Caterpillar Marine Diesel Maintenance Schedule

 

Caterpillar Marine Diesel Maintenance Schedule your CatC18 Marine Engine – And Your Vessel – Will Run at Peak Performance with Regular Planned Maintenance. Santa Barbara Marine Diesel Mechanic, services all makes and models of Caterpillar Marine Diesel Engines. Servicing Channel Islands Harbor, Ventura Harbor & Santa Barbara Harbor. CATERPILLAR BOAT MECHANIC.

To keep your vessel moving on the water, start by maintaining your engine. Basic maintenance on your engine can reduce downtime and minimize overall owning and operating costs. Below are a few do-it-yourself tips to routinely perform before you head out for the waves.

Caterpillar Marine Main Engine Performance, long-term durability, high fuel efficiency, simplified maintenance, and long overhaul intervals, Cat® Marine Engines deliver maximum productivity with minimal outlay. We will be using a Caterpillar Marine Diesel Engine C8.7 For reference purposes. note: most Caterpillar Marine Diesel Engines have the same periodic maintenance schedule.

 

Caterpillar Marine Diesel Maintenance Schedule:

Daily:

• Cooling System Coolant Level – Check.
• Engine Air Cleaner Service Indicator – Check
• Engine Oil Level – Check.
• Fuel System Water Separator – Drain.
• Marine Transmission Oil Level – Check.

 

250 Service hours or Yearly:

• Zinc Anodes – Inspect/Replace.
• Engine Valve Lash – Inspect/Adjust.
• Fuel Injection Timing – Check.
• Raw water pump impeller – Replace.
• Raw Water Pump Seals – Inspect
• Raw water System – Flush with Descaling solution.
• Battery Electrolyte Level – Check.
• Belts – Inspect/Replace.
• Cooling System Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) – Test/Add.
• Engine Air Cleaner Element – Clean/Replace
• Engine Crankcase Breather – Clean
• Engine Oil Sample – Obtain
• Engine Oil and Filter – Change
• Fuel Inlet Screen – Clean
• Fuel System Primary Filter/Water Separator Element – Replace.
• Fuel System Secondary Filter – Replace
• Fuel Tank Water and Sediment – Drain
• Hoses and Clamps – Inspect/Replace
• Sea Water Strainer – Clean/Inspect
• Water Pump – Inspect.
• Reverse Gear Strainer – Clean.

 

1000 Service hours or 2Years:

• Aftercooler Core – Clean/Test.
• Cooling System Coolant (DEAC) – Change.
• Engine Protective Devices – Check.
• Magnetic Pickups – Clean/Inspect.
• Turbocharger – Inspect.

 

2000 Service Hours or 4 Years:

• Engine Mounts – Inspect.
• Engine Valve Lash – Inspect/Adjust.
• Fuel Injection Timing – Check.
• Governor Oil Supply Screen – Clean/Replace.
• Heat Exchanger – Inspect / Remove/ Descale.

NOTE: These are Caterpillars periodic maintenance suggestions strait out of the service manual. Some of these seem excessive to me such as adjusting the valve lash or adjusting the injection timing every 250 hours. here at Santa Barbara Marine Diesel Mechanic, we can customize your diesel engines periodic maintenance to fit your needs.

 

Maintaining Caterpillar marine diesel engines

is essential for ensuring their performance and longevity. Below is a maintenance summary typically provided by an 805 Marine mechanic, detailing the regular checks and services needed for Caterpillar marine diesel engines:

Daily Maintenance

1. Engine Oil Level: Check and ensure the oil level is within the recommended range.
2. Coolant Level: Verify the coolant level is adequate.
3. Fuel System: Inspect for leaks or obstructions in the fuel lines.
4. Engine Gauges: Monitor all engine gauges and instruments for normal readings.
5. Visual Inspection: Conduct a general visual inspection for any signs of leaks, wear, or damage.

Weekly Maintenance

1. Belts and Hoses: Inspect the condition and tension of all belts and hoses.
2. Fuel Filters: Check primary and secondary fuel filters for cleanliness and proper function.
3. Air Filters: Ensure air filters are clean and free from obstructions.
4. Battery Condition: Check battery connections and charge level.

Monthly Maintenance

1. Oil and Filter Change: Replace engine oil and oil filters if not done in the last 250 hours.
2. Coolant System: Test coolant concentration and condition.
3. Hoses and Clamps: Check all hoses and clamps for wear, cracks, or leaks.
4. Propeller Shaft: Ensure the propeller shaft is aligned and unobstructed.

Quarterly Maintenance (Every 250 Hours)

1. Oil and Filter Change: Replace engine oil and oil filters.
2. Fuel Filter Replacement: Change primary and secondary fuel filters.
3. Air Filter Replacement: Replace air filters.
4. Turbocharger Inspection: Check turbocharger for wear or damage.
5. Exhaust System Check: Inspect exhaust system for leaks or corrosion.

Semi-Annual Maintenance (Every 500 Hours)

1. Valve Clearance Check: Inspect and adjust valve clearances if necessary.
2. Heat Exchanger Cleaning: Remove and clean heat exchangers for efficient cooling.
3. Engine Mounts: Inspect mounts for wear and proper alignment.
4. Alternator and Starter: Check the condition and operation of the alternator and starter motor.

Annual Maintenance (Every 1000 Hours)

1. Comprehensive Inspection: Perform a detailed inspection of the entire engine.
2. Cooling System Flush: Flush and replace the coolant.
3. Impeller Replacement: Replace seawater pump impellers.
4. Fuel Injector Inspection: Remove and inspect fuel injectors, clean or replace as needed.
5. Timing Check: Verify and adjust engine timing if necessary.
6. Turbocharger Cleaning: Conduct a detailed inspection and cleaning of the turbocharger.

Additional Tips

• Maintenance Log: Keep a detailed log of all maintenance performed, including dates and engine hours.
• Genuine Parts: Always use genuine Caterpillar parts and recommended fluids.
• Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere strictly to Caterpillar’s maintenance guidelines for your specific engine model.

Conclusion

Following this comprehensive maintenance schedule helps ensure the reliability, efficiency, and longevity of Caterpillar marine diesel engines. Regular and thorough maintenance is crucial to avoid unexpected breakdowns and maintain optimal engine performance.