C15 and C18 Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Timing - Calibrate Caterpillar

Use this procedure if the diagnostic code in Table 1 is active.

The ECM has the ability to compensate for mechanical differences between the Top Center (TC) of the flywheel and the TC of the timing gear on the camshaft.

An "Engine Timing Calibration Not Performed" code is activated if a timing calibration is required.

TC of the Flywheel - The ECM determines the TC of the flywheel via a signal from a magnetic transducer. The transducer is installed into the side of the engine block. The transducer creates a signal as a notch on a crankshaft counterweight rotates past the transducer.

TC of the Timing Gear - The ECM determines the TC of the timing gear by signals from the engine speed/timing sensors.

Any offset between the TC of the flywheel and the TC of the timing gear is stored into the memory of the ECM.

Note: A timing calibration will not increase the available engine power.

Table 2 lists the special tools that are required in order to perform this procedure.

1. Install the Transducer Adapter.

   1. Remove the electrical power from the ECM.

   2. Use the appropriate engine turning tool to put either the No. 1 piston or the No. 6 piston at the top center. Refer to the Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting.

   3. Refer to Table 3. After the top center position has been located, rotate the crankshaft for the number of degrees that is applicable to your engine model. Be sure to rotate the crankshaft in the direction of rotation that is specified in the Table.
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      Table 3

      Crankshaft Rotation
      Engine Model	Number of Degrees	Direction of Rotation
      C7	100	Normal Rotation
      C-9	85	Normal Rotation
      C9.3	85	Normal Rotation
      C-10	60	Opposite Normal Rotation
      C11	75	Normal Rotation
      C-12	60	Opposite Normal Rotation
      C13	75	Normal Rotation
      C-15	60	Opposite Normal Rotation
      C-16	60	Opposite Normal Rotation
      C18	30	Opposite Normal Rotation

   4. Refer to Table 4. Locate the engines timing calibration port.
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      Table 4

      Location of the Timing Calibration Port
      Engine Model	Crankshaft Counterweight	Engine Location
      C7	3	Left Side
      C-9	3	Left Side
      C9.3	3	Left Side
      C-10	8	Right Side
      C11	8	Left Side
      C-12	8	Right Side
      C13	8	Left Side
      C-15	2	Left Side
      C15	2	Left Side
      C-16	2	Left Side
      C18	2	Left Side

   5. Remove the plug from the timing calibration port.

   6. Thread the transducer adapter into the port.

      Continue to the next test step.

2. Install the Transducer.

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   NOTICE
   If the crankshaft is not in the correct position when the transducer is installed, the transducer will be damaged when the engine is started.

   1. Apply clean engine oil to a 2D-6392 O-Ring Seal. Install the O-ring seal on the end of the 6V-2197 Transducer.

   2. Push the transducer through the transducer adapter until the transducer contacts the crankshaft counterweight.

   3. Withdraw the transducer 1.0 mm (0.04 inch) and hand tighten the nut on the adapter sleeve in order to secure the transducer. Move the O-ring seal against the adapter.

      Continue to the next test step.

3. Connect the 7X-1695 Cable as.

   1. If the engine harness is equipped with a connector for timing calibration, connect the 7X-1695 Cable as to the connector for timing calibration and to the transducer.

   2. If the engine harness is not equipped with a connector for timing calibration, perform the following procedure:

      Disconnect the P2 connector from the ECM.

      Determine the number of terminals on the P2 connector.

      Refer to Table 5. Remove the sealing plugs from the appropriate terminals. Do not discard the sealing plugs. The sealing plugs may be reinstalled when the timing calibration is complete.

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      Table 5

      Locations for Connection of the 170-3519 Harness
      Wire Color	Locations on the 70−pin P2 Connector	Locations on the 120−pin P2 Connector	Locations on the P1 Connector
      White	22	26	24
      Yellow	23	36	25

      Install the WH(White)wire of the 170-3519 Harness into the appropriate location.

      Install the YL(Yellow)wire of the 170-3519 Harness into the appropriate location. Disregard the pin-outs on the label of the harness.

      Note: Ensure that each wire is installed into the correct location. The timing calibration will not be successful if the wires are installed incorrectly.

      Connect the J2/P2 connectors. Tighten the allen head screw on the P2 connector to the appropriate torque. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electrical Connectors - Inspect" for the correct torque value.

      Connect the 7X-1695 Cable as to the connector for timing calibration and to the transducer.

      Continue to the next test step.

4. Start the Engine and Check for Diagnostic Codes.

   1. Connect AVSpare Electronic Technician (ET) to the service tool connector. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electronic Service Tools".

   2. Start the engine and run the engine until the engine is at the normal operating temperature.

   3. Check for active diagnostic codes. Wait at least 30 seconds in order for the codes to become active.

      The engine must not have any active diagnostic codes during the timing calibration except for a 261-13 Engine Timing Calibration required.

5. Calibrate the Timing.

   1. After the engine has warmed up, access the "Timing Calibration" screen on the Cat ET. Access the following display screens in order:

      • Service

      • Calibrations

      • Timing Calibration

   2. Set the engine speed to 1100 ± 50 rpm. The engine speed must be steady within this rpm range in order for the calibration to be successful.

   3. To calibrate the timing, select "Continue" on Cat ET. Wait until Cat ET indicates that the timing is calibrated.

      Perform the following procedure if Cat ET indicates that the timing is calibrated:

      Set the engine speed to low idle.

      Note: Disconnect the 7X-1695 Cable as before you exit the "Timing Calibration" screen. Otherwise, diagnostic codes may be activated.

      Disconnect the 7X-1695 Cable as.

      Exit the "Timing Calibration" screen on Cat ET.

      Remove the electrical power from the ECM.

      Remove the transducer and remove the transducer adapter.

      Install the plug into the timing calibration port.

      If you installed a 170-3519 Harness, you may remove the harness or you may permanently install the harness for future use. If you remove the harness, install the sealing plugs into the unused cavities of the P2 connector. Otherwise, moisture and debris will enter the connector.

      If you permanently install the harness, fasten the harness to the existing engine wiring harness with cable ties. Also, install a 3E-3364 Receptacle and two 8T-8737 Seal Plugs on the P400 timing calibration probe connector in order to prevent moisture and debris from entering the connector.

      The following conditions can cause the timing calibration to fail:

      • The crankshaft and camshaft gears have been reassembled incorrectly.

      • The timing calibration probe is not installed correctly.

      • The engine speed is not correct and the engine speed is unstable. If the engine speed is unstable, refer to Troubleshooting, "Engine Misfires, Runs Rough, or Is Unstable".

      • There is a problem with the transducer or with the cables. Obtain a new transducer and/or a new cable and repeat the timing calibration.

      • There is an active 190-8 code or an active 342-8 code. Troubleshoot the active codes before calibration.