CAT is known for its production of engines, and the 3114 is no exception. This article will focus on common problems and solutions of the Caterpillar 3114 engine.
1. Low fuel in the filter: One common issue with the CAT 3114 engine is low fuel levels in the fuel filter. The engine fuel filter is supposed to be full for the engine to run smoothly. insufficient fuel in the filter can be a problem.
What could be the causes?
- a. Air in the suction line: You need to ensure that there are no leaks around the suction line, if there are any, then you have to replace the leaking hose or pipe.
- b. Faulty Transfer pump: the transfer pump must transfer steady fuel to the fuel line, but a faulty transfer pump would fail to do so, which will result in low fuel in the fuel filter.
- c. Blockage in the fuel line: If there is any blockage in the fuel line due to dirt, it could restrict the flow of fuel.
- d. Check valves: You need to locate the check valves and check if the check valve is ok because it can caise low fuel in the fuel filter.
Solution: You need to check these components one after the other to know which one to replace.
2. Low Power: Power loss is a popular problem with this engine. It is irritating when the engine cannot do what it usually does. This is a result of certain reasons which will be discussed in this article.
a. Fuel System faulty: A faulty transfer pump, air in the fuel line, or any related problems can cause the engine to have low power. To solve this problem, you need to check the fuel system.
b. However, a bad turbo can be another common reason why you have power but it is mostly caused by a faulty fuel system in this engine
To solve this problem, you need to check the fuel line to ensure everything is intact and if you notice any issues, then you need to replace the faulty component.
To ascertain a bad turbo is not difficult; you just need to shake the clearance of the turboshaft; if the clearance is too high, then you should know that the turbo is bad.
3. Coolant in the fuel line: If you have a 3114 engine you can also experience coolant in the fuel or fuel in the coolant. This mostly happens when there is a crack in the head cylinder. The coolant and the fuel mix when there is a crack on the cylinder head.
To solve this problem, you need to carry out a pressure test on the cylinder head to detect any leaks. If you discover any crack, check if it can be repaired or replaced.
4. No fuel from the fuel pump: You may notice that your fuel pump is not supplying fuel due to a bad solenoid. The solenoid controls the activities of the fuel pump, so if the solenoid is bad, then the fuel pump will not supply fuel.
Many have replaced the fuel pump without knowing that the cause was the faulty solenoid, not the fuel pump.
To solve this problem, you need to test the solenoid; this can be done using a battery and check if the solenoid is working. If the solenoid is bad then you need to replace it.
5. Fuel in the oil: There are different reasons why you can have fuel in the oil, but the most common reason is a faulty injector sleeve tube. I have had this problem on numerous occasions with clients’ engines.
You need to check the injector’s sleeve tube and replace it if you notice any of it is bad.
What you have to do is to change all not only the bad one.
You also need to check the seal on the injectors which could be another reason why you are having fuel in the oil.
However, you should know that you need a special tool to remove the injector’s sleeve tube.
6. Start and Stall: This engine can delay you for hours with start and Stall. This mostly happens when the seal at the injector’s tip is bad. This seal prevents compression from leaking. So if you start the engine and the engine stalls immediately, then you have to check this seal.
These are the common problems of this engine.