
i04103075
Maintenance
Recommendations
Welding
on
Engines
with
Electronic
Controls
NOTICE
Because the strength of the frame may decrease,
some manufacturers do not recommend welding onto
a chassis frame or rail. Consult the OEM of the equip-
ment or your Caterpillar dealer regarding welding on
a chassis frame or rail.
Proper welding procedures are necessary in order to
avoid damage to the engines ECM, sensors, and
associated components. When possible, remove the
component from the unit and then weld the
component. If removal of the component is not
possible, the following procedure must be followed
when you weld on a unit equipped with an Electronic
Engine. The following procedure is considered to be
the safest procedure to weld on a component. This
procedure should provide a minimum risk of damage
to electronic components.
NOTICE
Do not ground the welder to electrical components
such as the ECM or sensors. Improper grounding
can cause damage to the drive train bearings, hy-
draulic components, electrical components, and oth-
er components.
Clamp the ground cable from the welder to the com-
ponent that will be welded. Place the clamp as close
as possible to the weld. This will help reduce the pos-
sibility of damage.
Note:
Perform the welding in areas that are free from
explosive hazards.
1.
Stop the engine. Turn the switched power to the
OFF position.
2.
Ensure that the fuel supply to the engine is turned
off.
3.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the
battery. If a battery disconnect switch is provided,
open the switch.
4.
Disconnect all electronic components from the
wiring harnesses. Include the following
components:
• Electronic components for the driven
equipment
• ECM
• Sensors
• Electronically controlled valves
• Relays
• Aftertreatment ID module
NOTICE
Do not use electrical components (ECM or ECM sen-
sors) or electronic component grounding points for
grounding the welder.
Illustration 31
g01075639
Use the example above. The current flow from the
welder to the ground clamp of the welder will not
damage any associated components.
(1) Engine
(2) Welding electrode
(3) Keyswitch in the OFF position
(4) Battery disconnect switch in the open position
(5) Disconnected battery cables
(6) Battery
(7) Electrical/Electronic component
(8) Minimum distance between the component that is being
welded and any electrical/electronic component
(9) The component that is being welded
(10) Current path of the welder
(11) Ground clamp for the welder
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