G3304 and G3306 Engines Caterpillar

The damper is mounted to the crankshaft on the front of the engine. Damage to the failure or failure of the damper will increase vibrations. The increase in vibrations will result in damage to the crankshaft and to other engine components. A deteriorating damper will cause more gear train noise at variable points in the speed range.

There are two types of dampers. The rubber damper uses a ring which is mounted in rubber. The visconic damper has a weight that is suspended in a fluid filled case.

Rubber Damper

The vibration damper has marks on the hub and the ring. These marks provide an indication of the damper's condition. If the marks are not aligned, the rubber part of the damper between the ring and the hub has separated.

Inspect the damper. Repair the damper or replace the damper for any of the following reasons:

• There is deterioration and cracking of the rubber.

• There is slippage of the outer ring from the original position.

• The engine has had a failure because of a broken crankshaft.

• Analysis of the engine oil has revealed that the front main bearing is badly worn.

• There is a large amount of gear train wear that is not caused by lack of engine oil.

A used vibration damper can have a visual wobble on the outer ring of the damper. Some wobble of the outer ring is normal. Check the wobble of the damper with the following procedure.

1. Install a dial indicator to a stationary position on the front of the engine. The contact point of the dial indicator must be perpendicular to the face of the damper's outer ring. The contact point must make contact approximately at the center of the outer ring.

2. Push on the front of the damper in order to remove the crankshaft end play.

3. Adjust the dial indicator to zero.

4. Rotate the damper for 360 degrees while you continue to push on the damper. Observe the dial indicator as the damper rotates.

   The maximum acceptable reading is 0.00 to 2.03 mm (0.000 to 0.080 inch). If the reading exceeds this specification, obtain a new damper.

Visconic Damper

Inspect the damper for evidence of fluid leaks. If a fluid leak is found, determine the type of fluid. The fluid in the damper is silicone. Silicone is transparent, smooth, and viscous. It is difficult to remove silicone from most surfaces.

If the fluid leak is engine oil, inspect the crankshaft seals for leaks. If a leak is observed, replace the crankshaft seals.

Inspect the damper. Repair the damper or replace the damper for any of the following reasons:

• The damper is dented, cracked, or leaking.

• The paint on the damper is discolored from heat.

• The engine has had a failure because of a broken crankshaft.

• Analysis of the engine oil has revealed that the front main bearing is badly worn.

• There is a large amount of gear train wear that is not caused by a lack of engine oil.