3500B and 3500B High Displacement Generator Set Engines Radiator and Cooling System - Test Caterpillar

Illustration 1	g01024208
(1) Radiator top tank (2) Expansion tank

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Steam or hot coolant can cause severe burns. Do not loosen the filler cap or the pressure cap on a hot engine. Allow the engine to cool before removing the filler cap or the pressure cap.

Introduction

Use this procedure to check the condition of the engine cooling system.

Required Tools

Test Preparation

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Personal injury can result from escaping fluid under pressure. If a pressure indication is shown on the indicator, push the release valve in order to relieve pressure before removing any hose from the radiator.

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Allow the engine to cool.

3. Loosen the radiator cap slowly and allow the pressure to vent from the cooling system.

4. Remove the cap from the radiator.

Test Procedure

1. Inspect the components of the radiator cap carefully. Look for damage to the seal or to the radiator filler neck sealing surface. Clean the seal and the sealing surface of any foreign material and deposits that have accumulated.

2. Check the coolant level in the radiator. The coolant level must be above the top of the radiator core.

3. Install the radiator cap onto the filler neck.
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   Illustration 2	g00286374
   9S-8140 Pressurizing Pump (3) Release valve (4) Adapter (5) Hose

4. Remove hose (5) from adapter (4).
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   Illustration 3	g00286375

5. Locate the pressure test port that is in the radiator top tank. Remove the test port plug.

6. Install the end of hose (5) onto the pressure test port.

7. Use the pressurizing pump to pressurize the cooling system. Pressurize the cooling system until the radiator pressure cap begins to vent pressure from the system. The highest pressure indication on the pressurizing pump pressure gauge is the point that opens the relief valve in the cap. Compare the test pressure to the opening pressure that is stamped on the radiator cap.

8. If the relief valve does not open within the pressure that is stamped on the cap, there is a problem with the relief valve. Replace the radiator cap.

9. If the relief valve is pressurizing the cooling system according to the specification, the radiator cap is OK.

10. Before removing pressure from the cooling system, perform a walk-around inspection of the cooling system. Check all hoses, hose connections, and piping for external leakage.

11. Allow the cooling system to remain pressurized for 5 minutes in order to check for internal leakage. If the pressure that is indicated on the pressurizing pump gauge decreases within the 5 minute period, there may be internal leak. Investigate the problem. Perform the necessary repairs.

12. Remove the pressurizing pump from the cooling system. Replace the test port plug.