TIP 9J8910 - Caterpillar

Caterpillar Products All C27 Engines All C32 EnginesIntroduction
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 Dealer.cat.com (https://dealer.cat.com/en/home.html). Other helpful resources:
Operation and Maintenance Manual, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations"
Special Instruction, SEBD0640, "Oil and Your Engine"Action Required : Example
Table 1
Valid at 500 Oil Hours Typical C32 Machine Engine Wear
Element No Action Required Monitor Action Required
Copper 0 to 15 16 to 19 Over 19
Iron 0 to 28 29 to 34 Over 34
Chromium 0 to 2 3 to 4 Over 4
Aluminum 0 to 3 4 to 5 Over 5
Lead 0 to 5 6 to 7 Over 7
Silicon 0 to 10 11 to 13 Over 13
Tin 0 to 2 3 to 4 Over 4 Typical example wear table. Values subject to change.
Illustration 1 g06216457
Example of a trend chart with lead (Pb) and Oxidation 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 2 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 (Pb) 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 shutdown and action taken immediately to investigate and resolve the problem. A rapid increase occurs when the Pb sample results go from normal to Action Required within one sampling period.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