PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-668
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 668
JULY 2008
46
PS 668
JULY 08
47
PS 668
JULY 08
Your -10 TM tells you to keep the coolant level between the LOW and FULL
marks on the tank. The marks are located on the area of the tank that faces inward
toward the access area, so they’re a little hard to see.
In cold weather, oil may need more changing than the -10 TM says. Sludge from
condensation and dilution from fuel are the culprits.
So every time you check the oil level, look and feel to detect sludge—it’ll look like
clumps on the dipstick. Water contamination is hard to ±nd until it’s really bad. If you
suspect it, draw a sample and let it stand in a glass jar. Water will separate from the
oil. When you ±nd water, have your mechanic change the oil and oil ±lters.
Need An Accurate Reading?
You’ll get the most accurate oil-level
reading when the engine is cold, before
the day’s run. Remove the dipstick and
wipe it with a clean rag before reinserting
it. Then remove the dipstick again to
eyeball the oil level. It should read above
the ADD mark on the cross-hatch area of
the dipstick.
It’s a good idea to check the oil level
during long operations. After shutting
down the engine, wait 10 minutes before
rechecking the oil level. That way oil can
drain back into the engine’s oil pan.
Keep an eye on the excavator’s oil
pressure gauge on the dash. Low pressure
indicates low oil.
Never over±ll just to skip an oil check.
Over±lling causes other troubles, like
blowby.
Do your excavator’s cooling system a little favor. Mark the LOW and FULL marks
with a permanent marker. Extend the marks so the levels are seen on the side of the
tank that faces out towards you.
Now there’s no guess work. Just add coolant when the coolant level gets below the
LOW mark.
HYEX…
Expansion Tank Markup
HYEX…
Oil Check Reminder
the crankcase dipstick
can help you catch
problems before they
damage the hydraulic
excavator’s engine.
Oil fller cap
Dipstick
Oil level should read above
ADD mark on cross-hatch
area oF dipstick
the coolant level
in the excavator’s
expansion tank is
often overlooked.
that’s because the
tank is in the back
of the vehicle
behind the cab on
the
roadside.
open the engine
access door and
you’ll find the
tank mounted next
to the radiator on
your right.
keep coolant
between the
low
and
full
marks.
When the coolant
gets low, the
engine overheats.
it could seize up
and leave you
stranded.
668.46-47.indd
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5/26/08
5:13:07 PM
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