Cat 3116 oil leak

[Jason Worman]

Hi Dave,

Quick question, I have our 1991 Contessa Laurel with the 3116 engine. Had a oil leak from valve cover gasket. I helped a friend of mine replace that and no oil leak. We are new to coach so he suggested replacing all filters. Took to reputable shop and while there mechanic said there was oil leak behind the compressor. He said that with engines that old would have a leak or two and the work required to repair was not worth the expense. What do you think? The engine has 77000 miles and just purrs. Thanks

[Gerald Farris]

Jason,
The feasibility of repairing your oil leak is something that you will have to answer. However, the mechanic's position sounds very reasonable. If you have a slight leak on a 27 year old engine, it is not normally repaired unless it is bothering the owner, and since you did not know that it was there until you were told about it, the leak must not be of much concern.

Since you should change the oil once a year, you will probably never need to add oil between changes because the add mark on you engine is 1 gallon down. So there is no financial benefit in fixing a slight leak.

Gerald     

 

[Jason Worman]

Gerald,

Thanks for the advice. I have one other small problem. When I turn on my headlights the left turn signal arrow lights up, the turn signal works. I know on a car this can be a sign of a bad bulb. I pulled the lens cover off and the double filament bulb seems okay, any thoughts? Thank

[Dave Atherton]

Jason, your oil leak behind the air compressor is your engine speed sensors that are held into rear of engine front timing cover with one o-ring , there are 2 speed sensors and little clip and one bolt that
Holds them in place. There is a Caterpillar Service bulletin  that I can send you on this if you like. Just over look this oil weeping because Caterpillar has no known fix for this.
Ask Dave, Dave Atherton Retired Cat Mechanic

[Jason Worman]

Dave,

Go ahead and send that bulletin, will that correct the turn signal issue?

[Dave Atherton]

Jason, can you send me home email where I can send information this afternoon. Dave

[Jason Worman]

jworman1984@gmail.com

Thanks

[Gerald Farris]

Jason,
The turn signal issue that you described is usually caused by either a defective socket or blub. If you have checked the blubs and sockets front and rear, and they look OK, try installing a known good blub in each socket in the circuit (if you do not have a spare use the blub from the other side. If your issue is still not resolved, you will need to take a meter and trace the circuit to determine where the feed back is coming from (usually a bulkhead connector or a turn signal switch).

Gerald 

[Jason Worman]

Will do, thank yoy