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LOFA MC536 Operation and Troubleshooting
Introduction
This document provides general information on LOFA Industries MC536 control systems operation and
troubleshooting. MC536 control systems are a very flexible platform for diesel engine control, monitoring,
and protection, featuring LOFA's powerful First Fault Diagnostics (FFD). After pinpointing the initial failure,
FFD stores it in memory and alerts the end user via a single bright LED. FFD monitors battery charge, low oil
pressure, high temperature, overspeed and up to two additional contact closure inputs. The field
configurable microprocessor-based solid-state design uses high-power semiconductors instead of outdated
electromechanical relays to ensure reliable high-current switching.
The MC536 is field configurable with an inexpensive programmer. Some of the MC536 configurable
features include:
Automatic preheat duration
Failure indication with shutdown or indication only
Starter motor protection
Over-speed shutdown
Normally open or normally closed shutdown switches
The standard system includes a 12 inch wiring harness terminating into a sealed weatherproof plug. This
durable connection performs well in harsh environments and provides efficient installation of custom plug-
and-play engine harnesses as well as standard harness extensions.
When replacement parts are required, LOFA Industries recommends using replacement parts
Revision - A - 22-May-2006
supplied by LOFA or parts with equivalent specifications.
Failure to heed this warning can lead to premature failure,
product damage, personal injury or death.
Warning
1

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Summary of Contents for Lofa MC536

  • Page 1 This document provides general information on LOFA Industries MC536 control systems operation and troubleshooting. MC536 control systems are a very flexible platform for diesel engine control, monitoring, and protection, featuring LOFA’s powerful First Fault Diagnostics (FFD). After pinpointing the initial failure, FFD stores it in memory and alerts the end user via a single bright LED.
  • Page 2: Important Safety Information

    LOFA MC536 Operation and Troubleshooting Important Safety Information The warnings in this publication are not all inclusive. LOFA Industries cannot anticipate every potential hazard. Appropriate safety rules and precautions should be followed with any tool, work method or operating procedure.
  • Page 3: Operation

    LOFA MC536 Operation and Troubleshooting Operation Turning the control system key to the run position starts a self-test which causes all LEDs to flash three times and enables the fuel run/stop solenoid output. After self-test, the LEDs indicate the state of the inputs they monitor.
  • Page 4 The system can be configured for battery charge failure to indicate only. A regularly blinking Battery LED indicates the configured overspeed frequency has been exceeded. Using the MC536 programmer the overspeed frequency can be verified, changed or disabled (see the MC536 Programming Manual for details).
  • Page 5 Warning If the temperature sensor is not in contact with coolant due to coolant loss the engine is not protected from overheating. For best possible protection, LOFA recommends using our solid-state coolant level shutdown switch. Note Most shutdown switches are grounded through the switch body.
  • Page 6: Oil Pressure Gauge

    LOFA MC536 Operation and Troubleshooting Gauges Voltmeter The voltmeter is connected to the fuel run/stop solenoid output. If the voltemeter does not indicate in the run position, this indicates a problem with the solenoid circuit. A battery voltage reading of approximately 14 volts on a 12 volt system (28 volts on a 24 volt system) while the engine is running indicates the battery is charging properly.
  • Page 7 These chemicals may cause seal damage and allow water entry. Use LOFA provided cavity plugs to reseal the connector if wires are removed. The minimum routing of radius of the wiring harnesses should be at least two times the diameter of the wiring harness.
  • Page 8 A reliable ground must be provided for the control system. LOFA recommends the ground connection be made directly to the battery negative. Grounding through frame members is not recommended. All ground paths must be capable of carrying any likely fault currents.
  • Page 9 Voltage drops can be caused by transients from external equipment, improper wire sizes, faulty wiring or nearby lightning strikes. In the absence of a LOFA Power Box, relays may be needed for long wire runs. Suppression of Voltage Transients (Spikes) Warning The installation of voltage transient suppression at the transient source is required.
  • Page 10 LOFA MC536 Operation and Troubleshooting Welding on Equipment with Electronic Controls Proper welding procedures are required to avoid damage to electronic controls, sensors, and associated components. The component should be removed for welding if possible. The following procedure must be followed if the component must be welded while installed on equipment with electronic controls.
  • Page 11: General Troubleshooting

    LOFA MC536 Operation and Troubleshooting General Troubleshooting For additional information, refer to engine manufacturer troubleshooting guide. No response from starter motor Possible Cause Possible Remedy No battery voltage to starter Verify wiring and battery connection (power and ground) Battery discharged...
  • Page 12 LOFA MC536 Operation and Troubleshooting Fuel Run/Stop Solenoid Troubleshooting Engine does not stop immediately Possible Cause Possible Remedy Back feed from motor (i.e., Add relay or blocking diode cooling fan) Sticking solenoid linkage Repair or replace solenoid linkage Fuel valve without check valve...
  • Page 13 LOFA MC536 Operation and Troubleshooting Control System Troubleshooting Control system does not perform self test Possible Cause Possible Remedy Tripped overcurrent protection Correct fault, replace or reset overcurrent protection Faulty connection to battery Correct battery connections (see Battery Circuit Requirements above)
  • Page 14 LOFA MC536 Operation and Troubleshooting Power Box Operation The Power Box is a solid state, high current control system for mechanically governed, industrial diesel engines. In addition to allowing extended harnesses, the Power Box provides 3-wire fuel run/stop solenoid control to protect the pull coil from overheating. Power Box technology typically controls the starter solenoid, fuel run/stop solenoid and cold starting aid.
  • Page 15 LOFA MC536 Operation and Troubleshooting Typical Schematics The following pages show typical schematics. Details vary from installation to installation. See the specific schematics for installation for details. Revision - A - 22-May-2006...
  • Page 16 THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DRAWING IS CONFIDENTIAL AND THE SOLE PROPERTY OF LOFA INDUSTRIES INC. Reproduction or dissemination in whole or in part in any form or medium without express prior written permission of LOFA INDUSTRIES INC is prohibited.
  • Page 17 THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DRAWING IS CONFIDENTIAL AND THE SOLE PROPERTY OF LOFA INDUSTRIES INC. Reproduction or dissemination in whole or in part in any form or medium without express prior written permission of LOFA INDUSTRIES INC is prohibited.
  • Page 18 THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DRAWING IS CONFIDENTIAL AND THE SOLE PROPERTY OF LOFA INDUSTRIES INC. Reproduction or dissemination in whole or in part in any form or medium without express prior written permission of LOFA INDUSTRIES INC is prohibited.
  • Page 19 LOFA MC536 Operation and Troubleshooting THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DRAWING IS CONFIDENTIAL AND THE SOLE PROPERTY OF LOFA INDUSTRIES INC. Reproduction or dissemination in whole or in part in any form or medium without express priorwritten permission of LOFA INDUSTRIES INC is prohibited.

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