Hot oil and hot components can cause personal injury. Do not allow hot oil or hot components to contact the skin. |
Obtain the Sample and the Analysis
In addition to a good preventive maintenance program, Caterpillar recommends using S·O·S oil analysis at regular scheduled intervals in order to monitor the condition of the engine and the maintenance requirements of the engine.
Each oil sample should be taken when the oil is warm and when the oil is well mixed. The sample should be taken at this time in order to ensure that the sample is representative of the oil in the crankcase.
Obtain the S·O·S Sample
Use one of the following methods in order to obtain an S·O·S sample:
- Use the oil sampling valve (if equipped).
- Use a 1U-5718 Vacuum Pump or use an equivalent pump that is inserted into the sump.
Caterpillar recommends using the sampling valve (if equipped) in order to obtain oil samples. The quality and the consistency of the samples is better when the sampling valve is used. If the engine is not equipped with a sampling valve, the use of a 1U-5718 Vacuum Pump is preferred.
To avoid contamination of the oil samples, the tools and the supplies that are used for obtaining oil samples must be clean.
Refer to Special Publication, PEHP6001 for more information on obtaining a good oil sample. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for complete information and assistance in establishing an S·O·S program for your engine.
- Open the engine compartment.
Illustration 1 | g00670057 |
- Open the sampling valve. Obtain an oil sample in a suitable container and close the sampling valve.
Illustration 2 | g00688026 |
Oil Sample Valve |
- Seal the container and label the container. Send the sample to your Caterpillar dealer for analysis.
- Close the engine compartment.