Filtration Procedure for Articulated Truck Transmission Oil {0680, 0768, 3016, 3030} Caterpillar

Articulated Truck

725 (S/N: AFX1-UP)

730 (S/N: 3F31-UP; 3T31-UP; AGF1-UP)

730 EJECTOR (S/N: 3F41-UP; 3T41-UP)

735 (S/N: 3T51-UP; AWR1-UP)

740 (S/N: AXM1-UP)

740 EJECTOR (S/N: 3F71-UP; 3T71-UP; AZZ1-UP)

740 GC (S/N: 3F81-UP; 3T81-UP)

745 (S/N: 3F61-UP; 3T61-UP)

745C (S/N: LFK1-UP)

D20D (S/N: 9MG1-UP)

D250D (S/N: 6NG1-UP)

D250E (S/N: 5TN1-UP)

D250E Series II (S/N: 4PS1-UP)

D25D (S/N: 1HK1-UP)

D300D (S/N: 5MG1-UP)

D300E (S/N: 7FN1-UP)

D300E Series II (S/N: 5KS1-UP)

D30D (S/N: 3AJ1-UP)

D350D (S/N: 9RF1-UP)

D350E (S/N: 9LR1-UP)

D350E Series II (S/N: 2XW1-UP)

D400D (S/N: 8TF1-UP)

D400E (S/N: 2YR1-UP)

D400E Series II (S/N: APF1-UP; 8PS1-UP)

D40D (S/N: 2JJ1-UP)

Introduction

© 2018 Caterpillar All Rights Reserved. This guideline is for the use of Caterpillar dealers only. Unauthorized use of this document or the proprietary processes therein without permission may be violation of intellectual property law.

Information contained in this document is considered Caterpillar: Confidential Yellow.

This guideline enables dealers and customers to benefit from cost reductions which were made possible through an established Contamination Control Program. Fluids used in Caterpillar machines are highly effective unless the fluid contains damaging amounts of contaminates. Therefore, every effort must be made to reduce the contamination level within Caterpillar fluid systems. Caterpillar makes ongoing changes and improvements to the Caterpillar products. This guideline must be used with the latest technical information that is available from Caterpillar. Updated technical information will ensure that such changes and improvements are incorporated when applicable.

For technical questions when using this document, work with your Dealer Technical Communicator (TC).

To report suspected errors, inaccuracies, or suggestions regarding the document, submit a form for feedback in the Service Information System (SIS Web) interface.

If a Contamination Control Guideline is required, but not available in (SIS Web), submit a form for feedback in the Service Information System (SIS Web) interface.

Canceled Part Numbers and Replaced Part Numbers

This document may include canceled part numbers and replaced part numbers. Use NPR on SIS for information about canceled part numbers and replaced part numbers. NPR will provide the current part numbers for replaced parts.

Summary

This guideline enables dealers and the dealers customers to benefit from cleaner transmission systems. This guideline provides directions for installing and operating the kidney loop system.

Clean fluids play a major function in the life of any fluid system. The following procedure will help reduce fluid contamination in the oil to an acceptable level of ISO 18/15 or cleaner.

Important Safety Information

Illustration 1	g02139237

Most accidents that involve product operation, maintenance, and repair are caused by failure to observe basic safety rules or precautions. An accident can often be avoided by recognizing potentially hazardous situations before an accident occurs. A person must be alert to potential hazards. This person should also have the necessary training, skills, and tools to perform these functions properly.

Improper operation, lubrication, maintenance, or repair of this product is dangerous. Improper methods could result in injury or death.

Do not operate or perform any lubrication, maintenance, or repair of this product, until you understand the operation, lubrication, maintenance, and repair information. Safety precautions and warnings are provided in this manual and on the product. If these hazard warnings are not heeded, bodily injury or death could occur to you or to other persons.

Hazards are identified by a safety alert symbol. Safety alert symbols are followed by a signal word such as "Warning" that is shown below.

Illustration 2	g01032906

The following is the meaning of this safety alert symbol:

• Pay Attention!

• Become Alert!

• Your Safety is Involved.

The message that appears under the warning explains the hazard. The message will be written or pictorially shown.

Operations that may cause product damage are identified by "NOTICE" labels on the product and in this publication.

