Usage:
All Caterpillar Engines
- SUPPLEMENT: 11/10/80
SERVICE MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 22, 1980, PAGE 5, "Install A New Oil Filter Element, Clean The Oil Lines And The Remote Filter Base; Turn The Engine Until The Oil Gauge Shows Pressure Before Starting A Rebuilt Engine"; SEPTEMBER 29, 1980, PAGE 6, "Use Starter To Turn Crankshaft For 30 Seconds Or Until Oil Pressure Gauge Shows Pressure, Before Engine Is Started". The above articles tell you to use the starter to turn the engine crankshaft and get oil pressure before starting the engine.
The starter motors used in Caterpillar products are high-power motors which are made for short periods of operation--30 seconds or less. Operation periods longer than 30 seconds can damage the starter motor because there is no way to dissipate (discharge) heat created (made) during operation.
The correct procedure is to operate the starter for no more than 30 seconds, then permit it to cool for two minutes or more. Then, again operate the starter for no more than 30 seconds and let it cool for two minutes or more.
Add this information to both of the above articles, and make a reference to this supplement.
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When an engine is first started, there is a period of time during which the engine runs before oil under pressure is moved through the engine and to the bearings.
During this period, the bearings can wear, and, after many starts, the bearings can become damaged.
The result, in time, can be a bearing failure.
To prevent a bearing failure from the cumulative (added) effects of wear during start-up, use the procedure which follows. Use the new instruction to turn the crankshaft for 30 seconds or until the oil pressure gauge shows pressure before the governor control lever is moved to start the engine.