Visual Checks
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Personal injury or death can result from escaping fluid under pressure. Escaping fluid under pressure, even a very small pin-hole size leak, can penetrate body tissue and cause serious injury and possible death. If fluid is injected into your skin, it must be treated immediately by a doctor familiar with this type of injury. Always use a board or cardboard when checking for a leak. |
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Perform a visual check on the hydrostatic system and a visual check on the components before troubleshooting a problem. Next, review the troubleshooting section.
To remove the hydraulic tank's filler cap, slowly turn the filler cap. If oil begins to escape from the hydraulic tank, allow the tank pressure to decrease before the oil filler cap is completely removed. Before any operational checks are made to the hydrostatic system, visually inspect the system.
- Check the level of the oil in the hydraulic tank.
- Look for air in the oil that is in the hydraulic tank. Look for air in the oil immediately after the machine is stopped and the pressure has been relieved. Use a clear bottle in order to obtain a sample of the oil. Look for air bubbles in the oil that is in the bottle.
- Check all oil lines, hoses and connections for damage or leaks.
- Check for restrictions of flow. Check for sharp bends and clamps that are not installed correctly. Check for physical damage to hoses and lines.
- Remove the filter elements. Use a 4C-5084 Filter Cutter to cut the filter element open. Spread apart the pleats and inspect the element for metal and for other debris. An excessive amount of debris in the filter element can indicate a possible failure. Small amounts of debris may be found in the filter element. This could be caused by friction and by normal wear. Consult your Caterpillar dealer in order to arrange for further analysis if an excessive amount of debris is found. Using an oil filter element that is not recommended by Caterpillar can result in severe damage to parts. This can result in larger particles in unfiltered oil.