Service Information System Page 1 of 4

Troubleshooting
C4.2 and C6.4 Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines
Media Number -KENR5342-00 Publication Date -2007/03/01 Date Updated -2007/03/12

i02717976

Timing - Calibrate
SMCS - 1000-524; 1900-524; 1912-524

Use this procedure if the diagnostic code in Table 1 is active.

Table 1

Diagnostic Codes Table

System
Description Conditions which Generate this Code
Response
A timing calibration is required for a new engine, replacing
261-13 Engine Timing
an Electronic Control Module (ECM) that fails to The code is
Calibration calibration
communicate or following work on the front gear train, the logged.
required
camshaft, or the crankshaft.

The ECM has the ability to calibrate the mechanical differences between the Top Center (TC) of the
flywheel and the TC of the timing gear on the camshaft. A magnetic transducer signals the TC of the
flywheel to the ECM when a notch on a counterweight passes by the transducer. The crankshaft position
sensor signals the TC of the timing gear to the ECM. Any offset between the TC of the flywheel and the
TC of the timing gear is stored into the memory of the ECM.

Note: A timing calibration will not increase the available engine power.

Table 2 lists the special tools that are required in order to perform this procedure.

Table 2

Required Special Tools

Tool Part Number Description Qty
A GE50039 Transducer Adapter 1

B GE50038 Transducer 1
C GE50040 Cable As 1

D CH11148 Engine Turning Tool 1

1. Install the Transducer Adapter.

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a. Remove the electrical power from the ECM.

b. Use tooling (D) to put either the No. 1 piston or the No. 6 piston at top center. Refer to the
Systems Operation, Testing and Adjusting Manual, "Finding the Top Center Position for the
No. 1 Piston".

c. After the top center position has been located, rotate the crankshaft in the opposite direction
to normal rotation for 60 degrees.

d. Remove the plug from the timing calibration port.

e. Install tooling (A) into the port.

2. Install the Transducer.

NOTICE
If the crankshaft is not in the correct position when the transducer is
installed, the transducer will be damaged when the engine is started.

a. Apply clean engine oil to a suitable O-ring seal. Install the O-ring seal on the end of tooling
(B) .

b. Push tooling (B) through tooling (A) until tooling (B) contacts the crankshaft
counterweight.

c. Withdraw tooling (B) 1.0 mm (0.04 inch) from tooling (A) and then hand tighten the nut on
tooling (A) in order to secure tooling (B). Move the O-ring seal against tooling (A) .

3. Connect Tooling C.

a. Connect tooling (C) to the connector for timing calibration and to tooling (B) .

4. Start the Engine and Check for Diagnostic Codes.

a. Connect Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) to the service tool connector. Refer to
Troubleshooting, "Electronic Service Tools".

b. In order to carry out a timing calibration, the engine must be running at 1100 rpm. When
"Timing Calibration" is selected on the electronic service tool, the engine speed will be
automatically set to 1100 rpm and the timing calibration can be performed.

c. Start the engine and run the engine until the engine is at the normal operating temperature.

Check for active diagnostic codes. Wait at least 30 seconds in order for the codes to become
active.

The engine must not have any active diagnostic codes during the timing calibration except

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for a 261-13 Engine Timing Calibration calibration required.

5. Calibrate the Crankshaft Position Sensor.

a. Set the engine speed to 1100 ± 50 rpm. The engine speed must be steady within this rpm
range in order for the calibration to be successful.

b. After the engine has warmed up, access the "Timing Calibration" screen on the Cat ET.
Access the following display screens in order:

„ Service

„ Calibrations

„ Timing Calibration

c. To calibrate the timing, select "Continue" on Cat ET. Wait until Cat ET indicates that the
timing is calibrated.

Perform the following procedure if Cat ET indicates that the timing is calibrated:

Set the engine speed to low idle.

Note: Disconnect tooling (C) before you exit the "Timing Calibration" screen. Otherwise,
diagnostic codes may be activated.

Disconnect tooling (C) .

Exit the "Timing Calibration" screen on Cat ET.

After completion of the timing calibration, ensure that all parameters are returned to the
original values.

Remove the electrical power from the ECM.

Remove tooling (B) and tooling (A) .

Install the plug into the timing calibration port.

Return the engine to service.

The following conditions can cause the timing calibration to fail:

„ The crankshaft and camshaft gears have been reassembled incorrectly.

„ The timing calibration probe is not installed correctly.

„ The engine speed is not correct and the engine speed is unstable. If the engine speed
is unstable, refer to Troubleshooting, "Engine Misfires, Runs Rough or Is Unstable".

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„ There may be a fault in tooling (B) or in tooling (C). Obtain a new tooling (B) and/or
a new tooling (C) and repeat the timing calibration.

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