TRACK ADJUSTER & RECOIL GP 2394387 - Caterpillar

3208 EnginesIt is very important for a rebuilt engine to have "adequate" (needed) lubrication during the first seconds of operation. A "dry start" (without needed lubrication) on a rebuilt engine can cause bearing damage.
When an engine is rebuilt with new parts, oil is put on each part as it is installed. This is generally enough lubrication for engine start-up. However, this lubrication may not be enough or may be lost if the rebuilt engine is in storage for any length of time.
When a factory assembled short block assembly is installed, the oil used at the factory has the "adequate" lubrication for start-up. However, the factory oil application can flow off the parts during storage or shipment. As a result, the parts in a rebuilt engine will not have "adequate" lubrication at start-up.
To prevent a "dry start" and bearing damage during the first seconds the engine is operated, use the 1P540 Flow Checking Tool Group, and shop air pressure to put lubricant on all bearings in the engine.
Procedure for Pressure Lubrication
1. Clean the tank of the 1P540 Flow Checking Tool Group thoroughly, and set the pressure regulator to 35 5 psi (240 35 kPa).
PRESSURE LUBRICATION (Using the 1P540 Flow Checking Tool Group)
Air pressure must not be more than 50 psi (345 kPa) at any time.
2. Put approximately one gallon of engine oil in the tank.3. Connect the tooling to the engine as shown. The tap is connected to the main oil passage.4. Add air pressure to the tank, with the regulator set at 35 5 psi (240 35 kPa). The tank has a hand pump, but it is difficult to get enough air pressure to do the job with the hand pump. For best lubrication use shop air.5. Let the one gallon of engine oil flow into the oil passage under pressure.When the crankcase is filled, put in one gallon of oil less than the recommendation in the Lubrication and Maintenance Guides, if the engine has had this pressure lubrication application. If the engine is put in storage for any length of time, it will be necessary to do the above procedure again before the engine is started.
If shop air is not available to charge the tank, the hand pump can be used to get the minimum pressure for lubrication.
Do not use the same 1P540 Flow Checking Tool Group for both "pressure lubrication application" and to check fuel flow. It is difficult to get the tool clean enough to use for fuel flow. Even the smallest amount of dirt in the fuel system can cause fuel nozzle failure.
This information is also available in the service manuals under "Reconditioning Procedures", Form REGO086702, page 34. Some of the earlier service manuals do not have the Reconditioning Procedures in them. In the introduction to these manuals, make reference to the above form or this article.