- Excavator:
- 345C (S/N: TBA1-UP; FPC1-UP; MDC1-UP; SPC1-UP; ESD1-UP; WDE1-UP; AYF1-UP; CWG1-UP; TDG1-UP; GBH1-UP; GPH1-UP; TAJ1-UP; A3L1-UP; GCL1-UP; BZN1-UP; RFN1-UP; DHP1-UP; JAR1-UP; M2R1-UP; D3S1-UP; ELS1-UP; LYS1-UP; PJW1-UP; CPX1-UP; BWY1-UP; SRY1-UP)
- 345D (S/N: DPA1-UP; HLC1-UP; RDC1-UP; RGD1-UP; RAE1-UP; YEE1-UP; NEG1-UP; RGG1-UP; EEH1-UP; RAJ1-UP; FES1-UP; PBT1-UP; RBT1-UP; BYW1-UP)
- W345C (S/N: R5K1-UP)
- 345D (S/N: DPA1-UP; HLC1-UP; RDC1-UP; RGD1-UP; RAE1-UP; YEE1-UP; NEG1-UP; RGG1-UP; EEH1-UP; RAJ1-UP; FES1-UP; PBT1-UP; RBT1-UP; BYW1-UP)
Introduction
The problem that is identified below does not have a known permanent solution. Until a permanent solution is known, use the solution that is identified below.
Problem
The level of oil consumption may be unacceptable on certain 345C and 345D Hydraulic Excavators. The cause of this oil consumption can be attributed to multiple conditions. The operating characteristics of the excavator plus the design of the current piston rings reveal instability of the intermediate ring. This leads to higher than normal amounts of oil reaching the top ring, the ring groove and the top land of the piston. This oil burns causing carbon to build up in those areas. Once enough carbon builds up, the top ring can stick. This allows more oil to enter the combustion chamber. The oil in the combustion chamber is then consumed. The quality of the engine oil can also lead to increased levels of oil consumption. Earlier than normal oil consumption could result if lower quality oil is being used. Caterpillar recommends using oils with a minimum of CH-4API number. The preferred grade is CI-4 or higher.
Solution
Before making any repairs, complete the warranty bulletin, 10.5 (NACD),PS3.21 (EAME),1.03A (LACD), 10.05 (APD), "Excessive Engine Oil Consumption". Once the table has been completed, compare the information to the charts. If the questionable machine is in the range of investigation, continue with the repairs. The new piston rings show a significant improvement over the current piston rings in regard to the consumption of engine oil. In order to resolve the issue, order a complete Reman cylinder pack that includes the new rings. The Reman cylinder pack part number is 10R-6214 Piston and Rod Gp . The customer needs to use the best quality engine oil that is available. Using the best quality engine oil will help to greatly reduce the consumption of engine oil.
Further development is being done to the package that contains the pistons and the rings in order to achieve an even lower level of consumption of engine oil. Until that work is completed, the best option is to order the 10R-6214 Piston and Rod Gp in order to eliminate excessive usage of oil in the 345C and 345D Excavators. In most cases, this new package should last into the first rebuild period of the engine.