This past year we have had different problems that has been a concern to a retired Caterpillar
mechanic. First starting with air within fuel system, adjustments etc. The post by Joe Hipp report
engine failure is a example of what Dave has been expressing concern about. Major engine failure
on a rebuilt engine by two pieces of silicon glue how could this possible happen. Reason standard
repair training not followed ( but not done at Caterpillar shop ). In major repair short cuts taken
instead of replacement of paper gasket operations require, use of silicon glue over paper gasket
instead of paper gasket replacement. Compressed part onto engine silicon glue the excess silicon is
squeezed to outside of part and excess silicon glue to inside of part. Failure to understand with
part being installed chunks of the excess silicon glue brake loose inside engine passage connected
to engine oil rail after engine oil filter and blocking oil port to piston cooling nozzle and seized up
piston and scoured up liner. Mistakes like are happening more than a person may think. The reason
Caterpillar maintains to mechanics standards of operation is to prevent failures like this and
again is why Dave post factual information. Let go into a another area that can cause major engine
failure, engine oil and fuel filters. Caterpillar standard install new oil and fuel filters ( dry ) not
Pre-filled with engine oil for engine filters and diesel fuel for fuel filters. The reason same as
above dirt, debris from outside sourse durning fiter pre-fill into engine. Note: oil passage from
engine oil filter goes direct to engine oil Rail piston cooling nozzles, crankshaft bearings, turbo
and cam bearings. Something as piece of tab on plastic oil container, little dirt or debris from
oil pour can, funnel etc. Engine oil under pressure will move debris in oil rail and at right time will
catch and block small oil opening such as the piston cooling nozzle that happened to Joe.
The opening on a piston cooling nozzle is .020 so a grain of dirt or debris will cause major
Damage. What we are talking about may seem simple enough to many but understanding why
maintaining correct standards are inplace to prevent major engine failure.
