PISTON GP 9N5404 - Caterpillar

The crankshaft vibration damper limits the torsional vibration of the crankshaft. The visconic damper has a weight that is located inside a fluid filled case.Damage to the crankshaft vibration damper or failure of the damper can increase torsional vibrations. This vibration can result in damage to the crankshaft and to other engine components. A deteriorating damper can cause excessive torsional vibrations.A damper that is hot may be the result of excessive torsional vibration, worn bearings, or damage to the damper. Use an infrared thermometer to monitor the temperature of the damper during operation. Follow the instructions that are included with the infrared thermometer. If the temperature reaches 100°C (212 °F), consult your Cat dealer.Inspect the damper for evidence of dents, cracks, and leaks of the fluid.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, and smooth.If the fluid leak is oil, inspect the crankshaft seals for leaks. If a leak is observed, replace all the 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.
The crankshaft bearings are showing excessive wear.
There is a large amount of gear train wear that is not caused by a lack of oil.Dampers With Sampling Ports
Illustration 1 g03845581Some dampers have ports for fluid samples. If the damper has no external damage, collect a sample of the damper fluid. The fluid should be analyzed to check for a loss of viscosity. Use the results of the analysis to determine if the damper should be rebuilt or replaced. Fluid sampling kits 436-0477 are available from the address below. Return the kits to the same address for analysis.Hasse & Wrede GmbH
Georg-Knorr-Straße 4
12681 Berlin
Germany
Phone +49 30 9392-3135
Fax +49 30 9392-7-3135
Alternate phone +49 30 9392-3156
Alternate fax +49 30 9392-7-3156
The typical limit for the degradation of the damper fluid viscosity that is used by Hasse & Wrede GmbH is 20 percent for most applications. The reports from Hasse & Wrede should indicate that the fluid samples meet this viscosity limit.Dampers Without Sampling Ports
Some dampers do not have a port for a fluid sample. These dampers must be rebuilt or the dampers must be replaced when one of the following criteria has been met:
The damper has been operated for 20000 hours.
The engine is undergoing a major overhaul.Removal and Installation
Refer to the Disassembly and Assembly Manual, "Vibration Damper - Remove and Install" article or consult your Cat dealer for information about damper replacement.