Caterpillar 242D3 Skid Steer Troubleshooting

The Caterpillar 242D3 skid steer loader driveline system components: a 203.1 cu.in (3.3L) Cat C3.3B DIT 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with a rated power of 73.2 hp (54.6 kW), and 2-speed hydro transmission. The hydraulic system has a pump with a rated capacity of 20.3 gal/min (77 l/min) or 26 gal/min (99 l/min). The system pressure is 3335 psi (230 bar). The Cat 242D3 is equipped with vertical-lift loader boom, 80HS continuous roller chains, and 12x16.5 tires. The skid steer has a boom lifting force of 4085 lbs (1853 kg) and bucket breakout force of 4963 lbs (2250 kg). The rated operating capacity is 2200 lbs (1000 kg), and tipping load is 4400 lbs (2000 kg).

Engine Troubleshooting

Engine difficult to start or doesn't start

Air trapped in fuel system - Bleed air.
Fuel filter plugged - Clean the filter element.
Burnt or clogged injection nozzle - Test injection nozzles and change if necessary.
Water in the fuel system - Change fuel and repair fuel system.
Valve clearance is not correct - Correct valve clearance needs to be set.
Fuel injection pump is not working correctly - Rebuild or change fuel pump.

Engine starts but then stops

Dirty air filter - Clean or change filter.
Fuel filter element clogging - Clean or change the filter.
Fuel injection pump is leaking - Repair any leaks.
Fuel injectors are dirty or defective - Replace or clean fuel injectors.
Faulty fuel injection pump - Rebuild or install a new injection pump.

Engine shuts off while running

Low coolant temperature - Warm up to required temperature.
Fuel filter is plugged - Clean or change the filter.
There is air in the fuel system - Bleed the system.
Fuel injection nozzles fault - Clean or replace injection nozzles.
Improper fuel injection timing - Adjust according to specifications.

Engine shuts off while idling

Low idle speed set incorrectly - Adjust as required.
Fuel injection pump is defective - Repair or replace injection pump.
Fuel injectors are dirty or defective - Clean fuel injectors or change it.
Excessive valve clearance - Adjust valve clearance according to specifications.

Engine loses power

Air filter is clogged - Clean or change filter.
Faulty or dirty injection nozzles - Check and replace nozzles if required.
Fuel injection pressure is incorrect - Test fuel injection pressure and adjust it correctly.
Valve out of adjustment - Correct valve clearance.
Incorrect low idle setting - Test and adjust.
Fuel lines or hoses are dirty - Service fuel hoses and lines.
Worn cylinder head gasket - Install new cylinder head gasket.
Damaged or leaking piston rings - Piston rings replacement required.

Engine overheated

Not enough coolant - Add coolant fluid to cooling system and also check it for leaks.
Low engine oil level - Need to add engine oil.
Clogged radiator fins or damaged radiator cap - Install new cap or clean radiator.
Loose or damaged fan belt - Fan belt must be replaced.
Engine is under excessive load - Load reducing required.

Low oil pressure

Oil level is insufficient - Check and refill the oil.
Oil filter element clogging - Service or replace engine oil filter.
Different type of engine oil - Use oil of correct viscosity.
Crankshaft bearing oil clearance is excessive - Change bearings.
Oil pump failure - Repair or change.

Engine noises or knocks

Not enough engine oil - Checking oil level and add if necessary.
Engine is not preheated - Warm up engine as required.
Fuel injection pump timing is wrong - Set up as recommended.
Incorrect low idle speed adjustment - Adjust the low idle speed.
Fuel injectors are faulty or clogged - Replace fuel injectors.
Connecting rod is not aligned or worn - Need to change or align the connecting rod.
Pistons are scored or worn - Have pistons replaced.

Drive System Troubleshooting

Drive system won't operate in either direction

Insufficient hydraulic fluid - Fill the system to proper hydraulic fluid level.
Damaged drive chain - Inspect drive chain and replace faulty parts.
Worn input drive shaft - Service or change drive shaft.
Worn or damaged relief valve - Service or change relief valve.
Hydraulic filter or suction line is plugged - Service suction line or replace hydraulic filter.
Hand or foot controls malfunction - Inspect and repair if necessary.
Damaged drive pump or motor - Check and repair if required.