Caterpillar cannot anticipate every possible circumstance that might involve a potential hazard. Therefore, the warnings in this publication and on the product are not all inclusive. If a tool, a procedure, a work method, or an operating technique that is not recommended by Caterpillar is used, ensure that the procedure is safe for all personnel around the machine. Also ensure that the product will not be damaged or be made unsafe by the operation, lubrication, maintenance, or repair procedures.

All the information, specifications, and illustrations that are in this publication are based on information that was available at the time of publication. The following information could change at any time: specifications, torque, pressures, measurement, adjustments, illustrations, and other items. These changes can affect the service that is given to the product. Obtain the most current and complete information before you start any job. Caterpillar dealers have the most current information that is available.

Safety

Show/hide table

Sudden movement of the machine or release of oil under pressure can cause injury to persons on or near the machine. To prevent possible injury, perform the procedure that follows before testing and adjusting the steering system.

Show/hide table

Personal injury can result from hydraulic oil pressure and hot oil. Hydraulic oil pressure can remain in the hydraulic system after the engine has been stopped. Serious injury can be caused if this pressure is not released before any service is done on the hydraulic system. Make sure all of the attachments have been lowered, oil is cool before removing any components or lines. Remove the oil filler cap only when the engine is stopped, and the filler cap is cool enough to touch with your bare hand.

References

Tooling and Equipment

Articulated Truck Transmission Oil Filtration Procedure

This guideline is intended for Articulated Trucks. The procedure is most effective when performed immediately after the oil has been warmed to 50 °C (122 °F) and mixed from operation. Warming the oil allows any contamination in the system oil to be placed in suspension. Warming the oil also lowers the viscosity of the oil. Be sure to read and understand the Tool Operating Manual, NEHS0778, "188-3242 or 227-2479 Filter Cart Group" before you begin the procedure.

Illustration 3	g01293247
Filter cart application on 1HK, 3AJ, 5MG, 9RF, 2JJ, 8TF, 6NG, 5TN, 4PS, 7FN, 5KS, 9MG, 2XY, 8PS, APF, 9LR and 2YR serial prefix models.

Illustration 4	g01293248
Filter cart application on AGF, AFX, LFK, 3T6, 3F6, 3T7, and 3F7 serial prefix machines.

Filtration Procedure Adapters

Suction Adapter Assembly

Suction adapter assembly for 1HK, 3AJ, 5MG, 9RF, 2JJ, 8TF, 6NG, 5TN, 4PS, 7FN, 5KS, 9MG, 2XW, 8PS, APF, 9LR, AWR, and 2YR serial prefix machines.

Show/hide table

Illustration 5	g03319232
(1) 7T-2703 Plug-Drain

1. Drill a 34.9 mm (1.375 inch) hole in the 7T-2703 Plug-Drain (1). Refer to Illustration 5.
   Show/hide table

   Illustration 6	g01293250
   (1) 7T-2703 Plug-Drain (2) 1 inch pipe - 10 inches long (3) Weld location

2. Assemble the 7T-2703 Plug-Drain (1) to the 25.4 mm (1 inch) pipe that is 25.4 cm (10 inch) long (2). Refer to Illustration 6.

   Note: For serial prefix AWR, use a 9S-8010 Plug in place of the 7T-2703 Plug-Drain.

   Show/hide table

   Illustration 7	g01293252
   (4) Suction adapter (5) 006-5707 Elbow (6) 190-8319 Nipple (7) 201-8059 Dust Cap

3. Assemble the suction adapter (4) to the 006-5707 Elbow (5) and the 190-8319 Nipple (6). Attach the 201-8059 Dust Cap (7) to the 190-8319 Nipple (6). Refer to Illustration 7.
   Show/hide table

   Illustration 8	g01293253
   (6) 190-8319 Nipple (7) 201-8059 Dust Cap (8) 3B-6491 Pipe Coupling

4. Assemble the 3B-6491 Pipe Coupling (8) to the 190-8319 Nipple (6). Attach the 201-8059 Dust Cap (7). Refer to Illustration 8.
   Show/hide table

