Maintenance

[booyah]

Hi, new to working on diesel engines, and my truck has been parked for awhile.  Going to be using it soon and have been starting it up frequently.  After five minutes or so, it starts filling up the reservoir tank and blowing out the overflow.  Anyone know what my problem could be?

[amer_27606]

Hello booyah,

Have you checked the thermostat or the temperature regulator if it is working properly?  You could also have too much fluid in the cooling system.  In addition, you may need to test the pressure cap (coolant fill point) if it is working properly.  It is a pressurized system, and it needs to be working at a good working pressure in order to determine the normal system temperature and eliminate the air (enemy) in the cooling system.

Hope this helps

Regards,

amer_27606

[amer_27606]

Is there a temperature rise indication on the monitoring system display located inside the cab?

amer_27606

[booyah]

Hi thanks for your reply.  And your suggestions are a great place for me to start.  I was kind of heading in the direction that you recommended, but I wasn't sure if I should waste a lot of time on it.  I don't believe the temperature rises much, then again, I haven't been running it for any extended amount of time.  What should the correct pressure and temp. be?  I forgot to mention the error code I've been getting.  Don't even know if it's tied in with this problem or not.  It's an 83.  I callled the WS dealer, but they had nothing listed for that code error, and thought I must be misreading the flashes.  I haven't got this code error since it started getting warmer here in the north east.  Thanks again.

[amer_27606]

Hey there,

If you provide me w/ the serial number of the engine, I will probably be able to help you better.

Regards,

amer_27606

[amer_27606]

Booyah,

The below statement is taken from CAT Service Information System.

"Temperature and pressure work together. When a diagnosis is made of a cooling system problem, both temperature and pressure must be checked. Cooling system pressure will have an effect on the cooling system temperature."

In addition, at different heights above sea level where the truck is running, the cooling system will be affected as well,  However, w/ the correct pressure cap the negative effect of system parameters (pressure, temperature & height) will decrease.  

The temp. regulator should start opening at 190 degree Fahrenheit (Full opening at 208 degree Fahrenheit).  The minimum recommended system pressure cap pressure is 9.0 psi.

There is a tool, you can purchase from a CAT dealer in your area, used to pressure test the radiator's cap and the cooling system for leaks.  The tool's part number is 9S-8140 (Pressurizing Pump).

You may also want to check the condition of the coolant.   Is it CAT ELC (Extended Life Coolant)?  If not, I recommend to use it instead.

Hope this helps!

Regards,

amer_27606