12381F 1 Mercruiser RETAINER

Table 1
Required Tools
Part Number Part Description Qty
4C-4890 Hydraulic Test Group 1 4C-4890 Hydraulic Test Group can be used in order to test the pressure of the lubrication system.The engine oil pressure can also be checked using Caterpillar Electronic Technican (Cat ET). Refer to Troubleshooting for information on the use of Cat ET.
Make sure that the engine is filled to the correct capacity with SAE 15W40 oil. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil" for the recommendations of engine oil.
Remove the engine oil temperature sensor.
Install the 4C-4890 Hydraulic Test Group into the port in the engine side cover.
Start the engine and run the engine.
Illustration 1 g01041553
Engine oil pressure and engine speed for the 3054E
Note: There is a direct correlation between engine speed and engine oil pressure. As the engine speed increases the engine oil pressure increases up to a minimum of 200 kPa (29.0 psi) for the 3054E engine.
Record the value of the engine oil pressure when the engine is at operating temperature 100 °C (212 °F). Minimum engine oil pressure at high idle is 200 kPa (29.0 psi). Minimum engine oil pressure at low idle is 100 kPa (14.5 psi).
Compare the recorded engine oil pressure with the oil pressure indicators on the instrument panel and the engine oil pressure that is displayed on Cat ET.
An engine oil pressure indicator that has a defect or an engine oil pressure sensor that has a defect can give a false indication of a low oil pressure or a high oil pressure. If there is a notable difference between the engine oil pressure readings make necessary repairs.
If the engine oil pressure is too low, refer to "Low Oil Pressure".
If the engine oil pressure is too high, refer to "High Oil Pressure". Low Oil Pressure
Keep all parts clean from contaminants.Contaminants may cause rapid wear and shortened component life.
Care must be taken to ensure that fluids are contained during performance of inspection, maintenance, testing, adjusting and repair of the product. Be prepared to collect the fluid with suitable containers before opening any compartment or disassembling any component containing fluids.Refer to Special Publication, NENG2500, "Caterpillar Tools and Shop Products Guide" for tools and supplies suitable to collect and contain fluids on Caterpillar products.Dispose of all fluids according to local regulations and mandates.
The following conditions will cause low oil pressure.
Engine oil level is low. Refer to Step 1.
Engine oil is contaminated. Refer to Step 2.
The engine oil bypass valves are open. Refer to Step 3.
The engine lubrication system is open. Refer to Step 4.
The oil pickup tube has a leak or a restricted inlet screen. Refer to Step 5.
The engine oil pump is faulty. Refer to Step 6.
Engine Bearings have excessive clearance. Refer to Step 7.
Check the engine oil level in the crankcase. The oil level can possibly be too far below the oil pump supply tube. This will cause the oil pump not to have the ability to supply enough lubrication to the engine components. If the engine oil level is low add engine oil in order to obtain the correct engine oil level. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil" for the recommendations of engine oil.
Engine oil that is contaminated with fuel or coolant will cause low engine oil pressure. High engine oil level in the crankcase can be an indication of contamination. Determine the reason for contamination of the engine oil and make the necessary repairs. Replace the engine oil with the approved grade of engine oil. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil" for the recommendations of engine oil.
Caterpillar oil filters are built to Caterpillar specifications. Use of an oil filter not recommended by Caterpillar could result in severe engine damage to the engine bearings, crankshaft, etc., as a result of the larger waste particles from unfiltered oil entering the engine lubricating system. Only use oil filters recommended by Caterpillar.
If the engine oil bypass valves are held in the open position, a reduction in the oil pressure can be the result. This may be due to debris in the engine oil. If the engine oil bypass valves are stuck in the open position, remove each engine oil bypass valve and clean each bypass valve in order to correct this problem. You must also clean each bypass valve bore. Install new engine oil filters. New engine oil filters will prevent more debris from causing this problem. For information on the repair of the engine oil bypass valves, refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Engine Oil Filter Base - Disassemble". Also, refer to Specifications, "Engine Oil Bypass Valve" for the correct operating pressure and other information.
An oil line or an oil passage that is open, broken, or disconnected will cause low engine oil pressure. An open lubrication system could be caused by a piston cooling jet that is missing or damaged. Determine the reason for an open lubrication system of the engine and make the necessary repairs. Note: The piston cooling jets direct engine oil toward the bottom of the piston in order to cool the piston. This also provides lubrication for the piston pin. Breakage, a restriction or incorrect installation of the piston cooling jets will cause seizure of the piston.
The inlet screen of the oil pickup tube for the engine oil pump can have a restriction. This restriction will