MUFFLER ASSEM. 7N1659 - Caterpillar

Damage to the crankshaft vibration damper or failure of the crankshaft vibration damper can increase torsional vibrations. This can result in damage to the crankshaft and to other engine components. A damper that is damaged can cause excessive gear train noise at variable points in the speed range.The damper is mounted to the crankshaft which is located behind the belt guard on the front of the engine.Visconic Damper
The visconic damper has a weight that is located inside a fluid filled case. The weight moves in the case to limit torsional vibration.Inspect the damper for evidence of fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is found, determine the type of fluid. The fluid in the damper is silicone. Silicone has the following characteristics: transparent, viscous, smooth, and adhering.If the fluid leak is oil, inspect the crankshaft seals for leaks. If a leak is observed, replace the crankshaft seals.Inspect the damper and repair or replace the damper for any of the following reasons:
The damper is dented, cracked, or leaking.
The paint on the damper is discolored from heat.
The engine has had a failure because of a broken crankshaft.
Analysis of the oil has revealed that the front main bearing is badly worn.
There is a large amount of gear train wear that is not caused by a lack of oil.Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly Manual, "Vibration Damper and Pulley - Remove and Install" or consult your Cat dealer for information about damper replacement.Note: Under certain extreme load and high ambient temperature conditions, the engine vibration damper effectiveness could degrade over time. The engine ECM will monitor these conditions. If appropriate, the engine ECM will activate this fault code and will display a message on the EMCP to Replace Engine Damper. If Replace Engine Damper is displayed, the engine damper must be replaced, and the fault counter reset. Failure to replace the damper could result in significant engine damage.