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Fluid Analysis
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Our Caterpillar 'Images of Excellence' certified
lab will perform oil and coolant analysis and report findings to help you prevent
catastrophic failure.
What you will discover when we perform oil and coolant analysis: |
| Oil Analysis Report |
Coolant Analysis Report |
| Wear Metal Results |
Percent Glycol |
| Physical Test Results |
pH Level |
| Notes on Abnormalities |
Conductivity Level |
| Corrective measures recommended
& follow-up by Parts & Service Representative |
S·O·S
Fluid Analysis
Products
Latest
generation sampling kits offer key improvements...
Improved Sample Bottle design:
• Clear plastic design permits easier viewing of fluid samples
over previous opaque bottles
• Manufactured and packaged using robotics for optimum contamination
control
• Fill line molded into side of bottle for easy measuring
• Hot fill rating to 91° C (195° F) makes it the highest
performance plastic fluid analysis bottle in the industry Improved Probe
and Probe Holder design:
• Latest Probe and Probe Holder designs permit 20% faster fill
times
• Redesigned Probe offers better flexibility and reach for ease
of use
• Higher quality than previous probe design
• Reusable metal Probe Holder guides the probe into the valve
when drawing oil samples
How To Take
A Good Oil Sample
Developed by Caterpillar, our S·O·S program helps you
detect problems before they lead to costly repairs and downtime. We
recommend sampling fluid compartments every 250 hours and at each oil
change. We recommend sampling on-highway truck engines every 15,000
miles (25,000 km) and at each oil change.
Using oil valve probe
This sampling method requires a Brass Probe (8T9208) and approximately
15 cm (6 in) of tubing. If you are sampling several compartments, begin
with the cleaner systems—usually the hydraulic system, then the
transmission or steering system, and finally the engine system. Use
a new piece of tubing for each machine or engine. It is especially important
to discard the tubing after sampling engine oil because soot and oil
additives may remain in the tubing and contaminate other samples.
Step A
Set the engine at low idle and remove the dust cap from the valve of
the compartment you are sampling.
Step B
Insert the probe into the valve and collect about 100 ml (4 fl oz) of
oil into a waste container. If the oil flow is slow at low idle, it
may be necessary to have someone accelerate the engine to high idle
while extracting the sample. Dispose of the waste oil properly. (This
process cleans the valve and helps ensure a representative sample.)
Step C
Insert the probe into the valve again and fill the sample bottle three-quarters
full—do not fill to the top. Do not allow any dirt to enter the
bottle or bottle cap.
Step D
Withdraw the probe from the valve and secure the bottle cap. Then place
the bottle with the completed label into the shipping cylinder.
| Avoiding
contamination |
| To avoid contamination, do not take samples
from the drain stream, a waste oil container, or a used filter. |
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| Ensuring
accurate S•O•S results |
Fill out sample label completely
To ensure accurate sample results, supply all of the information
requested for each machine compartment. Model, serial number, and
service meter units on both equipment and oil are very important.
If necessary, you can obtain oil type and classification information
and the meter reading of your last oil change from shop records.
It is also critical to indicate whether or not you changed the oil
when you took the sample. New oil samples are necessary for oil
condition analysis. When you receive a new brand or shipment of
bulk oil, submit a sample and indicate on the label the brand, type,
and classification of the oil. Fill out the sample label information
before you begin taking samples to keep the label oil-free and easy
to read. |
Using vacuum extraction
This sampling method requires a Vacuum Pump (1U5718 or equivalent).
Use this method for pressurized systems not equipped with sampling valves.
Again, it is important to use a new piece of tubing after sampling engine
oil because soot and oil additives may remain in the tubing and contaminate
other samples.
Step A
Turn the engine off. Measure and cut new tubing to the length of the
dipstick. If the compartment you are sampling does not have a dipstick,
cut the tubing so that it reaches about halfway into the oil depth.
Step B
Insert the tubing through the head of the vacuum pump and tighten the
retaining nut. The tubing should extend about 4 cm (1 in) beyond the
base of the vacuum pump head.
Step C
Install a new sampling bottle onto the vacuum pump and insert the end
of the tubing into the oil—do not allow the tubing to touch the
bottom of the compartment.
Step D
Pump the vacuum pump handle to create a vacuum. Hold the pump upright—if
you turn it over, oil may contaminate the pump. If oil enters the pump,
disassemble and clean it before taking the sample. Fill the bottle three-quarters
full—do not fill to the top.
Step E
Withdraw the tubing from the compartment. Remove the bottle from the
vacuum pump and secure the cap on the bottle. Then place the bottle
with the completed label into the shipping cylinder.
| Using
a separate pump for coolant samples |
| Do not use the vacuum pump used to extract oil
samples to take engine coolant samples. Although the fluid does
not enter the barrel of the pump, glycol residue from a coolant
sample can cause a “false positive” in oil samples taken
later with the same pump. Designate a separate pump for coolant
samples. |
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| Making
S•O•S sampling easier |
Install oil sampling valves
Most current Cat® engines and machine models are equipped with
sample valves for pressurized oil compartments. Some engines and
machines may not have these valves, but it is easy and inexpensive
to add them.
It is important to install valves in the correct location in each
system and to avoid contaminating the system during installation.
We can help you with specific installation procedures.
Use a tube cutting device
Cutting tubing with a pocket knife is difficult—and it allows
particles that can contaminate your sample into the tubing. To avoid
these problems, we recommend the Tube Cutter (1U7648), which allows
you to make a quick, clean cut with just one hand. Replacement blades
(1U8589) for the Tube Cutter arealso available.
Keep
sampling supplies clean
Keep new, empty oil bottles capped and store bottles and tubing
in dust-free plastic bags. The vacuum pump and brass valve probe
should also be protected from dust. If you feel a sample is contaminated,
discard it and take another. |
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