High Flow Indicator light on Cat 289C2

[kremer]

Just bought a used 2013 CAT 289C2, High Flow XPS. Using a non-cat high flow mulcher on it and can't tell if it is going into High Flow or not. I have the high flow jumper plug installed on the 289 but the high flow light never lights up on the Indicator Panel. I'm also using the high flow couplers (this model has separate couplers for high and standard flow). The mulcher seems to work well but I can't tell a difference between having the jumper plug in or taking it out. Should there be any difference in the engine revs or any other sounds when the High Flow kicks in or any other easy way to know if it is working? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RTSmith]

I have a 289D with an AFE disc mulcher. I start the mulcher at about 1/2 throttle and get the continuous flow going. , I then turn throttle wide open. After about 3-5 seconds at full throttle it sounds like the mulcher has hit another gear. I've always assumed that was the hi-flow kicking in. I've never been watching the h/f light to see when it comes on. Like you, I have to run the "plug" to get access to h/f.

One thing I have noticed, is I have a log splitter. Basically just a big cylinder mounted on an I beam, controlled from the cab. I can tell no difference at all in operation whether I have the h/f plug on or not with it. So I've come to think that the machine does not just automatically spit hi flow whenever the plug is in there.

FWIW- the D series only has the smaller couplers. Not sure why. Has a case drain, but only 1 set of pressure couplers.

 

[RTSmith]

I seem to recall there are different jumper plugs, depending on the machine's year, model and such. You may want to verify the proper plug for your machine.

 

[kremer]

Thanks for the quick reply. Have you noticed if your High Flow indicator light has ever come on?

I assume that i have the correct jumper plug. It matched the part number in the operator manual and I got it from the CAT dealer and they looked up the serial number before giving it to me. I am going to double check it today and just make sure that it is jumping the correct wires.

 

[ianjoub]

I have a 287b high flow XPS. I have a high flow mulcher I bought new and matched to my machine specs:

1. I have to have the jumper plugged in.
2. I put the high flow rocker switch to the 'on' position. It lights up when in this position.
3. I engage continuous flow.

The machine works on low flow when hooked up to the high flow couplers if I do not engage high flow.
The only difference I can tell between low flow and high flow is it is harder to stall the cutting head and when stalled (or almost stalled) it recovers MUCH more quickly.

There is no difference in engine revs. I run the machine at full throttle when mulching.

 

[Nige]

To double check you have the correct jumper Part Number, what’s the machine Serial Number..?

 

[kremer]

Thanks Ninge, My Serial Number is RTD01682. The part number that I have is 241-3763. I looked at the pins on the connector on the boom arm and one of the pins that was being jumped looked a little corroded (kind of like a copper patina), I scraped that off and re-installed the jumper. I used the mulcher for a little bit and the high flow light did finally come on but then it went out and I couldn't get it to come back on again but I wasn't stressing the mulcher again like i had been when the light was on. Wondering if it just comes on as needed. I'll look at the wiring harnesses under the cab next to see if there's anything loose there. The mulcher did seem more powerful when the high flow indicator light was on. It's just been so wet around here that I can't get down into my woods to really test the mulcher out.

Thanks Ianjoub. It sounds like you have a dedicated switch on your control panel to engage High Flow, is the correct? There is not a separate switch on the C series from what I can tell.

 

[ianjoub]

Thanks Ianjoub. It sounds like you have a dedicated switch on your control panel to engage High Flow, is the correct? There is not a separate switch on the C series from what I can tell.

Yes, top left in the cab where the key switch is has 3 rocker switches.
1. Parking brake release
2. "I forget" .... maybe the glow plug heater... I live in FL
3. High flow

 

[Nige]

The jumper is correct for your machine.
When you said above " I looked at the pins on the connector on the boom arm and one of the pins that was being jumped looked a little corroded........, etc, etc." - do you not think investigating all the harness connections would be a good place to start..? Maybe more than one harness connector is in a similar state to the one you found already.
Attached an electrical schematic just in case you don't have one

 

[kremer]

Thanks for the schematic! I'll hopefully get some time to check out the rest of the connectors and get under the cab and check things out under there.

I guess my real question is: Should the High Flow Indicator light come on as soon as the jumper is plugged in and an attachment is connected to the high flow lines, or does the machine sense the need for high flow and if the jumper is plugged in, it provides High Flow and only then does the indicator light come on?

I bought it from a CAT dealer and have a 6 month warranty on it so if there's something wrong with it, they will fix it (knock on wood). I just don't know if there's something wrong or if this is just how it is supposed to operate. Unfortunately the dealer hasn't been much help in answering that question.

 

[Nige]

IMO there is no "machine sensing" and for the High Flow Indicator Light to come on you should: -
1. Connect the work tool and the jumper.
2. Move the High Flow rocker switch to the "ON" position.
If that doesn't happen, and bearing in mind your comments about cleaning a harness connector, it appears likely that you have an electrical connection issue somewhere.
TBH if the machine is under warranty I'd be calling the dealer Service Dept with "my High Flow isn't working. get out here and sort it."

 

[kremer]

There is no High Flow rocker switch on the 289C. I've attached screenshots from the manual with all the controls. Unless I'm really missing something, there is no rocker switch.

 

[Nige]

You're right. The Electrical Schematic has the clues, and that leads to a System Operation document. Effectively what happens is that when you connect the work tool jumper the ECM detects it and sends a voltage to energize the High Flow solenoid. At the same time that will cause the HF indicator light to illuminate. The implication is that if the light isn't on, you don't have HF.

 

[kremer]

I just got an email from where I purchased the mulcher with some instructions for removing a check valve that I didn't know had to be removed. I did that and the High Flow indicator came on! However, the mulcher spun very slow (UGH!!). I took the high flow jumper off and the indicator light went off but there didn't seem to be a difference in the drum speed either way. It was working better with check valve in place and the High Flow indicator off.

I guess there's some combination of things that I have to figure out but at least I saw the High Flow light on so I know the indicator works. However, I guess that still doesn't tell me that the High Flow is really pumping out the extra pressure. I'll keep tinkering and let you know what I find out.

 

[kremer]

Well, I replaced the check valve that I had removed earlier and now everything works perfectly (knock on wood). High Flow light comes on and I can tell the High Flow is working because the drum is spinning faster than it ever has and the pressure gauge is where it should be. Don't know why it started working because I'm right back where I started with everything. Maybe something in the hydraulic block on the mulcher was stuck or clogged and the tinkering freed it up.

Anyway, I hope it stays working like this and a big Thank You! to everyone (especially Ninge) for your input and help!

 

[ianjoub]

Thanks for the update.

On my 287b the high flow switch was with 11 and 12 in the 1st pic you posted.