Usage:
Problem:
There have been several reports of flywheel housing failures on 3126B Engines. The majority of these failures have been occurring on single axle tractors with one-piece drive shafts [approximately 177.8 cm (70 in) in length] and unsupported transmissions. In several of the cases, the driveshaft has been tested and found to be out of balance (outside of OE specifications). This imbalance causes high stress at the joint between the flywheel housing and transmission. Failure can result in one or both of these components.
Symptoms of an out-of-balance drive shaft include:
- *Cab/Chassis vibration
- *Flywheel housing cracks
- *Transmission bell housing cracks
- *Oil Leaks
- *Flywheel housing cracks
Solution:
If any of the above symptoms are experienced, especially if repeated failures have occurred in trucks/fleets, follow these steps:
- 1. Contact your local Caterpillar Service Representative and/OEM Representative.
- 2. Have the drive shaft analyzed for balance at a certified shop.
- 3. The Dealer Technical Communicator should call the 3100 Product Analyst at 1-800-447-4986 with the following information and further instructions for a possible parts return request:
- a) Truck Manufacturer and Model
- b) Truck VIN number
- c) Engine serial number
- d) Transmission make and model
- e) Transmission supported (YES/NO)
- f) Number of drive shafts (i.e. 1, 2, or 3)
- g) Axle ratio
- h) The applications of the truck
- i) Location of truck
- j) Mileage/Hours
- k) Dealer Code and Dealer Name
- l) Dealer Contact Name and Phone Number
- b) Truck VIN number
NOTE: It is important that the OEM Service Representative be involved to help resolve these issues when a driveline imbalance has been proven.
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