   Illustration 9	g06211251
   Suction Adapter Assembly for serial numbers 3T6, 3F6, 3T7, and 3F7 (9) 201-8059 Dust Cap (10) 190-8319 Coupler (11) 4J-0519 O-Ring Seal (12) 5P-0492 Adapter (13) 1 In. pipe NPTM 254 mm (10 inch) long. Threaded both end 1 inch 11-1/2 NPTF (14) 006-5707 Pipe Elbow

5. Install the O-Ring Seal (11) on to Adapter (12).

6. Attach 1 In. pipe NPTM (13) to Adapter (12).

7. Attach Pipe Elbow (14) to 1 In. pipe NPTM (13).

8. Attach Dust Cap (9) to Coupler (10).

9. Attach Coupler (10) to Pipe Elbow (14). Refer to Illustration 9 for the correct orientation of adapters.

Discharge Adapter Assembly

Show/hide table

Illustration 10	g01293254
(5) 006-5707 Elbow (9) 3/4 inch pipe - 10 inches long (10) 6B-9081 Reducing Bushing (11) 190-8318 Coupler (12) 201-8057 Dust Cap

1. Assemble the 19 mm (0.75 inch) pipe that is 254 mm (10 inch) long (9), to the 6B-9081 Reducing Bushing (10), the 006-5707 Elbow (5), and the 190-8319 Coupler (11). Attach the 201-8057 Dust Cap (12). Refer to Illustration 10.

Illustration 11	g01293256
Fabricated Plug (A) 44.45 mm (1.75 inch) (B) 63.5 mm (2.5 inch) (C) 34.29 mm (1.35 inch) (D) 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) (E) 6.35 mm (0.25 inch) (F) 15° (G) 3/4 Inch NPT thread

Note: This plug is to be assembled for the end of the discharge adapter for machines with serial prefix AXM, AZZ, and AYZ. Refer to Illustration 11.

Transducer Assembly

Show/hide table

Illustration 12	g01293257
(13) 4C-7156 Fitting (14) 4C-7099 Nipple (15) 5P-0306 Transducer

1. Assemble the 4C-7156 Fitting (13) to the 4C-7099 Nipple (14) and the 5P-0306 Transducer (15). Refer to Illustration 12.

Filtration Procedure Setup

1. Pressure - wash the transmission case drain.

   Note: There is a possibility that the transmission guard may need removing to access the transmission drain plug. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for additional information.

2. Operate the machine to warm the oil.

3. Park the machine on level ground.

4. Apply the service brake to stop the machine.

5. Move the gearshift lever to the NEUTRAL position.

   Note: On 9LR and 2YR serial prefix machines move the gearshift lever to NEUTRAL and engage the neutral lock. The neutral lock engages automatically when the type 2 shift lever is moved to the NEUTRAL position.

6. Engage the parking brake.

   Note: On 2XW, 8PS, and APF serial prefix machines, move the parking and secondary brake control to the ENGAGED position.

7. Release the service brake pedal. Ensure that the parking brake is holding the machine.

8. Run the engine at low idle for 5 minutes.

9. Connect the steering frame lock.

10. Block the wheels.

    Note: Do not move the machine when the filter cart is connected. Moving the machine in this condition could cause machine damage.

    Note: Machines with serial prefix AXM, AZZ, and AYZ need to skip Steps 1 through 3, due to the presence of an ecology drain. Refer to Section: "Suction Adapter Assembly".

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 13	g01293258
    (16) Air breather

11. Remove the air breather (16) from the transmission case. Refer to Table 4 and to Illustration 13.
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 14	g01293259
    (16) Air breather (17) Lines (18) Tee

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 15	g01293261
    (18) Tee (19) 6V-9601 Adapter (20) 8S-7169 Union

    Note: On 2XW, 8PS and APF serial prefix machines do not remove the air breather (16). Separate the two lines (17) and the tee (18). Refer to Illustration 14.

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 16	g01293262
    (21) Transducer Assembly

12. Install the transducer assembly (21) in place of the air breather (16). Connect the air supply line to the transducer assembly. Refer to Illustration 14 and Illustration 16.
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 17	g01293263
    (20) 8S-7169 Union (21) Transducer assembly (22) 4C-4506 Air Hose (23) Air supply hose

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 18	g01293275
    (22) 4C-4506 Air Hose

    Note: A 4C-4506 Air Hose (22) may be required, depending on the breather location. Attach the 4C-4506 Air Hose (22) to the transducer assembly (21) using a 8S-7169 Coupling (20). Attach the air supply hose (23) to the transducer assembly (21). Refer to Illustration 17 and Illustration 18.

