C13 Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Caterpillar

Oil Pressure Is Low

Usage:

Use this procedure to troubleshoot low engine oil pressure. Use this procedure for one of the codes in Table 1.

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Table 1
Diagnostic Trouble Codes
CDL Code and Description	Comments
E360 (3) Low Engine Oil Pressure - most severe (3)	Oil pressure is lower than the specified pressure for at least 4 seconds. Engine will "Shut down". A snapshot is triggered. The code is logged. Factory passwords are required. The ECM will only "Shut down" the engine if the "Engine Monitoring Mode" parameter is programmed to "Shut down".
E360 (1) Low Engine Oil Pressure - least severe (1)	Oil pressure is below the specified pressure for at least 8 seconds. A snapshot is triggered. The code is logged. Engine performance is not affected.
E360 (2) Low Engine Oil Pressure - moderate severity (2)	Oil pressure is lower than the specified pressure for at least 8 seconds. Engine power is reduced. A snapshot is triggered. The code is logged. Factory passwords are required. After 30 seconds, the Engine Control Module (ECM) will shut down the engine if the "Engine Monitoring Mode" parameter is programmed to "Shut down".

Probable Causes

Low engine oil level
Aeration in the oil
Low oil viscosity
Plugged Oil Filter
Faulty oil pump
Faulty engine oil pressure sensor
Faulty bypass valve
Damaged suction tube or cracked suction tube
Excessive wear of engine components

Recommended Actions

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Table 2
Troubleshooting Test Steps	Values	Results
1. Check the Engine Oil Level A. Check the engine oil level in the crankcase. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for calibration of the dipstick gauge.	Engine oil level	Result: The engine oil is OK. Proceed to Test Step 2. Result: The engine oil level is NOT OK. Repair: Add engine oil in order to obtain the correct engine oil level. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil" for the recommendations of engine oil. Start the engine. Inspect the exterior of the engine for oil leaks. Repair any oil leaks. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 2.
2. Check for Aeration of the Engine Oil A. Sample the engine oil for aeration. Note: Foamy oil on the dipstick is a good indication of aeration.	Aeration	Result: The oil is OK. Proceed to Test Step 3. Result: The oil is NOT OK. Proceed to Test Step 8.
3. Check the Oil Viscosity A. Sample the engine oil viscosity. Obtain anS·O·S Oil Analysis to determine the characteristics of the oil. B. Access the "Cylinder Cutout Test" in the "Diagnostic Tests" under the "Diagnostics" menu. C. Perform the "Automatic Cylinder Cutout Test" in Cat^® Electronic Technician (ET).	Oil Viscosity	Result: The oil viscosity is OK. Proceed to Test Step 4. Result: The oil viscosity is NOT OK. Repair: Replace the engine oil. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil" for the recommendations of engine oil. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 4.
4. Replace the Engine Oil Filter	Filter	Result: The oil filter was changed. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 5.
5. Check the Oil Pump Pressure A. Manually check the engine oil pressure. Refer to the Systems Operation/Testing and Adjusting, "Engine Oil Pressure - Test" for the correct procedure.	Oil pump pressure	Result: The oil pressure is OK. Proceed to Test Step 6. Result: The oil pressure is NOT OK. Repair: Replace the oil pump. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 6.
6. Check the Operation of the Engine Oil Pressure Sensor A. Remove the connector and the oil pressure sensor. B. Install an appropriate "T" fitting in the pressure sensor port. C. Install a manual gauge on one side of the "T" fitting. Install the oil pressure sensor on the other side of the pipe "T" fitting. D. Start the engine and compare the oil pressure between the manual gauge and Cat ET. The pressure reading must be within ± 34 kPa (± 5 psi).	Sensor	Result The pressure is OK. Proceed to Test Step 7. Result The pressure is NOT OK. Repair: Replace the sensor. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 7.
7. Replace the Engine Oil Filter Bypass	Oil filter base	Result: The oil filter base was replaced. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 8.
8. Inspect the Oil Pump Suction Tube A. Remove the oil pan. B. Inspect the suction tube. Check the joints of the tube for cracks or for a damaged O-ring seal at the connection to the pump. C. Inspect the inlet screen of the suction tube for a restriction. This restriction will cause cavitation and a loss of engine oil pressure.	Suction tube	Result: The suction tube and seal are OK. Proceed to Test Step 9. Result: The suction tube and seal are not OK. Repair: Replace any damaged parts. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to Test Step 9.
9. Check for Worn Engine Components A. Remove the valve covers. B. Inspect the camshaft and bearings. C. Remove the oil pan. D. Excessive clearance at the crankshaft or camshaft bearings will cause low engine oil pressure. Check the engine components for excessive clearance. Also, inspect the piston cooling jets.	Worn Parts	Result: There are worn engine components. Repair: Replace parts, if necessary. Check the Reuse and Salvage Guidelines for the reusability of existing engine components.

If the problem is not resolved, contact your Technical Communicator (TC). For further assistance, the TC can confer with the Dealer Solutions Network (DSN).