Reduced power

Hydraulic oil filter is plugged - Replace hydraulic filter.
Relief valve is open or defective - Change or close relief valve.
Faulty or worn transmission components - Inspect and change faulty parts.
Damaged input drive shaft - Rebuild or change the shaft.
Air trapped in hydraulic system - Need to bleed air.

Drive system is overheated

Hydraulic fluid is insufficient - Add fluid as required.
Hydraulic fluid filter is dirty - Check, clean, or change as necessary.
Defective or worn relief valve - Repair or replace.
Drive pump or hydraulic motor is damaged - Repair or replace faulty component.
Clogged hydraulic oil cooler - Clean the cooling fins.
Drive system overloaded continuously - Load needs to be reduced.

Drive system is excessively noisy

Oil viscosity is incorrect - Drain and refill with correct oil.
Air in hydraulic system - Air bleeding is required.
Defective drive pump or hydraulic motor - Repair or change faulty component.
Worn or damaged mechanical parts of drive system - Inspect drive system and replace faulty components.

Hydraulics Troubleshooting

Hydraulic system overheated

Incorrect hydraulic pressure setting - Adjust pressure as required.
Main relief valve is defective or unadjusted - Adjust the valve or replace if necessary.
Hydraulic fluid is dirty - Hydraulic fluid change required.
Not enough hydraulic oil in the system - Fill up the hydraulic oil.
Worn hydraulic oil pump - Repair or install new hydraulic pump.

Boom won't lower or raise

Lift controls are damaged - Repair or replace.
Hydraulic pump failure - Repair or install new hydraulic pump.
Hydraulic control valve is defective - Repair or replace the valve.
Damaged hydraulic cylinder - Replace or repair boom cylinder.
Insufficient hydraulic fluid - Fill up the hydraulic fluid.

Bucket is not working

Faulty bucket tilt controls - Check and repair as required.
Damaged hydraulic oil pump - Repair or replace pump if necessary.
Faulty hydraulic control valve - Replace or repair the valve.
Broken bucket cylinder - Repair or install a new cylinder.
Hydraulic fluid level low - Add fluid as required.

Slow bucket or lift arm operation

Worn hydraulic oil pump - Check pump flow and install new pump if necessary.
Oil leaks from hydraulic cylinder - Replace cylinder piston seals.
Hydraulic fluid level low - Add fluid as required.
Faulty or incorrect setting hydraulic control valve - Repair or adjust correctly.
Hydraulic pressure is low - Adjust pressure as required.

Bucket or boom jerks when working

Air trapped in hydraulic system - Bleed air from hydraulic system.
Dirty hydraulic oil filter - Change or clean oil filter.
Hydraulic oil is contaminated - The oil must be changed.
Cylinder tube or rod is scored - Replace failed component.

Excessive hydraulic pump noise

Hydraulic leakage or lack of oil - Repair hydraulic leaks or add oil as required.
Hydraulic filter is dirty - Replace or clean the filter.
Suction line is dirty - Suction line needs to be cleaned.
Air in hydraulic pump - Bleed air.
Damaged pump components - Install new hydraulic pump or rebuild it.

Electrical Troubleshooting

Battery will not charge

Corroded or loose cable connections - Clean or tighten wiring connections.
Electrical terminal connectors are faulty - Terminal connectors should be replaced.
Dead cell in battery - Replace the battery.
Damaged or loose belt - Adjust belt tension or install a new belt.

Starter cranks slowly

Low battery output - Low battery charging, charge as required.
Battery drains quickly - Service charging system or replace battery.
Terminals are faulty or battery cables are disconnected - Check battery wires and service or replace terminals.

Starter will not work

Battery is low or faulty - Change or recharge battery.
Disconnected or improperly connected wiring harness - Inspect battery wiring harness and connect as required.
Low battery capacity - Recharge the battery.
Starter motor is defective - Starter needs to be replaced.