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 19	g01293276
    (24) Drain pan

13. Place a drain pan (24) under the transmission case. Refer to Illustration 19.
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 20	g01293277
    (25) Cover

    Note: On AGF and AFX serial prefix machines remove the cover (25).

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 21	g01293278
    AGF and AFX serial prefix machines (26) Drain plug

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 22	g01293279
    All other machines (26) Drain plug

14. Carefully remove the transmission drain plug (26). Refer to Table 4 for drain plug location. Refer to Illustration 21 and Illustration 22.

    Note: Be sure that the transmission case has a vacuum.

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 23	g01293280
    (27) 006-5707 Elbow

    Note: On AGF and AFX serial prefix machines install a 006-5707 Elbow (27) as shown in illustration 23.

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 24	g01293281
    AGF and AFX serial prefix machines only (28) Suction adapter assembly

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 25	g01293282
    All other machines (28) Suction adapter assembly

15. Install the suction adapter assembly (28) to the transmission case.
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 26	g01293283
    AGF and AFX serial prefix machines (28) Suction adapter assembly (29) Filter cart suction hose

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 27	g01293284
    All other machines (28) Suction adapter assembly (29) Filter cart suction hose

16. Connect the filter cart suction hose (29) to the suction adapter assembly (28).

    Note: Leave the transducer assembly (21) connected to complete the filter cart removal procedure.

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 28	g01293285
    (30) Discharge adapter

17. Remove the transmission fill cap. Install the discharge adapter (30) to the transmission fill tube. Refer to Illustration 28.

    Note: Machines with serial prefix AXM, AZZ, and AYZ need to have a fabricated plug machine to 34.3 mm (1.35 inch) to slide into the fill tube.

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 29	g01293287
    (30) Discharge adapter (31) Filter cart discharge hose

18. Connect the filter cart discharge hose (31) to the discharge adapter (30). Refer to Illustration 29.

19. Disconnect the air supply hose (23) from the transducer assembly (21) to relieve the transmission case vacuum.
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 30	g01293291
    (23) Air supply hose (32) Air supply valve

20. Attach an air supply hose (23) to the 204-7392 Transfer/Filter Cart. Ensure that the air supply valve (32) is in the CLOSED position. Be sure that the air supply does not exceed 690 kPa (100 psi).
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 31	g01293292
    (32) Air supply valve

21. Slowly open the air supply valve (32) to start the filter cart pump operation. The filter cart pump is a gear pump. The gear pump is rated to pump 10W oil at 64 L/min (17 US gpm).

22. During the filter cart operation, check the filter element indicators. The filter element indicators will determine the amount of capacity left in the filter element.

    Note: Occasionally, the filter cart pump will cavitate during start-up. The cavitation is due to air in the suction lines of the pump. If the cavitation continues for more than 1 minute, shut the filter cart OFF and check the connections.

23. Ensure that there are no oil leaks from any of the filter cart connections.

    Note: Caterpillar recommends taking a particle count on the oil at the beginning of the filtration process for use as a baseline particle count.

24. The oil can be particle count tested for cleanliness is one of the two following ways.

    1. Use a 170-8500 S40 Portable Particle Analyzer for immediate results.

    2. Collect a bottle sample and send the sample to an S·O·S lab.

25. If using a 170-8500 Portable Particle Analyzer for particle counting, be sure to read and understand the Tool Operating Manual, NEHS0799, "S40 Portable Particle Analyzer" before operating the particle counter.
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 32	g01293293
    (33) S·O·S valve (34) Fabricated suction tube (35) 210-5530 Coupler

26. Use the following steps if using a 170-8500 Portable Particle Analyzer.

    1. Connect the "low pressure in" port to the S·O·S valve (33) on the filter cart by using the fabricated suction tube (34). Use a 210-5530 Coupler (35) to make this connection.

    2. The fabricated suction tube is required to collect an on-line oil sample when you use the 170-8500 Portable Particle Analyzer.

       Note: Information regarding the availability of parts and fabrication instructions for the suction tube assembly can be obtained by contacting the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology Group. Proper fittings and instructions will be provided at no cost. A 188-0639 Hose will need to be purchased prior to assembly.

