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Caterpillar C12 Low engine temperature problem
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golfnut
Posted 9/27/2016 21:37 (#5552562)
Subject: Caterpillar C12 Low engine temperature problem



Central Nebraska

This fall my 2002 Freightliner Columbia with a C12 has been operating with very low engine/water temperatures.  I've not once seen the gauge get above 175 and quite often its 125-150.  Outside temperatures last week were upwards of 90 degrees.   I thought I must have a bad gauge or sending unit.  This morning it was 45 degrees when I took my first load to the elevator and after 20 minutes of running the gauge was still sitting on 100 degrees and my heater only blew cold air.  I think my thermostat must be stuck open.  Is this a reasonable assessment?  Where is it located and any tips for changing it?

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4WD
Posted 9/27/2016 22:00 (#5552637 - in reply to #5552562)
Subject: RE: Caterpillar C12 Low engine temperature problem


Between Omaha and Des Moines, 7 miles South of I80

Yep, sounds like replacing thermostats, is a good first start. As you mentioned, they are probably stuck open, or at least one of them is. (I assume, you will have the 2 thermostat style of housing, because you mentioned 2002 model)

Hopefully, your "stud bolts"(housing mounting bolts) aren't corroded inside the aluminum housing, if so, that makes it more difficult to remove.(recommend new bolts if they look corroded , in the least little bit)

Don't forget to install new lip seals and "stake" them in. I use a automatic center punch, to put some dimples, around the aluminum bore, after I installed each new lip seal. (I just use the correct size to 3/4" drive socket to tap in the new lip seal (= I think it is my Craftsmans 2" chrome 3/4" drive shallow socket that works, for me).

 Dimpling that bore surface a little, helps insure that lip seal doesn't get loose, in its bore, when the engine gets up to operating temp.= if that happens, then it overcools AND overheats.(Depends on engine load, which condition happens)





(CATc12withdualthermostathousing2.jpg)



(lip seals inside thermostat housing2.jpg)



Attachments
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Attachments CATc12withdualthermostathousing2.jpg (107KB - 147 downloads)
Attachments lip seals inside thermostat housing2.jpg (59KB - 114 downloads)
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wfagan72
Posted 9/27/2016 22:36 (#5552719 - in reply to #5552562)
Subject: RE: Caterpillar C12 Low engine temperature problem


I've got a 1998 T-800 Kenwoorth with a C12 and it's the same way. Always runs extremely cool and never really builds up any heat. I replaced the gauge and solenoid thinking one was bad and ended up buying a ScanGauge and sure enough it just runs cool. I've been thinking my thermostats have been stuck open but haven't had time to tear into it.
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golfnut
Posted 9/29/2016 19:46 (#5555719 - in reply to #5552562)
Subject: RE: Caterpillar C12 Low engine temperature problem



Central Nebraska

I took the truck to the dealer today and we had correctly diagnosed the temperature problem.  Its getting two new thermostats along with a few other minor repairs.  Should have it back in the morning just in time to start corn harvest.

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