- Engine:
- 3126 (S/N: 1BW1-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
Certain 3126 engines (S/N: 1BW1-UP) are used in the US Army version of the Light Armored Vehicle (LAVIII) that is known as the Stryker. These vehicles were equipped with an aftermarket system to filter oil. Some of these engines were damaged due to oil contamination.
Solution
Consideration of a warranty claim should be given to components that have failed due to a defect in Caterpillar material and workmanship. Caterpillar has determined that the engine damage that was caused by contaminated oil was not due to a defect in Caterpillar material or workmanship and the Caterpillar warranty claim for the engine damage should not be allowed. Caterpillar only recommends the use of genuine Caterpillar filters and maintenance items on Caterpillar products. Additionally, refer to Caterpillar Operation and Maintenance Manual, SENR7584 for the recommended oil change intervals. The owner of the equipment must assume all risks for the effects that result from the installation or the use of aftermarket components to filter oil. This position should be made clear to the customer and owners of Caterpillar equipment whenever a proposal or an inquiry that concerns engine damage that is caused by the use of non-Caterpillar manufactured auxiliary devices, accessories, or consumables is received from the customer and owners of Caterpillar equipment.
US Army began using a filtration system that includes a Caterpillar oil filter that meets Caterpillar requirements that became effective with the engine serial numbers that are listed in table 1.
| Vehicle Variant | Engine Serial Numbers |
| Mobile Gun System | (S/N: 1BW02832) |
| Command Vehicle | (S/N: 1BW02728) |
| Infantry Combat Vehicle | (S/N: 1BW02912) |
| Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Recon Vehicle | (S/N: 1BW02664) |
Warranty claims must be given cautious consideration for engines that are in service prior to the effective serial numbers that are listed in table1. During the current Reset operations that are being conducted by the US Army, some engines could contain a Caterpillar oil filter while the lifetime oil filtration system has been removed. If the component was not original equipment on the engine then the date of the installation of the failed component needs verification. If the lifetime oil filter was removed then the date of removal needs verification. If the component has failed due to a defect in material or workmanship then a warranty claim will be considered. If the failure was caused by contaminated oil or other unrelated Caterpillar defects in material or workmanship, consideration for a warranty claim may be denied.
Again, Caterpillar only recommends the use of genuine Caterpillar filters and maintenance items on Caterpillar products.