Difficult Starting - Engine Crankshaft Will Not Turn; Engine Crankshaft Turns Too Slowly
Usage:
Engine Crankshaft Will Not Turn
Recommended Procedure
- 1. Low or No Battery Voltage ... Check battery voltage. If battery voltage is less than 8 volts for a 12 volt system, or 16 volts for a 24 volt system, put a charge to the battery. If battery will not hold a charge, load test the battery as shown in the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM of the Testing and Adjusting section of this Service Manual.
- 2. Bad Switch, Bad Wiring or Connection in Switch Circuit ... With ignition switch in START position, check voltage at switch connection on starter solenoid. If there is no voltage, or if the voltage is low at this connection, check wiring, connections, ignition switch, and magnetic switch (if used).
- 3. Bad Cable or Connection; Battery to Starter... With ignition switch in the START position, check voltage at connection of battery cable to starter. If there is no voltage, or if the voltage is low at this connection and there is good voltage at the battery, check for bad cable or connection between the battery and the starter.
- 4. Bad Starter Solenoid ... Remove and repair a solenoid which does not work when voltage is correct at both the battery and ignition switch connections.
- 5. Bad Starter Motor ... If the solenoid works and the starter motor does not turn the crankshaft, the starter motor is bad. Before removing the starter motor, turn the crankshaft by hadn to be sure a mechanical failure inside the engine, transmission, or power take-off is not preventing the crankshaft from turning. If crankshaft turns freely by hand, engage the starter motor again. If the starter motor still will not work, remove the starter motor and repair it, or install a new starter motor.
- 6. Transmission or Power Take-off (if so equipped) Problem Prevents Crankshaft From Turning ... If crankshaft can not be turned by hand, disconnect the transmission and power take-off. If crankshaft will now turn, find the cause of the problem in the transmission or power take-off and make necessary corrections.
- 7. Inside Problem Prevents Engine Crankshaft From Turning ... If the crankshaft can not be turned after disconnecting the transmission and power take-off, remove the fuel nozzles and check for fluid in the cylinders while turning the crankshaft. If fluid in the cylinders is not the problem, the engine must be disassembled to check for other inside problems. Some of these inside problems are bearing seizure, piston seizure, and valves making contact with pistons.
Engine Crankshaft Turns Too Slowly
- 8. Low Battery Voltage ... Check battery voltage. If battery voltage is less than 8 volts for a 12 volt system, or 16 volts for a 24 volt system, put a charge to the battery. If the battery will not hold a charge, load test the battery as shown in the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM of the Testing and Adjusting section of this Service Manual.
- 9. Bad Cable or Connection; Battery to Starter-... With switch in START position, check voltage at battery cable connection to starter. If voltage is low at this connection and there is good voltage at the battery, check for bad cable or connection between the battery and the starter.
- 10. Oil Too Thick for Free Crankshaft Rotation- ... Use SAE 10W/30, 10W/40 grade oils for temperatures below 32°F (0°C). At temperatures below -10°F (-23°C) it may be necessary to warm the oil for free crankshaft rotation.
- 11. Bad Starter Motor ... Remove and test. Make repairs as necessary or install a new starter motor.
- 12. Extra Outside Loads ... Damage to the power take-off equipment (if so equipped) and/or transmission can put extra load on the engine. This prevents free rotation of the crankshaft. To check, disconnect the transmission and power take-off, and start the engine.
- 13. Mechanical Problem Inside Engine ... Take the engine apart and check all components for damage.
- 2. Bad Switch, Bad Wiring or Connection in Switch Circuit ... With ignition switch in START position, check voltage at switch connection on starter solenoid. If there is no voltage, or if the voltage is low at this connection, check wiring, connections, ignition switch, and magnetic switch (if used).
Caterpillar Information System:
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Difficult Starting - Engine Crankshaft Turns Freely
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Too Much Exhaust Smoke - White Smoke; Blue Smoke
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Too Much Exhaust Smoke - Black or Gray
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Misfiring And Running Rough
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Problem With Vehicle Or Vehicle Operation
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE High Fuel Consumption Troubleshooting - (Diagnosis with Chassis Dynamometer)
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Primary Engine Test For High Fuel Consumption
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Low Power Troubleshooting - (Diagnosis with Chassis Dynamometer)
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Primary Engine Test For Low Power
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Introduction To The Troubleshooting Guide
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Testing And Adjusting
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Systems Operation
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Cooling System
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Loss Of Coolant
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Fuel In Crankcase Oil
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Engine Vibration Troubleshooting
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE General Instructions
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Alternator
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Electric Starting Motor
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Torque Stop
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Fuel Injection Lines
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Fuel Priming Pump
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Tachometer Drive
3306 DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE Fuel Filter