CAT
Incomplete Combustion / Coolant or Fuel Issue
Generator emits white smoke, especially on startup, and runs rough
Advertisements
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Advertisements
Possible Causes
Cold engine and poor atomization, Water in fuel, Coolant leak into combustion chamber, Low compression
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Avoid inhaling exhaust. Operate outdoors or with proper venting. Disable automatic start before inspection.
- Allow warm-up: Let the engine warm up under light load and see if white smoke diminishes.
- Check fuel for water: Drain the fuel filter/water separator and look for water. Replace filters and fuel if contaminated.
- Monitor coolant level: If coolant level drops and white smoke persists with a sweet smell, suspect internal coolant leak.
Suspected head gasket or internal engine leaks require immediate attention from a CAT technician. Do not continue to run the generator in this condition.
Advertisements
Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Advertisements