Thread: Consequences of not paying attention...

So I assume that the oil light did not come on when the ignition is first switched on and tests the lights. Easy to say here but who does actually check that all the lights are working before firing up?

I do. Every time , and no I am not a nerd ,nor a petrol head.......

Dave

Originally Posted by garrycol

Easy to say here but who does actually check that all the lights are working before firing up?

There are that many lights,who would actually notice if one of them did not light up?

We should probably train ourselves to check the important ones,usually coloured red.

In fact i had the upholstery redone on the drivers seat in my work van.Months later i noticed a plug under the seat disconnected.They had removed the seat to do the work.That plug was for the seat belt light.I hadn't noticed it was never on.

Originally Posted by Hogarthde

I do. Every time , and no I am not a nerd ,nor a petrol head.......

Dave

You got a D3/D4/RRS? There is something like 12-15 lights that come on when the ignition is switched on and all but 4 go out in 2 secs - thankfully the oil light does stay on but most of the other test lights go out in 2 secs. Too quick to check they have lit up.

Garry

Originally Posted by justinc

Last week, we had a D2 delivered on a flat tray with terminal engine failure (Td5 EU3 2002 model). No oil pressure and destroyed crank, head etc etc. Initial thoughts were oil pump bolt, owner didn't see any oil lamp on and investigation revealed it wasn't even functional as the wiring had been damaged (we found out eventually that the engine had been in and out). The current owner had not long purchased this vehicle from a mainland private seller.

Anyway the Autopsy revealed a totally melted number 4 big end and almost fused conrod (Friction welding is a very effective medium to join 2 pieces of metal together...), a ruined camshaft and a sump full of bearing shell and other assorted blueish shavings.. but no issues at all with the oil pump drive etc.

The cause was found to be that after the engine had quite recently been overhauled, the person assembling the engine had neglected to tighten and loctite the cap/ screw in plug that holds the oil pressure relief valve and spring in place. It was 50% undone, and I just turned it out the rest of the way with my finger tips.

A moments inattention has led to the destruction of a newly recoed engine.

It goes without saying had the oil lamp been working I dare say the oil pressure would've been quite low at warm idle. the light would've flickered on, and the engine would most likely had been ok since something would've been done about it sooner.

JC

Gday Justin,


Agree with what you say, BUT, you are of course assuming that the average mechanic wouldn't just dismiss it as a faulty light or switch and would insist on exploring the issue further, and if so, the owner would agree to pay for the time it would take to explore and find the problem.


I can relate several serious issues with Cummins and Cat engines in trawlers that were dismissed as a guage fault or similar only to see a rebuild or new engine required very soon after.


Cheers Ean

G,day Garry,....P.O.W.L.I.T. ..at first parade, no excuse....even the Trakmaster gets tyres hammered...

Dave

Originally Posted by garrycol

So I assume that the oil light did not come on when the ignition is first switched on and tests the lights. Easy to say here but who does actually check that all the lights are working before firing up?

Every time. Pat

For less than $200 you can get a watchdog system that monitors engine temp trans temp and oil pressure .A relay to operate something like this