VALVE 2S8397 - Caterpillar

Note: Some white smoke may be present during cold start-up conditions when the engine is operating normally. If the white smoke persists, there may be a problem.Probable Causes
Active codes
Oil in the exhaust system
Cold mode operation (if applicable).
Starting aids (if applicable)
Noncurrent flash file
Cooling system
Unstable fuel supply
Unstable fuel injectionRecommended Actions
Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in order.
Table 1
Troubleshooting Test Steps Values Results
1. Active Codes and Logged Codes
A. Establish communication between Cat® Electronic Technician (ET) and the Electronic Control Module (ECM) . Refer to Troubleshooting, "Electronic Service Tools", if necessary.
B. Determine if a code is active or logged.
Diagnostic code
Result: A code is active or logged.
Repair: Troubleshoot any active codes before continuing with this procedure.
Result: A code is not active or logged.
Proceed to Test Step 2.
2. Oil in the Exhaust System
A. Check for oil in the exhaust system.
Oil in the exhaust system
Result: The exhaust system contains oil.
Repair: Determine the cause of oil in the exhaust system and make the necessary repairs.
Proceed to Test Step 3.
Result: The exhaust system does not contain oil.
Proceed to Test Step 4.
3. Clean Oil from the Exhaust System
A. Remove excess oil from piping with a clean cloth.
B. Operate the engine at elevated idle (1500 RPM) for 10 minutes.
Oil in the exhaust system
Result: Oil has been cleaned from the exhaust system and the white smoke has dissipated.
Return the unit to service.
Result: Oil has been cleaned from the exhaust system but the white smoke did not dissipate.
Proceed to Test Step 4.
4. Cold Mode Operation
During cold mode operation, condensation may be present and is normal.
A. Cold mode is activated whenever the engine coolant temperature falls below a predetermined value. Monitor the status screen on Cat ET in order to verify that the engine has exited cold mode. Observe the reading for coolant temperature on the Cat ET.
Cold mode
Result: The engine is operating in cold mode.
This is normal operation. Return the engine to service.
Result: The engine is not operating in cold mode.
Proceed to Test Step 5.
5. Starting Aids
A. If cold ambient conditions exist, check operation of starting aids. Verify that the starting aid is operating correctly. Refer to the appropriate circuit test for information that is related to troubleshooting the starting aid.
If ether bottles are not installed, check the configuration screen on Cat ET in order to verify that ether is not enabled.
Starting aid
Result: The starting aid is operating correctly.
Proceed to Test Step 6.
Result: The starting aid is not operating correctly.
Repair: Make the necessary repairs. Verify that the repair corrected the problem.
6. Noncurrent Flash File
A. Verify that the latest flash file is installed in the ECM. Refer to Troubleshooting, "ECM Software - Install" for the proper procedure.
Flash file
Result: The latest flash file is installed.
Proceed to Test Step 7.
Result: The latest flash file is not installed.
Repair: Install the latest flash file. Verify that the repair eliminates the problem.
7. Cooling System
A. Check for an internal coolant leak into the cylinder and/or the exhaust. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Cooling System".
Internal coolant leak
Result: There is an internal