G3516B 50Hz Generator Set Engine 7EZ00001-UP(SEBP2906 - 51) - Documentation Page 1 of 3

Shutdown SIS

Previous Screen

Product: GEN SET ENGINE

Model: G3516B GEN SET ENGINE 7EZ
Configuration: G3516B 50Hz Generator Set Engine 7EZ00001-UP

Testing and Adjusting

G3500B Engines
Media Number -RENR2268-09 Publication Date -01/08/2012 Date Updated -20/08/2012

i02225295

General Information (Cooling System)

SMCS - 1350

This engine has a pressure type cooling system. A pressure type cooling system has two advantages.

• The pressure helps prevent cavitation.

• The risk of boiling is reduced.

Cavitation occurs when mechanical forces cause the formation of air bubbles in the coolant. The
bubbles can form on the cylinder liners. Collapsing bubbles can remove the oxide film from the
cylinder liner. This allows corrosion and pitting to occur. If the pressure of the cooling system is low,
the concentration of bubbles increases. The concentration of bubbles is reduced in a pressure type
cooling system.

The boiling point is affected by three factors: pressure, altitude and concentration of glycol in the
coolant. The boiling point of a liquid is increased by pressure. The boiling point of a liquid is
decreased by a higher altitude. Illustration 1 shows the effects of pressure and altitude on the boiling
point of water.

https://127.0.0.1/sisweb/sisweb/techdoc/techdoc_print_page.jsp?returnurl=/sisweb/sisweb/... 6/12/2018
G3516B 50Hz Generator Set Engine 7EZ00001-UP(SEBP2906 - 51) - Documentation Page 2 of 3

Illustration 1 g00286266

The boiling point of the coolant also depends on the type of coolant and the concentration of glycol. A
greater concentration of glycol has a higher boiling temperature. However, glycol transfers heat less
effectively than water. Because of the boiling point and the efficiency of heat transfer, the
concentration of glycol is important.

Three basic problems can be associated with the cooling system:

• Overheating

• Coolant loss

• Overcooling

If the cooling system is not properly maintained, solids such as scale and deposits reduce the ability of
the cooling system to transfer heat. The engine operating temperature will increase.

When the engine is overloaded, the engine will run in the lug condition. When the engine is running
in the lug condition, the engine is operating at a lower engine rpm that reduces the coolant flow.
Decreased coolant flow during high load will cause overheating.

Coolant can be lost by leaks. Overheated coolant can be lost through the cooling system's pressure
relief valve. Lower coolant levels contribute to additional overheating. Overheating can result in
conditions such as cracking of the cylinder head and piston seizure.

A cracked cylinder head or cylinder liner will force exhaust gas into the cooling system. The
additional pressure causes coolant loss, cavitation of the water pump, less circulation of coolant, and
further overheating.

Overcooling is the result of coolant that bypasses the water temperature regulators and flows directly
to the radiator or to the heat exchanger. Low load operation in low ambient temperatures can cause

https://127.0.0.1/sisweb/sisweb/techdoc/techdoc_print_page.jsp?returnurl=/sisweb/sisweb/... 6/12/2018
G3516B 50Hz Generator Set Engine 7EZ00001-UP(SEBP2906 - 51) - Documentation Page 3 of 3

overcooling. Overcooling is caused by water temperature regulators that remain open. Overcooling
reduces the efficiency of operation. Overcooling enables more rapid contamination of the engine oil.
This results in the formation of sludge in the crankcase and carbon deposits on the valves.

Cycles of rapid heating and cooling can result in cracked cylinder heads, gasket failure, accelerated
wear, and excessive fuel consumption.

If a problem with the cooling system is suspected, perform a visual inspection before you perform any
tests on the system.

Copyright 1993 - 2018 Caterpillar Inc. Tue Jun 12 09:46:48 UTC+0430 2018
All Rights Reserved.
Private Network For SIS Licensees.

https://127.0.0.1/sisweb/sisweb/techdoc/techdoc_print_page.jsp?returnurl=/sisweb/sisweb/... 6/12/2018