27. If using a 169-8373 Bottle Group for oil analysis use the following steps.
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 33	g01293294
    (33) S·O·S valve (36) 169-8373 Bottle Group

    1. If collecting a bottle sample, use the S·O·S valve (33) and a 169-8373 Bottle Group (36).

28. Record an oil sample reading from the S·O·S valve (33) on the filter cart at the beginning of the filter cycle.

29. After 15 minutes of filtering, stop the procedure and change the Articulated Truck transmission filters. The new filters can remain in place until the next scheduled filter change.

    Note: Changing the filters avoids opening the filter housing after the system has been cleaned. If the filter housing is opened after filtration, the filter housing becomes an inlet for contamination.

30. During the kidney loop process, the engine must be run at low idle for 5 minutes every half an hour. The kidney loop process will cycle the oil in the transmission through the sump. Run the engine at low idle with the parking brake ON. Next shift the Articulated Truck into and out of THIRD gear forward to cycle the transmission oil.

    Note: Kidney loop filtration can be performed while running the engine.

31. Operate the filter cart until the 170-8500 Portable Particle Analyzer indicates that the oil has reached an acceptable ISO level of at least 18/15. The requirement used for serial prefix machines AGF and AFX and 21/17 for all other machines. The final ISO should be recorded before the machine is returned to the field.

    Note: Refer to "Oil Compartment Filtration Times", at the end of this document when a 170-8500 Portable Particle Analyzer is not available.

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 34	g01293295
    (23) Air supply hose (32) Air supply valve

32. When the target ISO level or the time interval has been met, close the air supply valve (32) and disconnect the air supply hose (23).
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 35	g01293297
    (37) Transmission filler cap

33. Remove the filter cart discharge hose (31). Remove the discharge adapter (30) from the transmission fill tube. Install a clean transmission filler cap (37). Install dust caps on the nipple and on the coupler. Store the discharge adapter in a clean location.

34. Reinstall the air supply hose (23) to the transducer assembly (21).

35. Operate the 5P-0306 Transducer (15) prior to removing the suction adapter assembly (28).

    Note: Be sure that the transmission case has a vacuum before removing the suction adapter assembly.

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 36	g01293299
    AGF and AFX Serial Prefix Machines (28) Suction adapter assembly (29) Filter cart suction hose assembly

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 37	g01293300
    All other machines (28) Suction adapter assembly (29) Filter cart suction hose

36. Disconnect the filter cart suction hose (29) from the suction adapter assembly (28). Install a 201-8057 Dust Cap (12) and a 190-8318 Coupler (11).
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 38	g01293301
    AGF and AFX Serial Prefix Machines (28) Suction adapter assembly

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 39	g01293302
    All other machines (28) Suction adapter assembly

    Show/hide table

    Illustration 40	g01293303
    (27) 006-5707 Elbow

    Note: On AGF and AFX serial prefix machines remember to remove the 006-5707 Elbow (27) as shown in Illustration 40.

37. Remove the suction adapter assembly (28) from the transmission case. Then quickly reinstall a clean transmission case drain plug (26). Install a dust cap on the nipple. Store the suction adapter assembly (28) in a clean location.

38. Remove the transducer assembly (21) and reinstall a clean air breather (16). Store the transducer assembly (21) in a clean location. Refer to Illustration 16 and to Illustration 41
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 41	g01293304
    (16) Air breather (17) Lines (18) Tee

    Note: On 2XW, 8PS and APF serial prefix machines, remove the 6V-9601 Adapter (19) and the 8S-7169 Union (20) from the tee (18). Attach two lines (17) to the air breather (16). Refer to Illustration 41.

39. Check the transmission oil level before returning the Articulated Truck to service.

40. Unblock the wheels.

41. Disconnect the steering frame lock and return the machine to service.

745 Transducer, Suction, and Discharge Adapter Installation

This section is for serial number machines: 3T6, 3F6, 3T7, 3F7, 3F4, 3T5, 3T4, 3F3, and 3T3.

