CAT 320 oil pan replacement -- detritus in pan

[Gary Layton]

I am replacing my oil pan and started the process today. A few weeks ago I was cleaning out the belly area and had a hinged belly plate hanging down. I got distracted with another issue on the cat and forgot the hanging plate. When I slewed the cab the plate hit the track and mangled the plate as it drove it up into the oil pan area. The pan had a 3 inch long gash. No oil leaked out until I pulled the plate out...instant oil change.

I found a few interesting items in the pan. I would like your input on what you think these are.

First, I noticed triangular/cone shaped flakes of metal...very thin...maybe 6 flakes. They may be from the oil pan as a result of the plate trauma? Or are they ominous?

Second, there was a threaded bolt with a screw slot on one end and the other end was smooth.

Third, there was a metal "cup" that maybe the smooth end of the threaded bolt/rod fit into? I cannot see anything similar up in the piston/rod area.

Trying to figure out how to post multiple pictures.

 

[Gary Layton]

picts...

 

[Gary Layton]

OK...only 4 files can be posted at a time:

 

[Gary Layton]

more:

 

[Acoals]

Isn't that an adjusting screw and nut for a rocker?

The second two pictures in the first post, and the last picture in the second.

 

[Gary Layton]

I am not sure...if so I hope it was dropped somewhere along the line and the mechanic just got another? Reasonable? The engine has been running fine.

 

[Gary Layton]

I just googled "rocker arm adjuster" and I think you are right.

 

[Acoals]

Might not hurt to pop the valve cover off and have a look . . .

Is the machine high time?

 

[Gary Layton]

7000 hours

 

[Gary Layton]

Is it physically possible for that rocker arm adjuster screw and nut to make its way all the way thru the engine into the oil pan?

 

[Acoals]

I don't know about the newer machines, but on my 315C the valve cover is right there, probably have it off in 15 minutes, unless I am not remembering an obstruction. I would sure want to see the valve train if it were mine.

 

[Acoals]

Is it physically possible for that rocker arm adjuster screw and nut to make its way all the way thru the engine into the oil pan?

Well, it is there. Probably via the return galleries. One of the other guys who has torn down 10 of those will probably be along soon enough to answer those details . . .

 

[Gary Layton]

hahhaha...true dat...."it is there". I'll wait for more input...good lead you gave me already. I am sure that is what it is. The valve covers are up top and accessible as I remember them. I'll check in the AM. Will I need a new valve cover gasket if I remove it...or is it reasonable to expect it to come off and be re-usable?

 

[Acoals]

Not sure whether it would be considered reusable or not, but if it was me I would probably replace it either way. I don't like re work much.

 

[Acoals]

Just make sure you clean the valve cover up pretty good before you pull it off so you don't get dirt dropping in there. Usually you can take a blow gun and blow it out real good, especially the seam/gasket area between the cover and head.

 

[Nige]

I am not sure...if so I hope it was dropped somewhere along the line and the mechanic just got another? Reasonable? The engine has been running fine.

Pull the valve cover off and take a look would also be my thoughts, just to confirm.......

Is the piece in the circle the bottom end of the engine oil dipstick.? Hard to tell from the photo but if it's got paint on it then it's not.

 

[Gary Layton]

Good eye on the small piece. I'll see if I can figure that out.

I just ordered two valve cover gaskets so I'll be checking the valves out soon. Gaskets don't arrive until Monday.

 

[56wrench]

In the 4th picture, that little round thing with the recess may be a valve stem lash cap. Some engines use them to prevent wear on the end of the valve stem. They go on top of the valve stem between the valve stem and the tip of the rocker arm

 

[Gary Layton]

I think you are right. I looked inside the oil fill cap and could see the rocker arm adjusters for 2 valves...identical cap was there. I will be removing valve covers this weekend to see what's what.

 

[Gary Layton]

I removed both valve covers and good news...all the rocker arm adjusters are in place. No idea why there was one in the oil pan. Iget the cover gaskets in the AM and get to put things back together.