VALVE-FLUID SAMPLING 8C3446 - Caterpillar

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(1) Crankcase breathers
(2) Fumes filter The crankcase breather helps to prevent a buildup of pressure in the crankcase. Some of the oil from the fumes that are produced in the crankcase is collected in the breather elements. The fumes travel to the fumes filter. The filter separates the remaining oil from the air. The oil is circulated back into the engine oil sump. The air is circulated back into the engine for combustion.If the crankcase breather is not maintained on a regular basis, the crankcase breather will become plugged. A plugged crankcase breather will cause excessive crankcase pressure that may cause crankshaft seal leakage. The breather elements may be cleaned. The fumes filter element must be replaced.
Keep all parts clean from contaminants.Contaminants may cause rapid wear and shortened component life.
Care must be taken to ensure that fluids are contained during performance of inspection, maintenance, testing, adjusting and repair of the product. Be prepared to collect the fluid with suitable containers before opening any compartment or disassembling any component containing fluids.Refer to Special Publication, NENG2500, "Caterpillar Dealer Service Tools Catalog" for tools and supplies suitable to collect and contain fluids on Caterpillar products.Dispose of all fluids according to local regulations and mandates.
Cleaning the Crankcase Breathers
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(1) Clamp
(2) Tube
(3) Clamp
Loosen clamp (1). Slide the clamp onto tube (2).
Loosen clamps (3). Remove both breathers as a unit.
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(4) O-ring seal
Remove O-ring seals (4) from the valve covers. Discard the O-ring seals.
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(5) Crankcase breather
(6) Clamp
(7) Hose tee
Remove two clamps (6). Remove both breathers from hose tee (7). Inspect the hose tee for cracks. If the tee is cracked, discard the old tee and obtain a new tee for installation.
Clean the breather elements with clean, nonflammable solvent. Turn the breathers upside-down in order to inspect the condition of the breather elements. If the breather elements remain contaminated after the cleaning, discard the breathers and obtain new breathers. Do not attempt to disassemble the breathers.Allow the breather elements to dry before installation.Note: Coat the rubber parts with clean engine oil or petroleum jelly in order to make installation easier.
Place clamps (6) over the parts of hose tee (7) that will receive breathers (5). Install the breathers into the tee. Tighten the clamps. For the proper torque, refer to the Specifications, SENR3130.
Coat new O-ring seals (4) with clean engine oil. Place the O-ring seals on the valve covers.
Place clamps (3) around the parts of the breathers that will be attached to the valve covers. Install both breathers as a unit. Tighten the clamps.
Place clamp (1) on the part of the hose tee that will receive tube (2). Install the tube. Tighten the clamp. For the proper torque, refer to the Service Manual, "Specifications". Replacing the Fumes Filter Element
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(1) Bolt
(2) Canister
(3) Element
Loosen four bolts (1).
Remove canister (2).
Discard element (3).
Place a new element into the canister. Install the canister.
Tighten the bolts.