PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-738
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 738
MAY 2014
Oil Check Reminder
In cooler weather, oil may need to
be changed more often 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 discolored clumps on
the dipstick.
Water contamination is hard to Fnd
until it’s really bad. So if you suspect
it, draw an oil sample and let it stand
in a glass jar. If water is present,
it’ll separate from the oil. Tell your
mechanic. He’ll change the oil and
oil Flters.
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
periodically
when
you’re
operating
for
a
long
time. After
shutting down the engine, wait 10
minutes before you check the oil
level. That gives the oil time to 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.
21
PS 738
MAY 14
O
perators,
here are some
tips that will
help keep
your hydraulic
excavator
mission-
ready at the
worksite.
Oil level should read above
ADD mark on cross-hatch
area of dipstick
After start up, make sure you have engine oil pressure. Then idle
the engine for Fve minutes to warm it up.
Warming up the excavator gives the oil time to lubricate its parts.
It also lets the engine warm up enough to boil off condensation
caused by normal engine breathing. That way, you won’t have to
worry about condensation mixing with oil and forming a sludge
that’ll clog the engine.
Once you’ve got the excavator warmed up and operating, check
the gauges, especially those for water temperature and engine oil
pressure. They should be within normal operating range.
After operations, let the excavator cool
down before shutting it down. Idle the
engine for Fve minutes. The engine needs
to keep oil circulating to relieve excessive
heat
in
the
engine,
particularly
in
the
turbocharger center housing.
Too much heat can crack the block, warp
a head or valves, or bake the oil until it’s
not slick enough to lube the bearings. This
cool-down period also lets the turbocharger
slow
down
and
reduces
coking
in
the
turbocharger bearings.
Warm It Up
Cool It Down
HYEX…
What to Do
Before
the Day’s Run
Ah
hh… now
that’s
much
bEtTer!
BRRR! I’m
feelin’ a
liTtle chilly.
maybe you
should check
my engine oil!
Never
overfill
just to skip an
oil check, though.
Overfilling
causes other
troubles, like
blowby.
Oil filler cap
Dipstick
here are some
tips to keep
in mind after
starting me up!
all right,
then! let’s
get going!!
738 20-21.indd
1-2
3/24/14
5:41 PM
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