11277 Mercury SPRING

Air Filters
Check Restriction
Never service the air cleaners with the engine running, since this will allow dirt to enter the engine.
Maintain the air cleaner as per the manufacturer's instructions.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.The filters should be inspected frequently when restriction reaches 2.5 kPa (10 in H2O) and fuel consumption begins to increase slightly. The Differential Pressure must NOT exceed 8 kPa (30 in H2O) before replacing air filters.If the air cleaner differential pressure exceeds the above values at any time, clean the filter element or install a new air cleaner element.* Clean or replace the elements using the air filter differential pressure gauge as the basis for establishing this maintenance interval.* Keep spare filter elements on hand for replacement.* Inspect the air system for leaks. Make all repairs to leaky air ducts immediately, to avoid dirt and debris from entering the engine. Dirt and debris could be induced into the engine causing damage to the turbocharger and engine components.Replace Air Cleaner Elements
Refer to the air cleaner manufacturer's instructions for replacing paper type air filter elements. If your air cleaner element becomes plugged, the air can split the element filter material. This allows unfiltered air into the engine which would drastically accelerate internal engine wear.Contact your Caterpillar dealer for the correct filter element to fit your engine and application.Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements
Do not clean the filter elements by bumping or tapping them. Engine damage could result.
For more information on air cleaner element cleaning, refer to the OEM manufacturer's reusability requirements for cleaning of air filters.Fuel Tank
Drain water and Sediment
This maintenance should be performed Every Week (or as necessary) to remove water and sediment. Water in the system could freeze, corrode internal parts or cause the fuel system to malfunction.Drain moisture and sediment at each running shop (terminal) inspection.1. Open the drain valve on bottom of tank (if equipped) to drain water and sediment.2. Close the drain valve.Refer to Fuel Specifications and Cold Weather Operation topics in this manual for additional information on fuel tanks and fuel lines.Scheduled Oil Sampling (S O S)
Refer to the information in the Scheduled Oil Sampling section found previously in this publication regarding the description and specifications for acceptable sampling.Obtain Sample
To compliment a good preventive maintenance program, Caterpillar recommends using S O S at regular scheduled intervals to monitor the condition of your engine, the engine oil and to help determine the maintenance requirements of your engine.Normal test results from the oil samples will be used to develop a "baseline" which will be used as a basis for determining the oil change interval for your engine, giving you the ultimate time between oil changes without the risk of engine damage.Each oil sample should be taken when the oil is warm and well mixed to ensure that the sample is representative of the oil in the crankcase. There are two methods recommended to obtain S O S samples from Caterpillar diesel engines.There are two methods used to obtain S O S samples.* Use a sampling gun inserted into the sump.* Use the drain stream method when changing oil.Caterpillar recommends the first method. However, if this method is not possible, then use a drain stream method when changing the oil.If the drain stream method is used to obtain the oil sample, do not sample from the first or final draining. The oil at the beginning or end of the drain stream is not mixed well enough to be representative of the oil in the crankcase.Refer to How to Take a Good Oil Sample, PEHP6001 for a step-by-step explanation if using this method of sampling crankcase oil.Contact your Caterpillar dealer for information and assistance in establishing the S O S program for your engine and application.Oil Change Interval
There is no scheduled Oil Change Interval in the Maintenance Schedule. The oil change interval is determined by oil analysis with considerations for type of fuel and oils used and application. Refer to the information in the Lubricant Specifications and the Scheduled Oil Sampling (S O S) topic in this manual.If the engine crankcase oil has reached its condemning limits as established by the S O S oil analysis program, use the following procedure to replace the crankcase oil.
Refer to the Safety and Lubricant Specifications section of this manual for the recommended oil to use for this engine.
As oil cools, suspended waste particles will settle on the bottom of the crankcase or oil pan and will not be removed with the draining oil. Drain the crankcase with the engine stopped and the oil warm to allow for the draining of waste particles that are suspended in the oil.Failure to follow this recommended procedure would result in these waste particles being recirculated through your engine lubrication system with the new oil. 1. Attach a drain hose to the pipe nipple (if equipped) on the drain valve.
Hot oil and components can cause personal injury. Do NOT allow hot oil or components to contact skin.
2. Open the valve and drain the crankcase. Some customers use suction devices to remove the oil from the pan. If suction equipment is available, remove a side cover to provide access. Be sure that the suction device is clean to prevent dirt from entering the oil pan. Be careful not to hit the engine oil suction tubes or piston cooling jets.3. After the oil has drained, close the valve and remove the hose. Dispose of used oil properly.Clean Suction Screen Element
* Remove the element from crankcase (oil pan).4. Loosen bolts from cover. Remove cover and gasket and slide suction screen from tube and remove suction screen. 5. Wash element in clean nonflammable solvent. Allow the element to dry before installation.6. Put clean engine oil on part to make installation easier. Install elements and new gasket seal.7. Install cover and bolts. Tighten bolts to proper torque. Refer to the Torque Specifications section of this manual for information.
Only use oils as