18212A 1 Mercury PISTON RING ASSEMBLY (.015 O.S.)

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Dotted Line - The cost per mile (km) for a truck that is not maintained and overhauled as recommended by Caterpillar. Solid Line - The cost per mile (km) for a truck that is maintained and overhauled before failure.As illustrated in the graph, the cost per mile (km) for a truck that is not maintained and overhauled as recommended will ultimately cost more to operate than a truck that is maintained and overhauled before failure.Caterpillar strongly recommends that you overhaul your engine before failure.Overhaul Programs
Although your Caterpillar dealer may be offering a variety of options regarding overhaul programs, Caterpillar recommends that an In-Frame Overhaul be performed at this maintenance interval.Overhaul Before Failure (In-Frame Overhaul)
A planned in-frame overhaul may be your best value, because you can: * Avoid costly unplanned downtime* Reuse as many original parts as standards permit* Extend your engine's service life* Get the best cost/value relationship per mile (km) of extended lifeThe cost of an in-frame overhaul is usually 20-25% of the cost of a new engine.Flat Rate Overhaul
To further control your in-frame overhaul costs, Caterpillar recommends that you contact your dealer for information regarding the availability of a Flat Rate Overhaul.A Flat Rate Overhaul is not really a type of overhaul but a program that guarantees the maximum price you will pay for an in-frame overhaul. Flat Rate Overhauls will help you control costs.Flat rate prices on preventive maintenance (PM) programs or major repair options are available from many servicing dealers for all Caterpillar Truck Engine models.Overhaul Options
Caterpillar Dealer - Contact your Caterpillar dealer to schedule a Before Failure Overhaul. Overhaul Kit - This useful kit was developed for those users that prefer to perform their own overhaul in their own shop. This kit includes a combination of new, reused and remanufactured parts. Also included is a step-by-step instruction regarding how to perform an in-frame overhaul. An Overhaul Kit simplifies parts ordering, helps speed repairs and reduces parts costs.Contact your local Caterpillar dealer for information regarding the Overhaul Kit.Overhaul Before Failure (In-Frame Overhaul)
To minimize downtime and provide you with the lowest cost and highest value, Caterpillar recommends that the engine be overhauled before failure by scheduling an overhaul with your Caterpillar dealer. Overhaul programs vary from dealer to dealer. Therefore, Caterpillar recommends that you confer with your dealer to obtain specific information regarding the types of programs offered and overhaul services provided for extending the life of your engine.Overhaul Instructions
If you elect to perform an in-frame overhaul yourself, without having a Caterpillar dealer perform the overhaul for you, or without using an overhaul kit, then you should be aware of the following:Rebuild or Exchange
Cylinder Head Assembly, Oil Pump, Oil Pump Relief Valve, Fuel Injection Pump & Governor and Timing AdvanceThese components should be inspected according to the instructions found in various Caterpillar reusability publications. Refer to the Index Of Publications On Reusability Or Salvage Of Used Parts section of the "Guideline For Reusable Parts and Salvage Operations," form SEBF8029 to determine the reusability publications needed for inspecting your parts.The "Guideline For Reusable Parts and Salvage Operations" is part of an established Caterpillar parts reusability program. These guidelines were developed to assist Caterpillar dealers and customers reduce costs by avoiding unnecessary expenditures for new parts when existing parts can be used as is, repaired or salvaged.If your parts comply with the established visual, dimensional, etc., inspection specifications stated in the reusable parts guideline, then they should be reused. Parts complying within the specifications outlined in the reusable parts guideline will give an additional service life.If your parts are not within specification, then they should be salvaged, repaired or replaced. Failure to salvage, repair or replace out-of-spec parts will result in unscheduled downtime and could result in costly repairs caused by potential damage to other engine parts.Furthermore, the use of out-of-spec parts can reduce your engine's efficiency and increase fuel consumption. Reduced engine efficiency and increased fuel consumption translates into higher operating costs for you. Therefore, Caterpillar recommends that you salvage, repair or replace your out-of-spec parts.Replace
Pistons & Piston Rings, Crankshaft Bearings and Connecting RodsIn most cases these components will not last until your second overhaul. Therefore, Caterpillar recommends the installation of new components at each overhaul period.Inspect
Crankshaft, Camshaft, Camshaft Followers & Bearings and Vibration DamperThe ideal time for inspecting these components is while your engine is disassembled for overhaul. Inspect each component for potential damage as follows: * Crankshaft - Inspect for bend, journal damage and bearing material seized to the journal. At the same time, check the taper and profile of the crankshaft journals by interpreting your main and rod bearing wear patterns. In case of an out-of-frame overhaul, use the magnetic particle inspection process to check the crankshaft for cracks.*Camshaft-Inspect the camshaft for journal damage. In case of an out-of-frame overhaul, use the magnetic particle inspection process to check the camshaft for cracks.* Camshaft Followers & Bearings - For out-of-frame overhaul, inspect the cam bearing for fatigue and wear.* Vibration Damper - Inspect damper for rubber deterioration and movement of the outer ring relative to the inner hub. For additional information regarding these components, contact your local Caterpillar dealer for assistance.Clean/Test
Oil Cooler Core and Aftercooler Core (ATAAC)Caterpillar recommends that the oil cooler core and the air-to-air aftercooler (ATAAC) core, if equipped, be cleaned and pressure tested at each overhaul. For additional specifications and/or pressure test information, contact your local Caterpillar dealer.Cleaning Procedure for Air-to-Air Aftercooler
Caterpillar recommends that the air-to-air aftercooler core be removed, cleaned and tested at each overhaul interval, a turbocharger failure has occurred, or if at any time the turbocharger develops an oil leak.To clean the air-to-air aftercooler system: 1. Remove the air-to-air aftercooler core. Turn the core upside down to remove debris from the inlet tank.