Temperature Regulators Oil temperature regulators direct lubricating oil to the oil coolers and then oil filters.

While most Caterpillar engine models require full oil flow through the cooler at all times, some of the larger engines, notably 3500 engines configured for high jacket water (JW) temperatures and all 3600 engines, utilize a temperature regulator in the oil circuit in order to more closely control the oil temperature. The 3500 engines, configured for high JW temperatures, cool the oil using the aftercooler circuit instead of the JW circuit. These engines also use an oil temperature regulator in place of the oil cooler bypass valve to avoid overcooling the oil. Temperature regulators in 3600 engines also help maintain the oil at the optimum temperatures needed for tighter ring clearances and extended ring life associated with the engine. In either case, oil temperatures are controlled within acceptable limits, provided the cooling system is adequately sized. Note: Oil life will be shortened, and engine components may suffer damage, if excessive oil temperatures are permitted during operation. Prelubrication Used primarily on larger engines, prelubrication systems lubricate all critical bearing journals before energizing the starting motors. Prelubrication is mandatory equipment for 3600/G3600 engines and especially important after periods of idleness, oil changes and filter changes. Prelubrication systems are available to operate with electric starter or air starter motors. The systems can be manual or automatic. An automatic system is shown in Figure 7. The manual system requires the engine operator to manually operate a sump pump to fill the engine oil passages before activating the starter motors. Automatic systems significantly reduce the amount of prelube time prior to engine crank. The prelube pumps may be driven by an electric

motor, a compressed air motor, or a compressed natural gas motor (gas engines only), but must be powered from a source independent of any failure that could require the engine to start. After oil is sensed at the upper portion of the lubrication system, the starter motors are automatically energized. Automatic prelubrication systems supplied by Caterpillar include starting controls, electric or air powered pumps, a check valve and engine piping. The check valve is used to prevent pressurized oil from flowing through the prelube pump during engine operation. Refer to the engine model specific price lists for the various options available