Caterpillar Marine Engine Maintenance Schedule

Caterpillar Marine Diesel Engine 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.
• Seawater pump impeller – Replace.
• Seawater Pump Seals – Inspect
• Seawater 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
• Seawater 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.

Caterpillar Marine Engine Maintenance Schedule

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. Caterpillar Planned Maintenance Kits supply everything required for a routine maintenance procedure in one convenient package. With genuine Cat filters, fluids, gaskets, and seals, you get the most advanced technology to protect your equipment, extend component life and reduce owning & operating costs.

• Cat Fuel Filters – Lower acquisition costs than current spin-on filters. Non-metallic housings for longer life. Twice the expected change interval.
• Cat Air Filters – Six times the life of standard elements. Maximum efficiency right out of the box.
• Cat Liquid Filters – Higher capacity to avoid plugging. Up to 15% lower filtration costs. Optimal performance for critical high-pressure systems.
• Cat Fluids – Designed specifically for Cat machines. Improved component life and performance.
• Cat Seal & Gaskets – Exceed SAE specifications to ensure rugged durability.
• Unique fuel filter media – Highest-level contamination protection.
• System-specific design – The right filter for the machine.
• Advanced filtration levels – Matched to the application.
• Special configurations – For all engines and most hydraulic and transmission systems.
• Application-specific fluids – Greases, coolants, and oils formulated for all kinds of applications and components.

Engine Room Log

The freshwater system services the turbocharger, cylinder jacket, and cycle head. Since the freshwater system is a closed loop, it relies on seawater to cool it. The seawater and freshwater systems contain other components that keep them functioning, just as the engine as a whole does. Clogged sea strainers are not just one of the most common marine engine problems, but they are the number one cause of failed boat engines. Along with that issue comes seawater impeller failure. A properly functioning impeller should look like a gear with rubbery veins. Over time, the part absorbs seawater. As a result, the impeller and its veins harden, bend, or break. If that happens, your engine can’t pump seawater in to cool down freshwater and other systems. Removing the impeller in the fall keeps its veins from hardening. You can reinstall it in the spring or get a new one to replace it. You’ll need a socket wrench and a tool to remove the impeller, but they are worthwhile purchases since this is a maintenance task that you need to do yearly. When caring for your freshwater system, focus on the pressure cap. Without a proper seal, your engine could overheat, so choose a quality seal and install it according to specifications. Another simple maintenance fix is changing antifreeze every two years. Use extended-life varieties and only mix with distilled water to keep your marine engine running right. Some maintenance jobs should be performed by a professional. For example, every three years, you must remove the heat exchanger for cleaning. You should send this device to a professional, but with most engines, you can remove it yourself. Remember, though, that if you have an ECM or common-rail engine, an expert should take care of the entire process.