C18 Industrial Engine Caterpillar


Oil Pressure Is Low

Usage:

C18 NBB
Use this procedure in order to troubleshoot low engine oil pressure. Use this procedure if one of the following event codes is active. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Event Codes" for information about event codes and the default trip points for these codes. You must access the engine monitoring system on Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) in order to view the current trip points for these codes. For information on the engine monitoring system, refer to Troubleshooting, "Engine Monitoring System".

Table 1
Event Code    
Code     Conditions which Activate the Code     System Response    
E360(1) Low Engine Oil Pressure     The engine oil pressure is less than the trip point and the delay time has expired.     The code is logged.    
E360(2) Low Engine Oil Pressure     The code is logged.
The engine power may be derated.
E360(3) Low Engine Oil Pressure    

Probable Causes

Engine Oil Level

  • Low engine oil level

Engine Oil

  • Oil pressure gauge

  • Contaminated engine oil

  • Incorrect oil viscosity

  • Poor circulation of the engine oil

Worn Engine Components

  • Excessive wear of engine components

Engine Oil Pressure Sensor

  • Faulty engine oil pressure sensor

Recommended Actions

Low Engine Oil Level

Inspect the engine oil level. If necessary, add oil.

Oil Pressure Gauge

Check the actual engine oil pressure with a calibrated test gauge. Compare the oil pressure reading from Cat ET to the pressure on the test gauge.

Contaminated Engine Oil

Engine oil that is contaminated with another liquid will cause low engine oil pressure. High engine oil level can be an indication of contamination. Obtain an analysis of the engine oil. Determine the reason for contamination of the engine oil and make the necessary repairs. Change the engine oil and the engine oil filter. For the correct engine oil to use, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual.

Incorrect Oil Viscosity

Make sure that the engine is supplied with the correct engine oil. For the correct engine oil to use, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual.

Poor Circulation of the Engine Oil

The engine oil filter is clogged. Replace the engine oil filter.

An engine oil line or a passage for engine oil is disconnected or broken.

The engine oil cooler is clogged. Thoroughly clean the engine oil cooler.

There is a problem with a piston cooling jet. Breakage, a restriction, or incorrect installation of a piston cooling jet will cause seizure of the piston.

The inlet screen of the suction tube for the engine oil pump can have a restriction. This restriction will cause cavitation and a loss of engine oil pressure. Check the inlet screen on the suction tube and remove any material that may be restricting engine oil flow.

The suction tube is drawing in air. Check the joints of the tube for cracks or for a damaged O-ring seal.

There is a problem with the engine oil pump. Check the gears of the engine oil pump for excessive wear. Engine oil pressure is reduced by gears that have too much wear.

The engine oil pump's pressure regulating valve or a bypass valve is stuck in the open position. Clean the valve. Replace parts, if necessary.

Excessive Wear of Engine Components

Excessive clearance at the crankshaft or camshaft bearings will cause low engine oil pressure. Also, inspect the clearance between the rocker arm shafts and the rocker arms. Check the engine components for excessive clearance.

Obtain an analysis of the engine oil. Check the analysis for the level of wear metals in the engine oil.

Faulty Engine Oil Pressure Sensor

Use Cat ET to compare the readings of the filtered engine oil pressure and the unfiltered engine oil pressure while the engine is OFF. Both readings should be close to zero pressure.

If a reading is significantly different from zero, replace the suspect engine oil pressure sensor.

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