
96 SEBU8088-06
Maintenance Section
Engine Oil Sample - Obtain
1. Maintain the oi
l level between “ADD” mark (Y) and
“FULL” mark (X) on the oil level gauge. Do not fill
the crankcase above “FULL” mark (X).
NOTICE
Engine damage can occur if the crankcase is filled
above the “FULL” mark on the oil level gauge (dip-
stick).
An overfull crankcase can enable the crankshaft to
dip into the oi
l. This will reduce the power that is de-
veloped and also force air bubbles into the oil. These
bubbles (foam) can cause the following problems: re-
duction of th
e oil’s ability to lubricate, reduction of oil
pressure, inadequate cooling of the pistons, oil blow-
ing out of the crankcase breathers, and excessive oil
consumptio
n.
Excessive oil consumption will enable deposits to form
on the pisto
ns and in the combustion chamber. De-
posits in the combustion chamber lead to the following
problems: guttering of the valves, packing of carbon
under the p
iston rings, and wear of the cylinder liner.
If the oil level is above the “FULL” mark on the oil level
gauge, dra
in some of the oil immediately.
2. Remove the oil filler cap and add oil, if necessary.
For the cor
rect oil to use, see this Operation
and Maintenance Manual, “Refill Capacities and
Recommendations” topic (Maintenance Section).
Do not fill t
he crankcase above “FULL” mark (X)
on the oil level gauge. Clean the oil filler cap.
Install the oil filler cap.
3. Record the amount of oil that is added. For the
next oil sample and analysis, include the total
amount of
oil that has been added since the
previous sample. This will help to provide the m ost
accurate oil analysis.
i01935337
Engine Oil Sample - Obtain
SMCS Code: 1348-554-SM
In addition to a good preventive maintenance
program, Caterpillar recommends using S·O·S oil
analysis at regularly scheduled intervals in order
to monitor the condition of the engine and the
maintenance requirements of the engine. S·O·S oil
analysis provides infrared analysis, which is required
for determining nitration and oxidation levels.
Obtain the Sample and the Analysis
Hot oil and hot components can cause personal
injury. Do not allow hot oil or hot components to
contact the skin.
Before you take the oil sample, complete the Label,
PEEP5031 for identification of the sample. In order
to help obtain the most accurate analysis, provide
the following information:
•
Engine model
•
Service hours on the engine
•
The number of hours that have accumulated since
the last oil change
•
The amount of oil that has been added since the
last oil change
To ensure that the sample is representative of the
oil in the crankcase, obtain a warm, well mixed oil
sample.
To avoid contamination of the oil samples, the tools
and the supplies that are used for obtaining oil
samples must be clean.
Caterpillar recommends using the sampling valve
in order to obtain oil samples. The quality and the
consistency of the samples are better when the
sampling valve is used. The location of the sampling
valve allows oil that is flowing under pressure to be
obtained during normal engine operation.
The 169-8373 Fluid Sampling Bottle is
recommended for use with the sampling valve. The
fluid sampling bottle includes the parts that are
needed for obtaining oil samples. Instructions are
also provided.
NOTICE
Always use a designated pump for oil sampling, and
use a sepa
rate designated pump for coolant sampling.
Using the same pump for both types of samples may
contaminate the samples that are being drawn. This
contami
nate may cause a false analysis and an incor-
rect interpretation that could lead to concerns by both
dealers and customers.
If the en
gine is not equipped with a sampling valve,
use the 1U-5718 Vacuum Pump. The pump is
designed to accept sampling bottles. Disposable
tubing
must be attached to the pump for insertion
into the sump.