P R E V E N T I V E M A I N T E N A N C E P R O D U C T S

How To Take A Good Oil Sample

This sampling method requires a Brass Probe (8T9208) and approximately15 cm (6 in) of tubing. If you are sampling several compartments, beginwith the cleaner systemsusually the hydraulic system, then thetransmission or steering system, and finally the engine system.Use a new piece of tubing for each machine or engine. It is especiallyimportant to discard the tubing after sampling engine oil because soot andoil additives may remain in the tubing and contaminate other samples.

Using oil valve probe Step CInsert the probe into the valveagain and fill the sample bottlethree-quarters fulldo not fillto the top. Do not allow any dirtto enter the bottle or bottle cap.

Developed by Caterpillar, our SOSSM program helps youdetect problems before they lead to costly repairs anddowntime. We recommend sampling fluid compartmentsevery 250 hours and at each oil change. We recommendsampling on-highway truck engines every 15,000 miles(25,000 km) and at each oil change.

Step DWithdraw the probe from thevalve and secure the bottle cap.Then place the bottle with thecompleted label into theshipping cylinder.

Ensuring accurate SOS results

Fill out sample label completelyTo ensure accurate sample results, supply all of theinformation requested for each machine compartment.Model, serial number, and service meter units on bothequipment and oil are very important. If necessary, youcan obtain oil type and classification information and themeter reading of your last oil change from shop records.It is also critical to indicate whether or not you changedthe 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 begintaking samples to keep the label oil-free and easy to read.

To avoid contamination, do not take samples from thedrain stream, a waste oil container, or a used filter.

Avoiding contamination

Step ASet the engine at low idle andremove the dust cap from thevalve of the compartment youare sampling.

Step B

Insert the probe into the valveand collect about 100 ml (4 fl oz)of oil into a waste container. Ifthe oil flow is slow at low idle,it may be necessary to havesomeone accelerate the engineto high idle while extracting thesample. Dispose of the wasteoil properly. (This process cleansthe valve and helps ensure arepresentative sample.)

P R E V E N T I V E M A I N T E N A N C E P R O D U C T S

This sampling method requires a Vacuum Pump (1U5718 orequivalent). Use this method for pressurized systems not equippedwith sampling valves.Again, it is important to use a new piece of tubing after samplingengine oil because soot and oil additives may remain in the tubingand contaminate other samples.

PEHP6001-08 Printed in U.S.A. 2000 Caterpillar

How To Take A Good Oil Sample

Withdraw the tubing from thecompartment. Remove thebottle from the vacuum pumpand secure the cap on thebottle. Then place the bottlewith the completed label intothe shipping cylinder.

Step E

Step DPump the vacuum pump handleto create a vacuum. Hold thepump uprightif you turn itover, oil may contaminate thepump. If oil enters the pump,disassemble and clean it beforetaking the sample.

Fill the bottle three-quartersfulldo not fill to the top.

Using vacuum extraction

Install oil sampling valvesMost current Cat engines and machine models are equippedwith sample valves for pressurized oil compartments. Someengines and machines may not have these valves, but it is easyand inexpensive to add them.It is important to install valves in the correct location in eachsystem and to avoid contaminating the system duringinstallation. We can help you with specific installation procedures.

Use a tube cutting deviceCutting tubing with a pocket knife is difficultand it allowsparticles that can contaminate your sample into the tubing. Toavoid these problems, we recommend the Tube Cutter (1U7648),which allows you to make a quick, clean cut with just onehand. Replacement blades (1U8589) for the Tube Cutter arealso available.Keep sampling supplies cleanKeep new, empty oil bottles capped and store bottles and tubingin dust-free plastic bags. The vacuum pump and brass valve probeshould also be protected from dust. If you feel a sample iscontaminated, discard it and take another.

Making SOS sampling easier

Step CInstall a new sampling bottleonto the vacuum pump andinsert the end of the tubinginto the oildo not allow thetubing to touch the bottom ofthe compartment.

Step BInsert the tubing through thehead of the vacuum pump andtighten the retaining nut. Thetubing should extend about4 cm (1 in) beyond the base ofthe vacuum pump head.

Step A

Turn the engine off. Measureand cut new tubing to thelength of the dipstick. If thecompartment you are samplingdoes not have a dipstick, cut thetubing so that it reaches abouthalfway into the oil depth.

Do not use the vacuum pump used to extract oil samples to takeengine coolant samples. Although the fluid does not enter thebarrel of the pump, glycol residue from a coolant sample cancause a false positive in oil samples taken later with the samepump. Designate a separate pump for coolant samples.

Using a separate pump for coolant samples

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