1983/05/18 Caterpillar


Procedure To Clean Oil Passages In Crankshafts And Cylinder Blocks

Usage:


All Engines

SUPPLEMENT: 08/06/84

TRUCK ENGINE NEWS, MAY 18, 1983, PAGE 6. Put a mark through the article "Procedure To Clean Oil Passages In Crankshafts And Cylinder Blocks " and make reference to the article with the same title in this edition.

--------------- END SUPPLEMENT ---------------

It is Caterpillar's recommendation that the procedure that follows should be used to clean all new, used (crankshafts and cylinder blocks that are to be used again) and reconditioned crankshafts and cylinder blocks before they are assembled.

One reason for bearing failure after an engine overhaul is debris that was not removed from the oil passages in thecrankshaft and cylinder block. Some of this debris (carbon deposits) is a product of fuel combustion that, over a long period of time, has mixed with oil and become thick. Most of the time this debris can not be removed completely when only a high pressure wash or a high pressure nozzle is used to clean the oil passages.

Debris (chips or abrasive material from the reconditioning operation) that is not removed after an engine or bearing failure or after a reconditioning operation can also cause early engine failure. It is important that all debris is removed from the oil passages in the crankshaft and cylinder block. Larger particles of debris can cause damage to the crankshaft journal and bearings when the engine is first started because the bypass valve can let unfiltered oil get in to the engine. See Illustration 1.

Use the following procedure to make sure the oil passages in the crankshaft and cylinder block are free of debris:

1. Remove all plugs. Allen head plugs may have to be drilled and removed with a 6.35 mm (.25 ") Easy Out Remover. Most lightening hole core plugs are held in position with snap rings. These snap rings can be removed with two screwdrivers or can be cut in half with a cold chisel. Cylinder block plugs and similar plugs in older crankshafts can also be removed with a cold chisel.

2. Install one of the brushes from the chart in a variable speed drill. Use a brush that has a diameter that is just larger than the diameter of the oil passage to be cleaned.


NOTICE

Do not operate the drill unless the end of the brush is in the oil passage. This is especially important to prevent damage to the crankshaft journal by the metal end of the brush. Operate the drill at approximately 300 rpm.


3. Use a petroleum solvent and one of the brushes from the chart to loosen any debris or carbon (deposits) in all the oil passages in the crankshaft and cylinder block. See Illustration 2. Make sure the end of the brush goes to the end of each oil passage. Each oil passage must be cleaned from every possible direction. When the main oil passage in the cylinder block is cleaned, it will be necessary to weld a 3.18 mm (.125 ") mild steel rod to the end of the brush handle. Make sure the rod is long enough to let the brush go all the way through the cylinder block. See Illustration 3.

4. Use the brush and a solution of detergent and water to "float" the debris out of the oil passages. Use water to wash the rest of the detergent and water solution out of the oil passages and then use an air hose to dry the cylinder block or crankshaft.


NOTICE

Clean oil must be put on the cranskhaft as soon as it is dry to prevent rust damage.


5. If the crankshaft and cylinder block are not going to be used immediately, put a rust inhibitor on the crankshaft and cylinder block to prevent damage.

6. Make sure the rust inhibitor is removed before the crankshaft is installed in the cylinder block.

7. Install all the plugs in the crankshaft and cylinder block. See the Specifications section of the Service Manual for the correct torques and procedures for the installation of the plugs in the crankshaft and cylinder block.


Illustration 1.


Illustration 2.


Illustration 3.

Caterpillar Information System:

1983/05/18 Reuse Of Engine Bearings
1983/05/18 List Of Changes To Brakesavers
1983/05/18 Valve Spring Retainers Now Have Thicker Flanges
1983/05/18 Selection Of The Correct Battery For Use With Diagnostic Tools
1983/05/18 Installation Of Bearing For Connecting Rod Piston Pin
1983/05/18 New Specification For Adjustment Of Jacobs Engine Brake
1983/05/18 New Fuel Setting Information
1983/05/18 Eight Good Reasons To Convert Your 3406 Truck Engine From Pc To Di At Overhaul Time{1250,1000}
1983/05/18 New Gasket And Cover Used On Governors
1983/05/18 New Fuel Nozzle Adapters Used
1983/05/18 New Specification For Clearance Between Fuel Rack Slot And Cross Link
1983/04/13 New Connecting Rod Bearings Used
1983/05/18 New Special Instruction Available For 6V4135 Halogen Leak Detector
1983/05/18 Use 6V7777 Spacer With 9S6030 Front Oil Seal Installer
1983/05/18 New Turbocharger Has Thicker Mounting Flange To Prevent Breakage
1983/06/29 New Service Tools Available
1983/06/29 Use The 6V4930 Battery Load Tester To Test Batteries
1983/06/29 Consist Lists Now Available For Conversion Of Direct Injection 3406 Truck Engines To Higher Horsepower Arrangements
1983/06/29 6V6142 And 6V6143 Installers Must Be Used To Install Crankshaft Seals And Wear Sleeves
1983/06/29 List Of Service Publications
1983/06/29 Remanufactured Alternators And Starting Motors Are Available
1983/06/29 6V7100 Combustible Gas Leak Detector And 6V7103 Calibration Kit Available
1983/06/29 Damaged Lifter Bores In 3400 Series Engines Can Be Used Again
1983/06/29 New Piston Ring Group Used
Back to top
The names Caterpillar, John Deere, JD, JCB, Hyundai or any other original equipment manufacturers are registered trademarks of the respective original equipment manufacturers. All names, descriptions, numbers and symbols are used for reference purposes only.
CH-Part.com is in no way associated with any of the manufacturers we have listed. All manufacturer's names and descriptions are for reference only.