Posted on

C13, C15, and C18 Engines Troubleshooting – E361(1)/E361(2)/E361(3) Coolant Temperature Is High

Use this procedure in order to troubleshoot high coolant temperature or use this procedure if one of the following event codes is active. Refer to Troubleshooting, “Event Codes” for information about event codes. Access the monitoring system on Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) in order to view the current trip points for these codes.

Table 1
Diagnostic Trouble Codes
CDL Code J1939 Code Code Description
(code descriptions may vary)		 Comments
E361(1) 110-15 Engine Coolant Temperature High- Least Severe (1) The engine coolant temperature has exceeded the trip point and delay time has expired.
The code is logged.
E361(2) 110-16 High Engine Coolant Temperature High – Moderate Severity (2) The engine coolant temperature has exceeded the trip point and the delay time has expired.
The code is logged.
E361(3) 110-0 Engine Coolant Temperature High – Most Severe (3) The engine coolant temperature has exceeded the trip point and the delay time has expired.
Engine power is derated.
The code is logged.

Probable Causes

 

  • Low Coolant Level and/or Coolant Leakage
  • Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Water Temperature Regulator and/or Pressure Relief Valve
  • NOx Reduction System (NRS) Cooler Leak
  • Radiator
  • Heat Exchanger
  • Engine Cooling Fan (if equipped)
  • Coolant Pump
  • Cylinder Head Gasket

Recommended Actions

Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in order.

Table 2
Troubleshooting Test Steps Values Results
1. CoolantA. Inspect the coolant level. Engine coolant level Result: The engine coolant level is OK.Proceed to Test Step 2.

Result: The engine coolant level is not OK.

Check the cooling system for leaks. Refer to Troubleshooting, “Coolant Level is Low” for additional information. Repair any leaks immediately.
2. Coolant Temperature Sensor and/or the CircuitA. Check the reading of the coolant temperature on Cat ET. The temperature should rise steadily as the engine is warmed. Ensure that the temperature is reasonable. Coolant temperature sensor Result: The temperature sensor is working properly.Proceed to Test Step 3.

Result: The temperature sensor is not working properly.

Troubleshoot the circuit and the coolant temperature sensor. Refer to Troubleshooting, “Sensor Signal (Analog, Passive) – Test”.
3. Water Temperature Regulator and/or Pressure Relief ValveA. Pressure-test the cooling system. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting for the correct procedure.

B. Check that the seating surfaces of the pressure relief valve and the radiator cap are clean and undamaged.

C. Check operation of the pressure relief valve and/or the water temperature regulator.

 Temperature regulator Result: The pressure relief valve and/or the water temperature regulator are operating properly.Proceed to Test Step 4.

Result: The pressure relief valve and/or the water temperature regulator are not operating properly.

Clean the components and/or replace the components.
4. NRS Cooler LeakA. Check the NRS cooler for leaks. Refer to Testing and Adjusting, “Exhaust Cooler (NRS) – Test”. NRS cooler Result : The NRS cooler has a leak.Replace the NRS cooler. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual for the related procedure.

Result : The NRS cooler does not have a leak.

Proceed to Test Step 5.
5. RadiatorA. Check the radiator fins for dirt, debris, and/or damage.

B. Check for collapsed hoses and/or other restrictions.

C. Check the radiator for internal blockage.

Ensure that the radiator size is sufficient. An undersized radiator does not have enough area for the effective release of heat. An undersized radiator may cause the engine to run at a temperature that is higher than normal. The normal temperature is dependent on the ambient temperature.

 Radiator Result : The radiator fins are not damaged and the radiator does not have an internal blockage.Proceed to Test Step 6.

Result : The radiator fins are damaged.

Remove any dirt and/or debris and straighten any bent fins.

Result The radiator has internal blockage.

Remove the blockage.
6. Heat ExchangerA. Check for sufficient flow and temperature of the cooling water through the heat exchanger. Heat exchanger Result : The flow of cooling water is sufficient.Proceed to Test Step 7.

Result : The flow of cooling water is not sufficient.

Determine the location of the obstruction. If the temperature of the cooling water is too high, determine the cause. Ensure that the size of the heat exchanger is sufficient. Make the necessary repairs.
7. Faulty Engine Cooling Fan (if equipped)A. If the fan is belt driven, check for loose drive belts.

A loose fan drive belt will cause a reduction in the air flow across the radiator.

B. Check the fan clutch, if equipped.

A fan clutch or a hydraulic driven fan that is not turning at the correct speed can cause improper air speed across the radiator core. The lack of proper air flow across the radiator core can cause the coolant not to cool to the proper temperature differential.

 Fan belt or clutch Result : The fan belt is tensioned correctly.Proceed to Test Step 8.

Result : The fan belt is not tensioned correctly.

Adjust the tension of the fan drive belt, if necessary. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual.

Result : The fan clutch is operating correctly.

Proceed to Test Step 8.

Result The fan clutch is not operating correctly.

Refer to Troubleshooting, “Cooling Fan Control – Test” for troubleshooting information.
8. Inspection of the Coolant PumpA. Inspect the impeller of the coolant pump for damage and/or erosion.

B. Make sure that the drive gear is not loose on the drive shaft of the coolant pump.

 Coolant pump Result : The coolant pump is operating correctly.Proceed to Test Step 9.

Result : The coolant pump is not operating correctly.

If necessary, replace the coolant pump. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly for the correct procedure.
9. Cylinder Head GasketA.Remove the cylinder head. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual.

B. Check the cylinder liner projection. Refer to the Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting manual.

C. Pressure test the head for leaks.

D. Install a new cylinder head gasket and new water seals in the spacer plate. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual.

 Head gasket Result : The cylinder head was checked for leaks and the gasket was replaced.

Verify that the problem was corrected.

Complete the procedure in the order in which the steps are listed.

If the procedure did not correct the issue, contact your Cat dealer Technical Communicator (TC). For further assistance, your TC can confer with the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).

 

One Reply to “C13, C15, and C18 Engines Troubleshooting – E361(1)/E361(2)/E361(3) Coolant Temperature Is High”

  1. I have an issue with a CAT C13 Ascert engine with high coolant pressure.
    The pressure at idle is 8 psi and at full rpm is 45 psi.
    The radiator was removed and cleaned and tested by radiator expert.
    Oil cooler was removed and cleaned and relevant pipes cleaned.
    The engine is not overheating and is running fine.
    Can this cause me problems and what can i do to resolve this.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *