8833A 1 Mercury GEAR HOUSING (BLACK)

Walk-Around Inspection
Inspect Engine for Leaks and Loose Connections
For maximum service life of your truck engine, make a thorough under the hood inspection before starting the engine. Look for such items as oil or coolant leaks, loose bolts, worn fan belts, loose connections and trash build-up. Remove trash build-up and have repairs made as needed.Check the fluid levels more frequently than the recommended maintenance intervals and continue to monitor fluid levels until any leak is found and fixed.* Wipe all fittings, caps and plugs before servicing to reduce the chance of system contamination.Inspect:
* Radiator and ATAAC core for leaks and trash build-up.* Radiator and ATAAC air intake system hoses and elbows for cracks and loose clamps.* Fan and accessory drive belts for cracks, breaks or other damage.Belts for multiple groove pulleys must be replaced as matched sets. If only one belt of a two or three belt set is replaced, it will carry more of a load than the belts not replaced since the older belts are stretched. The additional load on the new belt could cause it to break. Inspect:
* Water pump for coolant leaks at weep hole. Check weep hole for water pump breather filter blockage, 4N1400 (1), and replace the filter if necessary. The water pump seal is lubricated by coolant in the cooling system. It is normal for a small amount of leakage to occur as the engine cools down and parts contract. If leaks are found, check the coolant level frequently and continue to monitor the level until the water pump is repaired. Excessive coolant leakage may indicate the need to replace the water pump seal.For removal and installation of water pumps and/or seals, see the Service Manual for this engine or consult your Caterpillar dealer.Inspect:
* Lube system for leaks, such as front and rear crankshaft seals, oil pan, oil filters and valve covers.* Fuel system for leaks, loose fuel line clamps and fittings and loose or worn hoses.
Fuel line clamps should not be over torqued. Over torqueing causes the clamps to butterfly, which results in low clamping force and fuel line vibration and eventual failure.
Tighten fuel line clamps as required using 6V4980 Torque Screwdriver Tool Group. The standard torque for these fasteners (#10 screw) is 20 lb inch (2.26 N m).* Inspect engine wiring and electronic wiring harnesses for loose connections and worn or frayed wires. Inspect:
* Air intake system hoses and elbows for cracks and loose clamps.All guards must be in place.Check condition of batteries and the level of electrolyte, unless equipped with a maintenance free battery.Refer to OEM truck owner manual or manufacturers' recommendations for battery maintenance.Engine Crankcase
Make sure you read and understand the information in the Lubricant Specifications section of this manual before you proceed with maintenance of the crankcase lube oil system.
Check Oil Level
The vehicle must be parked on a level surface to perform this maintenance procedure.
1. Check the oil level with the engine stopped.Ensure that the engine when the oil level is not above the FULL RANGE zone on the dipstick. 2. Maintain the oil level between the ADD and FULL marks in the FULL RANGE zone on the ENGINE STOPPED side of the dipstick. Do not fill the crankcase above the FULL RANGE zone. Operating your engine when the oil level is above the FULL RANGE zone could cause your crankshaft to dip into the oil. If this happens, the air bubbles created from the crankshaft dipping into the oil will reduce the lubricating characteristics of your oil and also result in the loss of power.If the dipstick does not have a FULL mark in the FULL RANGE zone, refer to Dipstick Calibration in this manual or consult your Caterpillar dealer before changing oil and operating the engine. 3. Remove the oil filler cap and add oil if necessary. See Refill Capacities and Lubricant Specifications for the size of your engine crankcase and recommended oil to use. Remote mounted filter or auxiliary filters require additional oil than what the Refill Capacities chart states. For all information pertaining to auxiliary oil filters, refer to the truck OEM or filter manufacturer's instructions.Cooling System
Make sure you read and understand the information in the Cooling System Specifications section of this manual before you proceed with maintenance of the cooling system.
Check Coolant Level
1. Check the coolant level with the engine stopped and cool.2. Remove the filler cap slowly to relieve any pressure.3. Maintain the coolant level within 1/2 inch (13 mm) below the bottom of the fill pipe or to the proper level on the sight glass, if equipped.4. Inspect the filler cap. Replace the cap if gaskets are damaged. Install the filler cap.5. Inspect and clean the radiator fins.Air Cleaner Indicator (If Equipped)
Check Air Cleaner Service Indicator
Typical air cleaner indicator shown.Your engine may be equipped with a different indicator.A service indicator (if equipped) may be mounted on your dashboard or in the engine compartment. A colored piston showing in the window indicates the need for servicing the air cleaner.Observe the air cleaner service indicator. Clean or replace the air cleaner element when the yellow diaphragm enters the red zone, the red piston locks in the visible position or 25 inches (635 mm) H2O.As the air cleaner element becomes plugged, the difference of air pressure between the inlet side (dirty side) and the engine side (clean side) will increase.If your air cleaner element becomes plugged, the air can split the element filter material. Unfiltered air will drastically accelerate internal engine wear.Your Caterpillar dealer has air filter elements to service most popular makes of trucks. Contact your Caterpillar dealer for the correct filter element to fit your truck.Cleaning Caterpillar Air Cleaner Elements
The Caterpillar air filter element can be cleaned several times before replacement. The element, when cleaned, should be thoroughly checked for rips or tears in the filter material. Replace the primary element at least every year even though it has been cleaned less than the maximum recommendation.Refer to Guideline for Reusable Parts-Procedures to Inspect and Clean Air Filters, SEBF8062 for information on