18103 2 Mercury PLATE

Recommended Actions
Diagnostic Codes, Event Codes, and Electrical Power Supply to the ECM
Certain diagnostic codes and/or event codes may prevent the engine from starting. Connect the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) and check for active codes and/or for logged codes. Troubleshoot any codes that are present before continuing with this procedure.Note: If Cat ET will not communicate with the ECM, the problem is most likely with the electrical power supply to the ECM. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electrical Power Supply Circuit - Test".Starting Aids
If cold ambient conditions exist, check operation of starting aids. Verify that the ether system is operating correctly. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Ether Injection System - Test".
Ensure the proper operation of the jacket water heater. Repair the jacket water heater and/or replace the jacket water heater, if necessary.
Check for presence of solidified fuel (wax). Crank Without Injection Plug
Check that the correct crank without injection plug is installed at the connector. If the correct plug is installed, ensure that the circuit is in good electrical condition. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Crank Without Inject Circuit - Test" for details.Engine Shutdown Switches (If Equipped)
The engine shutdown switches should be in the OFF position. Use Cat ET to verify the status of the shutdown switches. When a shutdown occurs, the keyswitch must be turned to the OFF position for at least 15 seconds before restarting the engine.Note: If Cat ET will not communicate with the ECM, the problem is most likely with the electrical power supply to the ECM. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electrical Power Supply Circuit - Test".Engine Speed/Timing
Crank the engine and observe the engine speed on the Cat ET status screen. If Cat ET indicates zero rpm, refer to Troubleshooting, "Engine Speed/Timing Sensor Circuit - Test". Note: Upon initial cranking, the status for engine speed may indicate that the engine speed signal is abnormal. This message will be replaced with an engine speed once the ECM is able to calculate a speed from the signal.
Ensure that the timing reference gear is installed correctly. The engine will not start if the gear was installed backward. Check for proper orientation between the crankshaft and camshaft drive gears. Correct the orientation and/or replace the drive gear, if necessary. Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly manual for information that is related to timing the engine's front gear train. Unit Injectors
Perform the "Injector Solenoid Test" on Cat ET in order to determine if all of the injector solenoids are being energized by the ECM. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Injector Solenoid Circuit - Test" for additional information.Fuel Supply
Visually check the fuel level. Do not rely on the fuel gauge only. If necessary, add fuel. If the engine has been run out of fuel, it will be necessary to purge the air from the fuel system. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime" for the correct procedure.
Check the fuel lines for the following problems: restrictions, collapsed lines and pinched lines. If problems are found with the fuel lines, repair the lines and/or replace the lines.
Check the fuel tank for foreign objects which may block the fuel supply.
Check for air in the low pressure fuel supply system if any of the following procedures have been performed:
Replacement of the fuel filters
Service on the low pressure fuel supply circuit
Replacement of unit injectorsNote: A sight glass in the low pressure supply line is helpful in diagnosing air in the fuel. Refer to the Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting manual for more information.
Do not crank the engine continuously for more than 30 seconds. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes before cranking the engine again.
Purge air from the low pressure fuel supply circuit. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime" for the correct procedure.
Cold weather adversely affects the characteristics of the fuel. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for information on improving the characteristics of the fuel during cold weather operation.
Check the fuel pressure during engine cranking. Check the fuel pressure after the fuel filter. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Fuel System" for the correct pressure values. If the fuel pressure is low, replace the fuel filters. If the fuel pressure is still low, check the following items: fuel transfer pump, fuel transfer pump coupling and fuel pressure regulating valve. Combustion
Check for combustion problems.