What Causes High Oil Temperature in Excavators?
3 Answers
It may be caused by internal fuel leakage, leading to excessive hydraulic oil friction and high oil temperature. The effects of oil pump leakage are as follows: it can cause weak acceleration and braking when suddenly accelerating; it can cause abnormal noises, such as a buzzing sound while driving; it can make the vehicle difficult to start, requiring prolonged key turning. Reasons for oil pump leakage: issues with the sealing rings of the moving or stationary rings: reliability and cost factors are the main considerations, as electric pumps require additional power supply and have inferior durability compared to mechanical ones. Particle ingress: particles entering the sealing surfaces of the stationary and moving rings during operation. Excessive compression during mechanical seal installation: causing damage to the friction pair surfaces, leading to oil leakage. The high-pressure oil pump achieves sealing through sealing rings, possibly simple squeeze-type sealing rings.
I've been operating excavators for several years and have encountered many issues with high oil temperature. The most common cause is a clogged radiator, especially when working on construction sites where dust and dirt accumulate, blocking airflow and reducing cooling efficiency. Another major issue is insufficient or degraded coolant; if the water pump fails and can't circulate properly, the oil temperature rises quickly. Regarding engine oil, low oil levels or a worn-out oil pump can lead to poor oil circulation, and a clogged oil filter can cause debris to obstruct the flow, raising the oil temperature. Excessive workload is also a factor—for example, digging hard materials nonstop for long periods strains the engine, causing the oil temperature to spike. This is even more noticeable in hot weather. Before each shift, I always check the oil level and radiator fins, clearing any debris. If I notice anything unusual, I stop immediately and let the machine cool down to prevent damage. Regularly changing the oil and filters really helps prevent problems before they occur.
As someone who frequently repairs construction machinery, I've seen all kinds of cases of high oil temperature. The core issue lies in cooling system failures: the cooling fan isn't spinning or is rotating too slowly, preventing heat dissipation; the thermostat is faulty and can't regulate temperature; or the coolant pipes are leaking, causing fluid levels to drop. If the oil pump is stuck or worn out, it can't supply enough oil; clogged oil passages can cause oil to stagnate in the engine, leading to temperature rise. In terms of load, overloading operations like digging heavy rocks without breaks increase engine heat. High ambient temperatures make outdoor operations more prone to such issues. I recommend using gauges to measure oil pressure and temperature to identify abnormalities. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs. If abnormal oil temperature is detected, shut down the machine immediately for inspection to avoid more serious failures.
