SPRING-GAS 3844114 - Caterpillar

Inquiries from Customers that are Using Oil Mist Detectors
There have been several inquiries from customers that are using Oil Mist Detectors on Caterpillar 3600 Family Engines. The inquiries dealt with the routing of the oil mist detector lines. The oil mist detector lines are a system of pipes that deliver the crankcase oil mist from sampling ports in the cylinder block to the detector. The manufacturer of the system SCHALLER-AUTOMATION recommends a slope of 2 to 4 degrees on the oil mist detector lines. Current production engines use horizontal piping to deliver the crankcase oil mist from the cylinder block to the detector. The horizontal piping has been approved by SCHALLER-AUTOMATION for the following reasons:
The inside diameter of the horizontal piping that is used for the oil mist detectors on Caterpillar systems and the SCHALLER-AUTOMATION system are the same size.
The Caterpillar design of this system has been used successfully on all 3600 Family Engines. The Caterpillar oil mist detectors have been used successfully on MaK Engines.
Each funnel that is connected to the oil mist detector lines is connected in an upward direction in order to ensure that the oil will drain away.
The horizontal piping is connected to the oil mist detector bythe use of hose assemblies. The hose assemblies are installed in an upward direction in order to ensure that the oil will drain away.
The installation procedure for the oil mist detector lines has been used by Caterpillar since May 2000.
The Caterpillar oil mist detector groups that are currently installed in production have been used successfully to replace the SCHALLER-AUTOMATION systems that were previously factory installed as part of a custom packaging arrangement.
This issue does not concern the 3618 Engines. The 3618 Engine has a separate line for sampling each compartment of the crankcase.Oil Mist Detectors Require Periodic Maintenance
Oil Mist Detectors are often the source of nuisance alarms. The most common cause of nuisance alarms is the lack of periodic maintenance.Note: The 132-8710 Tool Kit contains the items that are necessary to maintain an oil mist detector.The most critical maintenance items are listed below:
Check the vacuum in the measuring head on a monthly basis.
Set the vacuum to a range between 60 mm (2.36 inch) and 80 mm (3.12 inch) of water.
Clean the air intake ports in the measuring head.
Check for leaks in the oil mist detector lines.
Check for leaks in the measuring head.
Replace the sintered bronze filter in the pressure reducer yearly. This type of filter can not be cleaned. The filter must be replaced.
Replace the sintered bronze filters in the measuring head at three month intervals.
Clean the infrared filters in the measuring head.Note: Use Service Manual Module, RENR2225, September 2000, "Oil Mist Detectors" and the 132-8710 Tool Kit for maintenance information.