Series 60 – Section 14.7 Cleaning Contaminated Lubrication Oil System

Section 14.7
Cleaning Contaminated Lubrication Oil System

If coolant should leak into the lubrication system, the lube system must be thoroughly flushed to avoid or limit damage using the flushing procedures outlined below. ‪

Section 14.7.1
Before Flushing Lubrication System

The following steps must be followed before flushing the contaminated lubrication system:‪

1. Determine the cause of the internal coolant leak and correct the problem.
2. Thoroughly drain the lubricating oil. Take and label a representative 6-8 ounce sample for chemical analysis.
3. Examine the drained oil:
   1. Refer to "14.7.2 Flushing a Non-Gelled Oil System" if the oil is still reasonably fluid and is typical of the used oil at regular drain intervals.
   2. Refer to "14.7.3 Flushing an Oil System that Exhibits Gelling" if the oil shows a gelling texture.
4. Inspect main bearing shells:
   1. If damaged, the engine must be disassembled and checked for any additional damage.
   2. If not damaged, proceed as follows:
   3. Refer to "14.7.2 Flushing a Non-Gelled Oil System" if the oil on the bearing shell(s) is viscous with normal flowing texture
   4. Refer to "14.7.3 Flushing an Oil System that Exhibits Gelling" if the oil on the bearing shell(s) has gelled up, requiring scraping to remove.

Section 14.7.2
Flushing a Non-Gelled Oil System

Use this procedure if the contaminated lubricating oil is still freely flowing without gelling. This requires the lubricating oil recommended for normal operation. ‪

FIRE ‪

To avoid injury from fire caused by heated diesel-fuel vapors:‪ Keep those people who are not directly involved in servicing away from the engine. Stop the engine immediately if a fuel leak is detected. Do not smoke or allow open flames when working on an operating engine. Wear adequate protective clothing (face shield, insulated gloves and apron, etc.). To prevent a buildup of potentially volatile vapors, keep the engine area well ventilated during operation.

1. Remove and discard the oil filter and replace with new filters.
2. Pressure fill the lubricating system to 172 kPa (25 psi) with the lubricating oil recommended for normal operation, making sure the crankcase is filled to the proper operating level. Refer to "5.2 Lubricating Oil (Diesel)" of the engine service manual.

   PERSONAL INJURY ‪
   Diesel engine exhaust and some of its constituents are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm.‪ Always start and operate an engine in a well ventilated area. If operating an engine in an enclosed area, vent the exhaust to the outside. Do not modify or tamper with the exhaust system or emission control system.

3. Start and run the engine at fast idle (1000 to 1200 rpm) for 30 minutes to one hour. Check engine running conditions frequently, especially the oil pressure, and stop immediately if a reading is out of range.
4. Stop the engine and immediately drain the crankcase. Allow enough time to drain all the fluid. Take and label a second oil sample.
5. Repeat steps 1 through step 5 .
6. Remove and discard all oil filters and replace with new filters.
7. Replace oil drain plugs and pressure fill the engine to the proper level with the lubricating oil recommended for normal operation.
8. Have oil samples analyzed for coolant contamination and condition of the engine.

Section 14.7.3
Flushing an Oil System that Exhibits Gelling

Use this procedure if the contaminated oil exhibits gelling. This requires the lubricating oil recommended for normal operation and the addition of a solvent.‪

FIRE ‪

To avoid injury from fire caused by heated diesel-fuel vapors:‪ Keep those people who are not directly involved in servicing away from the engine. Stop the engine immediately if a fuel leak is detected. Do not smoke or allow open flames when working on an operating engine. Wear adequate protective clothing (face shield, insulated gloves and apron, etc.). To prevent a buildup of potentially volatile vapors, keep the engine area well ventilated during operation.

1. Remove and discard all oil filters and replace with new filters.

   PERSONAL INJURY ‪
   To avoid injury from improper use of chemicals, follow the chemical manufacturer's usage, handling, and disposal instructions. Observe all manufacturer's cautions.‪

2. Mix two parts of the lubricating oil recommended for normal operation with one part of butyl cellosolve. Refer to "5.2 Lubricating Oil (Diesel)" of the service manual for recommended oil. Pressure fill the engine with this mixture to 172 kPa (25 psi) until the crankcase is filled to the proper operating level.
3. Refer to "14.7.2 Flushing a Non-Gelled Oil System" for exhaust caution before preceding. Start and run the engine at fast idle (1000 to 1200 rpm) for 30 minutes to one hour. Check engine running conditions frequently, especially oil pressure, and stop immediately if a reading is out of range.
4. Stop the engine and immediately drain the crankcase. Allow enough time to drain all the fluid. Take and label a second oil sample.
5. Remove and discard all oil filters and replace with new filters.
6. Using a fresh charge of the lubricating oil recommended for normal operation, pressure fill the engine via the oil gallery to 172 kPa (25 psi) until the crankcase is filled to the proper operating level.
7. Refer to "14.7.2 Flushing a Non-Gelled Oil System" for the exhaust caution before preceding. Start and run the engine at fast idle (1000 to 1200 rpm) for 30 minutes to one hour. Check engine running conditions frequently, especially oil pressure, and stop immediately if a reading is out of range.
8. Stop the engine and immediately drain the crankcase. Allow enough time to drain all the fluid. Take and label a third oil sample.
9. Remove and discard all oil filters and replace with new filters.
10. Replace oil drain plugs and pressure fill the engine to the proper level with the lubricating oil recommended for normal operation.
11. Have oil samples analyzed for coolant contamination and condition of the engine.

This procedure should flush all coolant contamination from the lubrication system. However, a thin coating from the coolant may still be evident on certain moving engine parts. This coating should disappear within one or two oil changes due to the detergent and dispersant additives in the engine oil.‪

Note: The next oil change should be at one-half the normal oil change interval. Make sure that new filters are installed and that an oil sample is analyzed for coolant contamination and condition of the engine.