Show/hide table

Illustration 42	g06211542
Transmission guard (1)

1. Remove the (1) transmission guard. Refer to Illustration 42

2. Pressure wash the transmission case drain.

3. Operate the machine to warm the oil.

4. Turn off the ignition switch.

5. Park the machine on level ground. Apply the parking brake.

6. Place the transmission in neutral position.

7. Engage the parking brake.

8. Connect the steering frame lock.

9. Block the wheels.
   Show/hide table

   Illustration 43	g06211560
   745 vacuum transducer assembly (2) 4K-1388 O-Ring Seal (3) 157-8510 Adapter (4) 3D-2824 O-Ring Seal (5) 5P-0306 Transducer (6) 4C-7099 Adapter (7) 4C-7156 Fitting (8) 7G-8478 Adapter

10. Attach O-Ring Seal (4) on to Adapter (3).

11. Attach O-Ring Seal (2) on to Adapter (8).

12. Attach Adapter (8) to Adapter (3).

13. Attach Vacuum Transducer (5) to Adapter (8).

14. Attach Adapter (6) to Vacuum Transducer (5).

15. Attach Fitting (7) to Adapter (6). Refer to Illustration 43 for steps 10 through 15.
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 44	g06211578
    (9) Access panel

16. Remove four bolts and access panel (9). To gain access to the transmission breather.
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 45	g06211592

17. Loosen two breather mount bolts (10), do not remove the bolts.

18. Loosen the lower tube nut and fully disengage the upper tube nut (11).

19. Lift the breather mount and swing the tube away from the breather.
    Show/hide table

    Illustration 46	g06211595
    Vacuum Transducer installation

20. Attach the Vacuum Transducer Assembly (12) pictured in Illustration in 43 to the upper tube nut (11). Tighten both tube nuts. Refer to Illustration 46

21. Attach an air hose to the vacuum transducer. Operate the vacuum transducer at 172 kPa (25 psi).

22. Place a drain pan under the transmission drain plug.

23. Remove the transmission drain plug and install the Suction Adapter Assembly pictured in Illustration 10.

24. Attach the suction hose to the Suction Adapter Assembly.

25. Remove the air supply hose from the Vacuum Transducer.

26. Remove the transmission oil level indicator.

27. Install the Discharge Adapter Assembly pictured in Illustration 9.

28. Attach the discharge hose to the Discharge Adapter Assembly.

29. Refer to step 20 of the Filtration Procedure for the remainder of the Filtration Procedure.

30. Reverse the above steps to remove the filter cart hoses and adapters.

Oil Compartment Filtration Times

If an on-line, portable particle counter is not available to diagnose and track when the contaminant level has lowered to an acceptable level, refer to the following equation. This equation related to the 204-7392 Transfer/Filter Cart. Other filtration units will have a different equation reference and will be noted when appropriate. There are various conditions that must be factored into the filtration efficiency of any filter cart and situation. Therefore, the following equation must be viewed as only a simple reference and not an absolute time or efficiency result.

Illustration 47	g01177339
Oil compartment filtration equation (A) Compartment oil capacity (gal) (B) Pulses per minute (C) Approximate filtration time (min)

Example: A D400E Ejector Articulated Truck Transmission System has 54 L (14.5 US gal) of 30W oil. The approximate filtration time should be about 60 minutes.

ISO 4406:1999 Method for coding the level of contaminates by solid particles

ISO is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies. The ISO 4406:1999 specifies the code to be used in defining the quantity of solid particles in the fluid. This ISO code is used in any given hydraulic fluid power system. An automatic particle counter derives the equivalent size of a particle from the particle cross sectional area. Particle counts are affected by various factors. These factors include: procurement of the sample, the sample container, particle counting accuracy, where used and the particle count cleanliness. Proper care should be taken during the sample procurement. Proper care will ensure that the sample obtained is representative of the fluid circulating in the system.

The code for contamination levels using automatic particle counters is composed of three scale numbers. ExampleX/Y/Z

"X" - The number of particles that is equal to or larger than 4 microns.

"Y" - The number of particles that is equal to or larger than 6 microns.

"Z" - The number of particles that is equal or larger than 14 microns

Currently Caterpillar does not require the reporting of the "X" scale number since the hydraulic tolerances exceed the 4 micron value, therefore a "-" is used in place of the "X". For example, a particle count is read as -/Y/Z, meaning that there was no requirement to count particles equal to or larger than 4 microns.