1985/10/01 New Keystone Ring Groove Gauge Available
1985/10/01 New Bleed Screw Used In Fuel Injection Nozzle
1985/10/01 Recommendations For Cooling System And Cold Weather Operation
1985/10/01 Maximum Wear Limits Established For Camshaft Roller Followers
1985/10/01 Two, New Top Dead Center Magnetic Transducers Available
1985/10/01 "Routine" Mid-Life Roll-Ins Of Main And Connecting Rod Bearings No Longer Recommended
1985/10/01 Fuel Transfer Pump Improved
1985/09/01 List Of Service Publications
1985/11/01 Check Fuel Injection Replacement Pump Installation
1985/11/01 Effects Of Liner Wear In Engines Using Plasma Coated Top Rings
1985/11/01 Tape Tool Marker Is Available
1985/11/01 Use Glycerine On Most O-ring Seals
1985/11/01 Air Regulated Torque Wrench Group Available
1985/11/01 Anti-seize Compound And/or Grease Not To Be Used On Fuel Pump Bonnet Retaining Bushings
1985/11/01 New Retaining Rings Used In Brakesaver Groups
1985/11/01 Caterpillar Offers Remanufactured Turbocharged 3208 Engines At Significant Savings
1985/12/01 Crankshaft Seal Usage On 3400 Series Truck Engines
1985/12/01 Bolt Removed From Governor And Fuel Injection Pump Group
1985/12/01 Faster Response Water Temperature Regulators; Service Simplified
1985/12/01 New Fuel Ratio Control Group Used On Engines Equipped With New Scroll Fuel System
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