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Cold Start Noise and Hydraulic Pump Leaking 1995 U 300 Cat 3176

April 22, 2012, 05:13:27 pm

Help
I'm in Pocatello, Idaho  When I parked as I was waiting to level I walked around to the rear of the coach and heard a weird grinding sound snatched the rear deck open a it was gone, now I noticed an oil leak and it's coming from the Hydraulic Pump also noticed what looked like small metal shavings in the belt, and the pulley looks shinny  (minor at this point)

I've had my coach 10 years and in the pass when the temperature was  below 40 or so I always heard a winning noise for a few minutes till it warmed up  now it take's longer to go away and occurs when it's not as cold.
Wonder if the noise and the leak are related? 

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Re: Cold Start Noise and Hydraulic Pump Leaking 1995 U 300 Cat 3176

Reply #1 – April 22, 2012, 05:40:21 pm

Andrew,

Open the hydraulic reservoir.  Check for fluid level AND for metal on the filter.

Also, remove the belt and check for play in the pump and/or seizing of the pump.

And, as I am sure you are aware, the Caterpillar 3176 an excellent engine, but is VERY sensitive to proper coolant since it has an aluminum spacer between the iron head and iron block. Be sure to change coolant and test it regularly. Poor coolant quality in the 3176 allows electrolysis with the aluminum spacer being eaten up.

Brett

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