SPACER 4598683 - Caterpillar

Do not check for leaks with your hands. Pin hole (very small) leaks can result in a high velocity oil stream that will be invisible close to the hose. This oil can penetrate the skin and cause personal injury. Use cardboard or paper to locate pin hole leaks.
A visual inspection of the hydraulic system and the components for the hydraulic system is the first step when you diagnose a problem. Stop the engine. Lower the blade and the ripper to the ground. Slowly turn the filler cap in order to remove the tank filler cap. If oil escapes from the bleed hole, allow time for the tank pressure to lower. Then remove the filler cap. Perform the following inspections:
Inspect all oil lines and connections for damage or for leaks.
Examine all oil lines from the implement connections to the valve connections. Check the lines and the connections for damage and for leaks.
Check the control valves for leaks.
Check the pump and the connections for damage and for leaks.
Examine the pump lines to the tank and to the valves. Check the oil lines and the tank for damage and for leaks.
Check the tank oil level.
Check for air in the oil that is in the tank. Immediately perform this oil sampling after the machine is stopped. Use a transparent bottle or a transparent container in order to obtain a sample of the oil. Look for air bubbles in the oil that is in the bottle.
Remove the filter element. Check for particles that were removed from the oil by the filter element. A magnet will separate ferrous particles from nonferrous particles. (Examples are pistons, O-ring seals, etc.)
Inspect the control linkage for components that are bent, broken, or damaged.