C13, C15, and C18 Engines/ Coolant Temperature Is High

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
J1939
Code
CDL
Code
Code Description
(code descriptions may
vary)
Comments
110-0 E361(3)
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.
110-15 E361(1)
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.
110-16 E361(2)
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.

Probable Causes

Low Coolant Level and/or Coolant Leakage
Coolant Temperature Sensor
Water Temperature Regulator and/or Pressure Relief Valve
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. Coolant

A. 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 Circuit

A. 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 Valve

A. 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. Radiator

A. 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

Radiator


Result The radiator fins are not
damaged and the radiator does not
have an internal blockage.

Proceed to Test Step 5.

Result The radiator fins are
damaged.

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

Result The radiator has internal
blockage.
run at a temperature that is higher than
normal. The normal temperature is
dependent on the ambient temperature.


Remove the blockage.


5. Heat Exchanger

A. 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 6.

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.


6. 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 7.

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 7.

Result The fan clutch is not
operating correctly.

Refer to Troubleshooting,
"Cooling Fan Control - Test" for
troubleshooting information.


7. Inspection of the Coolant Pump

A. 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 8.

Result The coolant pump is not
operating correctly.

If necessary, replace the coolant
pump. Refer to Disassembly and
Assembly for the correct
procedure.


8. Cylinder Head Gasket

A.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.