Engine Has Early Wear
- Incorrect maintenance intervals and/or incorrect oil
- Contaminated engine oil
- Leaks in air intake system
- Dirt in fuel
- Low oil pressure
Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in order.
Show/hide table
| Troubleshooting Test Steps | Values | Results |
|---|---|---|
1. Incorrect Maintenance Intervals and/or Incorrect Oil A. Use engine oil that is recommended and change the engine oil at the interval that is recommended by the engines Operation and Maintenance Manual. |
Maintenance intervals |
Result: The engine oil was not changed at the interval that is recommended by the Operation and Maintenance Manual. Repair: Use the recommended grade of oil. Change the engine oil at the interval that is recommended. Repair or replace any damaged parts. Result: The engine oil was changed at the interval that is recommended by the engines Operation and Maintenance Manual. Proceed to Test Step 2. |
2. Contaminated Engine Oil A. Obtain an oil analysis. The analysis will identify oil contamination. B. Check the oil filter bypass valve. Note: If the oil filter bypass valve is open, the oil will not be filtered. |
Contamination |
Result: The oil is contaminated. Repair: Determine the reason for any contamination of the engine oil and make the necessary repairs. Drain the crankcase and refill the crankcase with clean engine oil. Install new engine oil filters. Refer to the engines Operation and Maintenance Manual. Result: The oil filter bypass valve is open. Repair: Replace the oil filter element. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual. Check the oil filter bypass valve for a weak spring or for a broken spring. If the spring is broken, replace the spring. Verify that the oil bypass valve is operating correctly. Result: The oil is not contaminated. Proceed to Test Step 3. |
3. Leaks in Air Intake System Note: A leak in the air intake system may allow unfiltered air into the engine. A. Inspect the air intake system for streaks which may indicate a leakage of unfiltered air. Inspect all the gaskets and the connections. Refer to Systems Operation, Testing, and Adjusting, "Air Inlet and Exhaust System" for more information. |
Air leak |
Result: There are air leaks. Repair: Repair any leaks. Result: There are no air leaks. Proceed to Test Step 4. |
4. Dirt in Fuel A. Remove the fuel filters. Inspect the fuel filters for contamination. Note: Contaminants in the fuel such as hydrogen sulfide and sulfur can lead to the formation of acids in the crankcase. B. Obtain a fuel analysis. |
Fuel and fuel filters |
Result: The fuel has contamination. Repair: Determine the cause of any contamination and make the necessary repairs. Install new fuel filters. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual. Result: The fuel is not contaminated. Proceed to Test Step 5. |
5. Low Oil Pressure Note: Engine oil that is contaminated with another liquid can cause low engine oil pressure. High engine oil level can be an indication of contamination. A. Obtain an analysis of the engine oil. B. Check the inlet screen on the suction tube and remove any material that may be restricting engine oil flow. Note: 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. Note: When some components of the engine show wear in a short time, the cause can be a restriction in a passage for engine oil. An indicator for the engine oil pressure may indicate sufficient pressure, but a component is worn due to a lack of lubrication. In such a case, look at the passage for the engine oil supply to the component. Refer to Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Lubrication System" for additional information. |
Oil pressure |
Result: Analysis indicates that the oil is contaminated. Repair: Replace the oil and the oil filter. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual. Result: The inlet tube has a restriction. Repair: Clear the obstruction. Verify the repair. Result: The oil pressure is low. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Oil Pressure Is Low" for the testing procedure. Repair any identified faults. Result: The oil pressure is normal. Contact the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN). |
Caterpillar Information System:
C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Engine Does Not Crank
C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Engine Cranks but Does Not Start
PS097S and PS104S POWER SYSTEMS Machine Systems Relief Valve (Pilot) - Test
PS097S and PS104S POWER SYSTEMS Machine Systems Gear Pump Flow - Test
PS097S and PS104S POWER SYSTEMS Machine Systems General Information
PS097S and PS104S POWER SYSTEMS Machine Systems Hydraulic Oil Cooler Fan and Mounting
PS097S and PS104S POWER SYSTEMS Machine Systems Relief Valve (Pilot)
A New Stainless Steel Bypass Valve Is Now Used For Certain G3516 And G3520H Engine {1000, 1071} A New Stainless Steel Bypass Valve Is Now Used For Certain G3516 And G3520H Engine {1000, 1071}
An Improved Thermostat Housing Is Now Used on Certain 3516C HD Engines {135V} An Improved Thermostat Housing Is Now Used on Certain 3516C HD Engines {135V}
G3500H Generator Set Engine Engine Shutdown Occurrence
Inspect Inventory Stock of C175 and 3500HD Connecting Rods for Contamination {1225} Inspect Inventory Stock of C175 and 3500HD Connecting Rods for Contamination {1225}
C175 Oil&Gas Offshore Engine Sensor Signal (Analog, Active) - Test
C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Engine Has Mechanical Noise (Knock)
C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Engine Misfires, Runs Rough or Is Unstable
C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Engine Overspeeds
C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Engine Shutdown Occurrence
C175 Oil&Gas Offshore Engine Sensor Supply - Test
C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Engine Shutdown Occurs Intermittently
C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Engine Stalls at Low RPM
C175 Oil&Gas Offshore Engine Coolant Pressure Is Low
C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Engine Top Speed Is Not Obtained
C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Engine Vibration Is Excessive
C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Exhaust Has Excessive Black Smoke
C7.1 Engines and Generator Sets Exhaust Has Excessive White Smoke