What is the reason for oil leakage from the side cover of the oil passage in the Caterpillar 320c engine?
3 Answers
Caterpillar 320c engine oil passage side cover oil leakage is caused by blockage of the excavator oil tank oil pan filter screen; aging of the excavator seal; or damage to the excavator piston rings. Start the vehicle for inspection: Start the excavator engine, open the oil cap on the valve cover, and cover the oil cap with your hand. If there is strong internal pressure, the reason is damage to the excavator piston rings, and new piston rings need to be replaced. Check the engine oil: Open the oil cap, dip a little engine oil, and smell whether the oil has a diesel odor. Alternatively, drop the oil on corrugated paper and check whether the oil stain spreads quickly. If this occurs, it indicates excessive downward blow-by gas, and the piston components are worn. The decision to replace the matching parts should be based on the degree of wear.
I've been operating the Caterpillar 320c for many years, and oil leakage from the engine oil gallery side cover is really common. It's mostly caused by aging gaskets or loose bolts. I remember last time at the construction site, right after starting my machine, I noticed oil dripping from the side cover, leaving a large puddle on the ground. I immediately stopped to check. After removing the cover, I found that the old rubber gasket had cracked, and oil was seeping through the gaps. For a quick fix, I replaced it with a new OEM gasket, tightened all bolts to the standard torque, and cleaned off dust and oil residue from the surface. If you're not careful, oil leakage can lead to reduced engine oil levels, insufficient lubrication, and in the long run, even cylinder scuffing! It's best to check the gasket condition every 500 hours—don't let small issues turn into big problems. Timely repairs can save on repair costs, and now my excavator doesn't have this issue anymore.
I've only been driving my Caterpillar 320c for just over a year when I encountered an oil leak from the side cover of the oil passage. That day while working, I smelled engine oil and crawled under to find oil continuously seeping from the side cover, dripping everywhere. At first, I panicked, but my friend suggested it might be loose bolts or a worn gasket. I rushed home to check the manual and tried tightening the bolts with a wrench as instructed, but the leak persisted. Later, I bought a universal gasket from the store as a temporary fix, using strong adhesive to secure it for emergency purposes. Although the leak stopped, I wasn't at ease, so a few days later, I towed it to the repair shop to replace it with genuine parts. Oil leaks can accelerate oil consumption, and if the engine overheats, it could lead to accidents. I advise everyone to stop and inspect immediately if they notice anything unusual, unlike my initial carelessness.
