RING-RETAINING 4D1322 - Caterpillar

Caterpillar Products Machine Engines All 3500 SeriesIntroduction
This Special Instruction provides guidance for when levels of lead (Pb) in engine oil samples are elevated to a point of Action Required according to S O S wear tables.Lead in engine oil does not always come from main or rod bearings. However this Special Instruction presumes that the bearings are the most likely source. Lead from other sources, such as excessive thrust washer or bronze bushing wear, most commonly is accompanied by highly elevated levels of copper (Cu).Note: This publication is to be used to explore the root cause of elevated lead in oil samples. Due to the risk of debris introduction from physical bearing inspections or replacements, investigate the root cause thoroughly prior to disassembling the engine.Additional Resources
Professional classroom instruction on oil sampling, analysis, and interpretation is available, course 08E1017 S O S Services Interpretation Training I. Course information, help sheets, wear tables, and community discussion is available under S O S Services on the Knowledge Network (https://kn.cat.com). Other helpful resources:
Operation and Maintenance Manual, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations"
Special Instruction, SEBD0640, "Oil and Your Engine"Action Required : Example
Illustration 1 g03403230
Typical example wear table. Values subject to change.
Illustration 2 g03403233
Example of a trend chart with lead level elevated to Action Required
If an oil analysis returns from the lab with an elevated level of lead and action is required, follow the steps listed below.
Review and Validate the Sample
Determine the Root Cause - Wear or Chemistry
Resolve and ProceedReview and Validate the Sample
Illustration 3 g03403239Sample Collection, Age, and AnalysisVerify that the sample was collected and delivered correctly. Verify that the lab has been used in the past. Verify the hours of the oil. Was an oil change missed?Compare to TrendHas the lead level in the oil from this engine been steady or trending upward in recent samples? If the lead level is trending up, has the rate of increase been gradual or rapid? Has a follow-up sample been taken and analyzed to confirm a rapidly increasing trend? If the trend is indeed increasing rapidly, the engine should be shut down and action taken immediately to investigate and resolve the problem.Service RecordsCarefully consider service records including recent component changes, modifications to lubrication, cooling or fuel systems, or any adjustments to the oil renewal system if equipped. Do service records reflect any change of suppliers or formulations of oil, coolant, or fuel? Lead is common in various greases sometimes used as assembly aids.Operation RecordsConsider operational changes including major changes in haul cycle, profile, shift, operator, and so on. Is the operator noting anything unusual? Has the fuel burn rate changed or have there been any changes to the rate of oil consumption or frequency/volume of oil additions?Consider Collecting Another SampleHas resampling been considered after changing oil and filters? Has this sample been collected early due to elevated lead in the previous sample?
Table 1
Review and Validation Checklist
Points to Consider Notes
Sample Collection, Age, Analysis Correctly Collected?
Correctly Analyzed?
Reported Hours Correct?
Oil Change Intervals (OCI) Correct?
Compare to Trend from this engine Steady?
Gradually Increasing?
Rapidly Increasing?