1984/05/23 Caterpillar


High Levels Of Soot In The Oil; Make Sure Air Fuel Ratio Control Operates Correctly

Usage:


All Diesel Engines So Equipped

The air fuel ratio control limits the amount of fuel for injection during acceleration. The purpose of the control is to keep the amount of smoke in the exhaust gases at a minimum. When the adjustment of the air fuel ratio control is correct there will be enough fuel for rapid acceleration and there will not be too much exhaust smoke. If the adjustment is not correct, the engine will accelerate too slowly or there will be too much exhaust smoke. Excessive smoke can result in high levels of soot in the engine oil. Tests show that high levels of soot in the oil can shorten the service life of engine bearings and other internal components. Also, high levels of soot will increase the viscosity of the oil and cause early plugging of the engine oil filters. These can result in engine damage.

The operation of the air fuel ratio control is most important in applications that have frequent accelerations and decelerations.


NOTICE

The fuel settings for on-highway truck engines must be adjusted to EPA-approved specifications by a serviceman who has had the necessary training for fuel system maintenance.


To keep smoke and soot at an acceptable level:

1. Use the correct tools and a dial indicator to make sure the air fuel ratio control is set at the specification shown in the fuel setting microfiche. Also, during the adjustment procedure make sure the engine is at normal operating temperature and 800 to 1000 rpm. This will permit consistent results.

NOTE: Do not try to set the air fuel ratio control visually (without a dial indicator). If the air fuel ratio control is set visually, the setting is usually too high (rich).

2. Periodically, check the air fuel ratio control for correct operation. To do this, install a dial indicator to make sure that the setting repeats itself.

Some other possible causes for high levels of soot in the engine oil are:

1. A restriction in the air intake or exhaust system.
2. Extended oil and filter change intervals.
3. Worn piston rings and cylinder liners.
4. Excessive fuel settings.
5. Wrong fuel.
6. A turbocharger which does not operate correctly.

Caterpillar Information System:

1984/05/23 Improved Cylinder Head Gasket
1984/05/23 Remanufactured Oil Pumps Available
1984/05/23 New Oil Filter Base Assembly Used In Filter Base Group
1984/05/23 New Seal For Fuel Injection Pump Housing Is More Resistant To Heat Damage
1984/05/23 New Recommendation For Oil Hole Location During Installation Of Camshaft Bearings
1984/05/23 Borescope And Light Source Available For Internal Inspection Of Passages On Most Caterpillar Products
1984/05/23 List Of Service Publications
1984/05/23 New Valve Assembly And Seal Used In Fuel Transfer Pump
1984/05/23 Dimensions For Reconditioning Cylinder Blocks, Cylinder Heads
1984/04/04 New Aftercooler Hose Clamp Helps Prevent Leaks
1984/04/04 Make Sure There Is Clearance Between Cylinder Head And Fuel Injection Pump Housing When A New Cylinder Head Is Installed
1984/04/04 6V3176 Relief Valve Available For Center Hole Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinders
1984/05/23 3406 Remanufactured Truck Engines Available
1984/06/27 New Cylinder Head Has Larger Mounting Holes For The Lifting Brackets
1984/06/27 Valve Springs Must Be Removed Before Fuel Injection Nozzle Adapter Assembly Is Removed
1984/06/27 New Adapter Assemblies And Clamps Hold Fuel Nozzles In Position
1984/06/27 New Ammeter And Ammeter Calibrator Group Available
1984/06/27 New Rear Crankshaft Seal Group Used
1984/06/27 Drain Line Added To Reduce Pressure In BrakeSaver Housing
1984/06/27 List of Service Publications
1984/06/27 Excessive Oil Consumption: Check The Accuracy Of The Oil Level Gauge
1984/08/06 Procedure To Clean Oil Passages In Crankshafts And Cylinder Blocks
1984/08/06 Use Vacuum Tester For Quality Control Check Of Water Pump Seal
1984/08/06 New Service Tools Available
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