TM 5-3895-383-24 Testing and Adjusting Hydraulic Oil Contamination - Test SMCS Code:  4300-008 Escaping fluid under pressure, even a pinhole size leak, can penetrate body tissue, causing serious injury, and possible death.  If fluid is injected into your skin, it must be treated immediately by a doctor familiar with this type of injury. Always use a board or cardboard when checking for a leak. Personal injury can result from hydraulic oil pressure and hot oil. Hydraulic oil pressure can remain in the hydraulic system after the engine has been stopped.  Serious injury can be caused if this pressure is not released before any service is done on the hydraulic system. Make sure all of the attachments have been lowered, oil is cool before removing any components or lines.  Remove the oil filler cap only when the engine is stopped, and the filler cap is cool enough to touch with your bare hand. NOTICE Care must be taken to ensure that fluids are contained during performance of inspection, maintenance, testing, adjusting and repair of the product.  Be prepared to collect the fluid with suitable containers before opening any compartment or disassembling any component containing fluids. Refer to Special Publication, NENG2500, "Caterpillar Tools and Shop Products Guide" for tools and supplies suitable to collect and contain fluids on Caterpillar products. Dispose of all fluids according to local regulations and mandates. If the oil becomes contaminated, premature component failure could result.  Contaminated oil can also contribute to overheating. Use the following procedure in order to determine the contamination of the oil in the hydraulic system. 1. Check the hydraulic filter element for foreign materials. a. Bronze colored particles give an indication of pump or motor port plate failure. b. Shiny steel particles give an indication of pump or motor piston failure. c. Rubber particles indicate a seal failure or a hose failure. d. Aluminum particles give an indication of gear pump failure. NOTE:    If any of these particles are found in the hydraulic filter element, all components of the hydraulic oil system must be cleaned.  Do not use any damaged parts.  Any damaged parts must be removed and new parts must be installed. Gear Pump Flow – Test SMCS Code:  4306-032-ON; 4306-032-TB Table 1 Required Tools Part Number Description Qty 8T-0454 Flowmeter 1 8F-8306 Adapter 2 8C-6874 Adapter 2 1G-7829 Hose 1 4C-6500 Digital Thermometer 1 Sudden movement of the machine or release of oil under pressure can cause injury to persons on or near the machine. To prevent possible injury, perform the procedure that follows before testing and adjusting the leveling blade system. 12-29