Series 50 – Section 13.12 Cleaning Contaminated Lubrication Oil System

Section 13.12
Cleaning Contaminated Lubrication Oil System

When coolant has leaked into the lubrication system, the lubrication system must be thoroughly flushed to avoid or limit damage. Use the flushing procedures outlined below. ‪

Section 13.12.1
Before Flushing

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 a representative 6–8 ounce sample of the oil and label it for chemical analysis.
3. Examine the drained oil:
   1. Follow procedure “A” if the oil is still reasonably fluid, and is typical of the used oil at regular drain intervals.
   2. Follow procedure “B” if the oil shows a gelling texture.
4. Inspect the 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. Use Procedure A if the oil on the bearing shell(s) is viscous with normal flowing texture.
   4. Use Procedure B if the oil on the bearing shell(s) has gelled up, requiring scraping to remove.

Section 13.12.2
Procedure A

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

FIRE ‪
To avoid injury from combustion of heated lubricating-oil vapors, stop the engine immediately if an oil leak is detected.‪

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

   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. 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 a second oil sample and label it.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 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 the oil samples analyzed for coolant contamination and condition of the engine.

Section 13.12.3
Procedure B

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

FIRE ‪
To avoid injury from combustion of heated lubricating-oil vapors, stop the engine immediately if an oil leak is detected.‪

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" of the service manual for the recommended oil. Pressure fill the engine with this mixture to 25 psi (172 kPa) until the crankcase is filled to the proper operating level.

   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 oil pressure. 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 a second oil sample and label it.
5. Remove and discard all oil filters and replace with new filters.
6. Using fresh charge of the lubricating oil recommended for normal operation, pressure fill the engine via the oil gallery to 25 psi (172 kPa) until the crankcase is filled to the proper operating level.

   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.

7. 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; 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 a third oil sample and label it.
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. Ensure that new filters are installed, and that an oil sample is analyzed for coolant contamination and condition of the engine.