Crankcase Fumes Disposal Tube Has Oil Draining
A discharge of condensation from the breather is normal. The discharge is normally clear but can contain soot. Although the discharge can contain oil vapor, any liquid oil must be limited to 0.5 g (0.02 oz) per hour. An oil discharge in excess of 0.5 g (0.02 oz) must be investigated.
Probable Causes
- Breather filter
- Engine oil level
- One-way valve
- Excessive blow-by
Recommended Actions
Note: The procedures have been listed in order of probability. Complete the procedures in order.
Show/hide table
Illustration 1 | g02380836 |
Typical breather canister (1) Filter element (2) Breather canister |
Show/hide table
Troubleshooting Test Steps     | Values     | Results     |
---|---|---|
1. Breather Filter A. Check that filter element (1) is correctly installed and that the element is not damaged. B. Check for restrictions or blockages in breather canister (2) . Note: If a new filter element blocks before the service period is completed, the blockage can indicate a fault in the engine. Note: In cold ambient conditions, ice can form in the outlets of the breather canister.     |
Filter     |
Result: The filter element (1) is not correctly installed or the element is damaged. Install the filter element correctly or replace the filter element. Result: There are restrictions or blockages in the breather canister. Clean the interior of the breather canister. Result: The breather is clean and operating correctly. Proceed to Test Step 2.     |
2. Engine Oil Level A. Check the oil level in the engine.     |
Oil level     |
Result: The engine oil level is high. Check for contamination of the oil with fuel or coolant. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Oil Contains Fuel" or Troubleshooting, "Oil Contains Coolant". If the engine oil is not contaminated, remove the excess oil. Result: The engine oil level is correct. Proceed to Test Step 3.     |
Show/hide table
Illustration 2 | g03583476 |
(3) Breather drain hose (4) One-way valve |
Show/hide table
Troubleshooting Test Steps     | Values     | Results     |
---|---|---|
3. One-way Valve A. Disconnect breather drain hose (1) from one-way valve (2) and then remove the one-way valve from the engine. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Crankcase Breather - Remove". B. Use a suitable cleaning solution to flush the one-way valve. C. Connect a low-pressure air supply breather drain hose side of the one-way valve. The air must flow freely through the valve. D. Connect a low-pressure air supply crankcase side of the one-way valve. The valve must block the airflow.     |
One-way valve     |
Result: The one-way valve does not operate correctly. Install a replacement valve. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Crankcase Breather - Install". Result: The one-way valve operates correctly. Proceed to Test Step 4.     |
4. Excessive Blow-by Note: Excessive blow-by increases the flow of fumes through the breather system and can cause the breather filter to block. The pressure relief valve may then open. A. Check the engine for excessive blow-by.     |
Blow-by     |
Result: There is excessive blow-by. Replace the breather filter. Investigate the cause of the excessive blow-by. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Oil Consumption Is Excessive". Result: The blow-by is not excessive. Contact the Technical Communicator at a Cat dealer.     |
Caterpillar Information System:
C4.4 Marine Generator Set Crankcase Breather Ejects Oil
C4.4 Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Fuel Manifold (Rail) - Remove and Install
C4.4 Marine Generator Set Coolant Temperature Is High
C4.4 Marine Generator Set Coolant Level Is Low
C4.4 Marine Generator Set Coolant Contains Oil
C4.4 Marine Generator Set Battery Problem
C4.4 Marine Generator Set Alternator Problem
C4.4 Marine Generator Set Alternator Is Noisy
C280-08 Tier 4 Engine Centrifugal Oil Filter - Assemble
C280-08 Tier 4 Engine Centrifugal Oil Filter - Disassemble
C280-16 Tier 4 Marine Engine and C280-12 Tier 4 Marine Engine Centrifugal Oil Filter - Remove and Install
390F Excavator Machine Systems Check Valve (Counterweight Circuit) - Assemble
374F and 390F Excavators Tool Control System Medium Pressure: Default Value of Work Tool Parameters
374F and 390F Excavators Tool Control System Medium Pressure: Relief Valve (Line) - Test and Adjust
374F and 390F Excavators Tool Control System Medium Pressure: Relief Valve (Main) - Test and Adjust
374F and 390F Excavators Tool Control System One-Way/Two Pump - Electric Control: Relief Valve (Line) - Test and Adjust
C280-08 Tier 4 Engine Engine Oil Pan - Remove and Install
C280-08 Tier 4 Engine Engine Oil Pan - Disassemble
C280-08 Tier 4 Engine Engine Oil Pan - Assemble
C280-08 Tier 4 Engine Oil Temperature Regulators - Remove and Install
C280-16 Tier 4 Marine Engine and C280-12 Tier 4 Marine Engine Priority Valve - Remove and Install
C280-08 Tier 4 Engine Priority Valve - Disassemble
C280-08 Tier 4 Engine Priority Valve - Assemble
C280-08 Tier 4 Engine Vibration Damper - Remove and Install