SEHS8712-03 (11/03)

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As stated on page 10 of this Special Instruction, the
meter is sensitive to high frequency engine noise. To
avoid incorrect readouts, keep the pickup as far from
the engine as possible when making blowby
measurements. Do NOT put the pickup near the
turbocharger or fan blades, as this can cause a reading
error.

Approximate blowby rates for new Caterpillar engines

are shown in the chart below. These are typical ONLY
and not absolute.

It is recommended to always check the blowby by the

same method for better comparison of future tests. It is
suggested that new engines be checked for blowby
and thereafter during all maintenance checks.

As the engine rings and cylinder walls wear, the blowby

will gradually increase. The blowby on a worn engine
may be two times or more than the blowby of a new
engine and may indicate the need for an oil consumption
test.

By keeping a record of the results, a gradual increase in

the amount of the blowby will be noted until the amount
of blowby has become excessive.

Be sure to check for the other indicators listed above

before proceeding. Any sudden increase in blowby
could indicate a broken piston ring. Other sources of
blowby can be worn valve guides or turbocharger seal
leakage.

Typical Blowby Rates for New (Low Hr.) Caterpillar Engines

High Idle No Load
Blowby Range Blowby Range Blowby/HP Ratio
Engine Ring Package Cu Ft/Hr L/Min Cu Ft/Hr L/Min
3204NA 2 Ring 90-100 42-47 1.0 0.5
3204DIT 2 Ring 110-240 52-110 2.0 1.0
3208 2 Ring 120-250 56-118 1.2 0.5
3208T 2 Ring 250-500 118-230 2.0 1.0
3304 3 Ring 160-214 74-98 1.3 0.6
3306 3 Ring 180-250 85-118 1.3 0.6
3406 3 Ring 400-450 189-212 1.1 0.5
3408 3 Ring 450-500 212-236 1.0 0.5
3412 3 Ring 650-750 307-354 1.0 0.5
3512 3 Ring 550-600 259-283 0.5 0.22
3126/B/E 3 Ring 166-228 82-107 1.1 0.5
C-9 3 Ring 90-111 42-52 0.3 0.15
C-10 3 Ring 113-143 53-67 0.4 0.2
C-12 3 Ring 130-151 61-71 0.4 0.17
C-15 3 Ring 183-228 86-108 0.5 0.23

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SEHS8712-03 (11/03) © 2003 Caterpillar Inc.
Printed in U.S.A.