Caterpillar C18 - General Maintenance

Battery - Replace

• Switch the engine to the OFF position. Remove all electrical loads.

• Turn off any battery chargers. Disconnect any battery chargers.

• The NEGATIVE “-” cable connects the NEGATIVE “-” battery terminal to the NEGATIVE “-” terminal on the starter motor. Disconnect the cable from the NEGATIVE “-” battery terminal.

• The POSITIVE “+” cable connects the POSITIVE “+” battery terminal to the POSITIVE “+” terminal on the starting motor. Disconnect the cable from the POSITIVE “+” battery terminal.

• Note: Always recycle a battery. Never discard a battery. Return used batteries to an appropriate recycling facility.

• Remove the used battery.

• Install the new battery.

• Note: Before the cables are connected, ensure that the engine start switch is OFF.

• Connect the cable from the starting motor to the POSITIVE “+” battery terminal.

• Connect the cable from the NEGATIVE “-” terminal on the starter motor to the NEGATIVE “-” battery terminal.

Battery or Battery Cable - Disconnect

• Turn the start switch to the OFF position. Turn the ignition switch (if equipped) to the OFF position and remove the key and all electrical loads.

• Disconnect the negative battery terminal at the battery that goes to the start switch. Ensure that the cable cannot contact the terminal. When four 12 volt batteries are involved, the negative side of two batteries must be disconnected.

• Tape the leads in order to help prevent accidental starting.

• Proceed with necessary system repairs. Reverse the steps in order to reconnect all of the cables.

Coolant - Change

• Stop the engine and allow the engine to cool. Ensure that the engine will not start when the cooling system is drained.

• Loosen the cooling system filler cap slowly in order to relieve any pressure. Remove the cooling system filler cap.

• Open the cooling system drain valve (if equipped). If the cooling system is not equipped with a drain valve, remove one of the drain plugs.

• Note: If equipped, be sure to drain the heater and any related supply and return lines.

• Allow the coolant to drain.

Coolant Extender (ELC) - Add

• Loosen the cooling system filler cap slowly in order to relieve pressure. Remove the cooling system filler cap.

• If necessary, drain enough coolant from the cooling system in order to add the Cat ELC Extender.

• Add Cat ELC Extender according to the requirements for the cooling system capacity. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Refill Capacities” for the coolant capacity.

• Clean the cooling system filler cap. Inspect the gaskets on the cooling system filler cap. Replace the cooling system filler cap if the gaskets are damaged. Install the cooling system filler cap.

Engine Air Cleaner Element (Dual Element) - Inspect/Clean/Replace

• Remove the cover. Remove the primary air cleaner element.

• The secondary air cleaner element should be removed and discarded for every three cleanings of the primary air cleaner element.

• Note: Refer to “Cleaning the Primary Air Cleaner Elements”.

• Cover the turbocharger air inlet with tape in order to keep out dirt.

• Clean the inside of the air cleaner cover and body with a clean, dry cloth.

• Remove the tape for the turbocharger air inlet. Install the secondary air cleaner element. Install a primary air cleaner element that is new or cleaned.

• Install the air cleaner cover.

• Reset the air cleaner service indicator.

Engine Storage Procedure - Check

• The oil change interval may be extended to 12 months for a vehicle that is operated seasonally and placed in storage for the remainder of the year by using the required storage procedures and the required start-up procedures.

This extension is permitted if the following categories for oil change intervals in the Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Maintenance Interval Schedule” have not been reached:

• Mileage

• Operating hours

• Fuel consumption

Fuel System - Prime

• Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position.

• Turn the priming valve (3) (If Equipped) to the “Closed (Prime)” position in order to prime the fuel system.

• Open air purge screw (2) for the fuel filter by three full turns. Do not remove the air purge screw.

• Do not crank the engine continuously for more than 30 seconds. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes before cranking the engine again.

• Start the engine. The engine should start and the engine should run smoothly

• You may use the fuel priming pump for the fuel filter (IF EQUIPPED) instead of starting the engine and running the engine.

• While the engine is running, observe air purge screw (2). When a small drop of fuel appears at the threads of the air purge screw, close and tighten air purge screw (2).

• Note: There may be a noticeable change in the sound of the running engine when the air purge screw is tightened. The change in the sound of the engine is normal.

• Note: Failure to tighten all fittings could result in serious fuel leaks.

• Clean any residual fuel from the engine components.

• After the engine has operated smoothly for 30 seconds, turn the priming valve (3) to the “Open (Run)” position.

• Note: Shortened injector life may occur if the priming valve (3) is left in the “Closed (Prime)” position.