SEAL 6J0790 - Caterpillar

3508, 3512 and 3516 Engines Equipped With Woodward 3161 GovernorsA low oil level in the governor housing can cause erratic governor operation and erratic engine rpm on the above engines.
If erratic engine rpm is a problem, remove the sump plug, (see Illustration 1) and check the oil level in the governor housing. The oil level should be 60 to 76 mm (2.4 to 3.0") below the surface of the hole where the sump plug was removed. Add oil as needed to get the correct oil level.
Before removing the sump plug or the spiral orifice, clean the governor housing around these areas to avoid contamination of the oil in the governor housing.If either the governor housing is removed and drained, or a new governor is installed, fill the governor sump with approximately two liters (two quarts) of clean engine oil before installing it on the engine. This will make sure there is adequate lubrication for correct governor operation at initial engine start-up.
If erratic engine rpm is caused by a low governor oil level, remove and clean the spiral orifice (see Illustrations 2, 3, and 4). If the spiral orifice appears to be plugged, enter a Service Information Management System (SIMS) report against the governor. Specify "plugged orifice" in the comments section.
Illustration 1. Location of governor sump plug.
Illustration 2. Location of spiral orifice. Governor on left hand side of the engine.
Illustration 3. Location of spiral orifice. Governor on right hand side of the engine.
Illustration 4. Disassembly of spiral orifice.