C-12, C-15 and C-16 Engines for Caterpillar Built Machines Caterpillar

Probable Causes

• Engine oil level

• Engine oil pressure gauge

• Engine oil bypass valves

• Piston cooling jets

• Engine oil suction tube

• Engine oil pump

• Bearing clearance

• Dilution of engine oil

Recommended Actions

Engine Oil Level

Inspect the engine oil level. If necessary, add oil.

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge

Check the actual engine oil pressure with a mechanical gauge. Compare the oil pressure reading from ET to the pressure on the mechanical gauge.

Engine Oil Bypass Valves

1. Remove the engine oil bypass valves and clean the engine oil bypass valves. Clean the bores in the oil filter base for the bypass valves. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Engine Oil Filter Base - Disassemble".

2. Install new engine oil filters. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for more information.

Piston Cooling Jets

Inspect the piston cooling jets for damage. Replace any piston cooling jet that appears to be cracked or broken. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Piston Cooling Jets - Remove and Install" for the correct procedure.

Engine Oil Suction Tube

1. Check the inlet screen on the oil suction tube and remove any material that may be restricting oil flow.

2. Check the joints of the oil suction tube for cracks or a damaged O-ring seal that may allow air leakage into the supply to the oil pump.

Engine Oil Pump

Inspect the components of the engine oil pump for excessive wear. Repair the oil pump or replace the oil pump, if necessary.

Bearing Clearance

Inspect the engine components for excessive bearing clearance. If necessary, replace the bearings and/or the components. The following list is an example of the components that should be inspected for excessive bearing clearance:

• Crankshaft main bearings

• Connecting rod bearings

• Camshaft bearings

Dilution of Engine Oil

Look for signs of fuel in the engine oil. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil".