According to the Maintenance Interval Schedule, an overhaul of the engine is scheduled. However, the engine may not have any problems except for a slight increase in the consumption of oil and fuel. Caterpillar recommends an overhaul before the engine fails.
An overhaul is replacing the major worn components of the engine. An overhaul is a planned maintenance interval. The engine is rebuilt with certain rebuilt parts or new parts that replace the worn parts.
An overhaul also includes the following maintenance:
- Inspection of all the parts that are visible during the disassembly
- Replacement of the seals and gaskets that are removed
- Cleaning of the internal passages of the engine and the engine block
Most owners will save money by overhauling the engine at the intervals that are recommended in the Maintenance Interval Schedule. It is not practical to wait until the engine exhibits symptoms of excessive wear or failure. It is not less costly to wait. A planned overhaul before failure may be the best value for the following reasons:
- Costly unplanned downtime can be avoided.
- Many original parts can be reused according to the guidelines for reusable parts.
- The service life of the engine can be extended without the risk of a major catastrophe due to engine failure.
- Achieve the best cost/value relationship per hour of extended service life.
The overhaul interval is expressed in the total amount of fuel that has been consumed. The figure for fuel consumption is an average total for a reasonable load factor. The most accurate figure to use is the total fuel consumption, even if this figure is estimated. Fuel consumption reflects the load upon the engine more accurately than hours of operation.
Use the figure for the total fuel consumption only as a guideline. Other factors are important for determining the overhaul interval. Other factors include the performance of preventive maintenance, the quality of the fuel, the operating conditions, S·O·S results, etc.
Refer to the Service Manual for the disassembly and assembly procedures that are necessary in order to perform the required maintenance on the items that are listed. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for assistance.
To determine the reusability publications that are needed to inspect the engine, refer to Guidelines for Reusable Parts and Salvage Operations, SEBF8029, "Index of Publications on Reusability or Salvage of Used Parts".
The Guidelines For Reusable Parts and Salvage Operations is part of an established Caterpillar parts reusability program. These guidelines were developed in order to assist Caterpillar dealers and customers reduce costs by avoiding unnecessary expenditures for new parts. If the engine parts comply with the established inspection specifications, the parts can be reused. New parts are not necessary if the old parts can be reused, repaired, or salvaged.
If the parts are not within the inspection specifications, the parts should be salvaged, repaired, replaced or exchanged. The use of out-of-spec parts could result in unscheduled downtime and/or costly repairs. The use of out-of-spec parts can also contribute to increased fuel consumption and reduction of engine efficiency.
Your Caterpillar dealer can provide the parts that are needed to rebuild the engine at the least possible cost.
Your Caterpillar dealer may be offering a variety of overhaul options.
A Flat Rate Overhaul guarantees the maximum price that you will pay for an overhaul. Flat rate prices on preventive maintenance programs or major repair options are available from many servicing dealers for all Caterpillar Engines. Consult your Caterpillar dealer in order to schedule a before failure overhaul.
Caterpillar recommends a scheduled overhaul in order to minimize downtime. A scheduled overhaul will provide the lowest cost and the greatest value. Schedule an overhaul with your Caterpillar dealer.
Overhaul programs vary between dealers. To obtain specific information about the types of overhaul programs and services, consult your Caterpillar dealer.