COVER 5240591 - Caterpillar

Reasons for Low Engine Oil Pressure
Keep all parts clean from contaminants.Contaminants may cause rapid wear and shortened component life.
Care must be taken to ensure that fluids are contained during performance of inspection, maintenance, testing, adjusting and repair of the product. Be prepared to collect the fluid with suitable containers before opening any compartment or disassembling any component containing fluids.Refer to Special Publication, NENG2500, "Caterpillar Dealer Service Tool Catalog" for tools and supplies suitable to collect and contain fluids on Caterpillar products.Dispose of all fluids according to local regulations and mandates.
Engine oil level is low. Refer to Step 1.
Engine oil is contaminated. Refer to Step 2.
The engine oil bypass valves are open. Refer to Step 3.
The engine lubrication system is open. Refer to Step 4.
The oil suction tube has a leak or a restricted inlet screen. Refer to Step 5.
The engine oil pump is faulty. Refer to Step 6.
Engine Bearings have excessive clearance. Refer to Step 7.
Check the engine oil level in the crankcase. The oil level can possibly be too far below the oil pump supply tube. This will cause the oil pump not to have the ability to supply enough lubrication to the engine components. If the engine oil level is low add engine oil in order to obtain the correct engine oil level. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" for the recommendations of engine oil.
Engine oil that is contaminated with fuel or coolant will cause low engine oil pressure. High engine oil level in the crankcase can be an indication of contamination. Determine the reason for contamination of the engine oil and make the necessary repairs. Replace the engine oil with the approved grade of engine oil. Also replace the engine oil filter. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" for the recommendations of engine oil.
Caterpillar oil filters are built to Caterpillar specifications. Use of an oil filter not recommended by Caterpillar could result in severe engine damage to the engine bearings, crankshaft, etc., as a result of the larger waste particles from unfiltered oil entering the engine lubricating system. Only use oil filters recommended by Caterpillar.
If the engine oil bypass valves are held in the open position, a reduction in the oil pressure can be the result. This may be due to debris in the engine oil. If the engine oil bypass valves are stuck in the open position, remove each engine oil bypass valve and clean each bypass valve in order to correct this problem. You must also clean each bypass valve bore. Install new engine oil filters. For information on the repair of the engine oil bypass valves, refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Engine Oil Filter Base - Disassemble".
An oil line or an oil passage that is open, broken, or disconnected will cause low engine oil pressure. An open lubrication system could be caused by a piston cooling jet that is missing or damaged.Note: The piston cooling jets direct engine oil toward the bottom of the