Request information on C7 ACERT engine

This engine powers my 2005 RV and it is difficult to start when the temp gets below 60 degrees F. Does this engine have glow plugs? Are there any tricks that I should know? What are the pitfalls that a mechanic should be aware when servicing?

Thanks.

Hi,
these engines were coming in when I retired but it should have a inlet manifold heater as part of the advertised Cold Start Strategy.
Also a video that I have not watched through because of time constraints at present may have something about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS0i3f5hYhk

Below are some troubleshoot charts from Mr Google--remember Google is your friend.

https://ch-part.com/i.caterpillar/i02347009/


Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Eddie B.

This is very informative. There is a 'Wait to start' warning light that will illuminate when the temp is below 50 F. Sometimes. Sometimes not. The engine will crank and then try to fire off and then continue to crank for a few seconds (rinse, repeat for several cycles until it finally runs). Reading this, the intake air heat bulb cycles on and off. Not sure why the warning light only comes on when temp is low. I would expect the light to illuminate on nearly every cold start. I have also determined that it starts best when the throttle is at idle. And sometimes I have to simply turn off the switch and initiate the start cycle from the beginning. There is no owner's manual for this preowned unit and the idea of an intake air heating bulb is unfamiliar to me. Thank you again.

the following is just general info about glow systems on modern diesels. specific info for your engine, parts supply and manuals are still available from your local Caterpillar dealer.

A up to date dealer list is available on www.cat.com there's sure to be a cat dealer near you. any good heavy diesel mechanic should be able to diagnose it for you as the acert series is still current and was very popular.

if a glow light shows then it should have a glow system. the glow light may look like a coiled bulb filament and is normally orange in colour or will say the word glow.

some are temperature compensating and if over a certain temp the glow system won't turn on as it not needed. below that threshold temp the glow system will activate.

the other system which is older and simpler is simply a timer relay the glow system is activated for a few seconds or some run until a set temp is reached.
the oldest systems were simply a extra position on the key they turned on the relay and you held the key in position until a heated coil on the dash started glowing it was like a cigar lighter with a mesh cover which meant the glow plugs were at temp then you turned the key to start position.

as for the glow plugs themselves some engines have a separate glow plug for each cyl (most common) some have a heater grid in the manifold (less common) others have a single large glow plug in the manifold (least common, mainly old farm tractors had this)

by the sound of it yours has a temp compensated system. the possible problems are the 1. the glow plugs are burnt out this happens over time and they do have a service life and need to be replaced occasionally. it is possible to check them with a multimeter. also check the fuses a poor fuse can cause problems.

2. a bad wire or connection to the glow plug or plugs the return path is often by the threaded outer body of the plug if this inst a good current path it wont work properly.

3. there are bad connections between the batteries,frame and engine check all connections for cleanliness, and if they are firm. if not disconnect them clean em and smear lightly with grease (preferably conductive grease) and reinstall the (grease stops corrosion from moisture and improves contact) REMEMBER to DISCONNECT the NEGATIVE FIRST
many electrical gremlins can be banished this way.

4. temp sensor is faulty of the wire to it is bad or broken/not making good contact so the controller is getting false readings. or the relay module is faulty.

5. a problem in the fuel system. first step is to change all the fuel filters and bleed the system.

it is a good idea to keep a diary of when maintenance and repairs are done as it helps keep track of what has been done and when to give a better idea of when servicing is needed.

and since you have a c7 engine it is a 7 litre motor. they made them upto a 16litre 6cyl engine with the c16