The Problem With Troubleshooting By ‘Fault Code’

One of our member’s sent me this troubleshooting story:

“The company I worked for had invested in a complete overhaul of the engine on an older Mack truck, sleeper version in otherwise poor cosmetic shape. In addition, they were the proud owner of a mechanically poor, cosmetically good Mack in a non-sleeper configuration. The decision was made to do a … Read more

Whatever it Takes: A Day in the Life of a Hydraulics Go-To Guy

The hydraulics Go-To GuyBack in 1991, the hydraulics company I was working for had supplied conversion kits to change the hydraulic piston pump on an ROV (remotely operated [submersible] vehicle) from an obsolete brand to Linde.

The kits had been supplied as an in-field replacement, so that the changeover could be done when necessary. In other words, when the existing hydraulic pump failed. … Read more

Where to Take a Hydraulic Oil Sample and When

hydraulic oil drumFrom a predictive maintenance perspective, there is little real benefit from taking an oil sample directly from the hydraulic tank. Sure, an oil sample taken from the tank can be used to establish the cleanliness of the hydraulic fluid, and the condition of its base oil and additives.

But these days, most hydraulic systems feature a return filter, and so … Read more