I am about to do an oil change on my D2 5U. I was looking at the "Operators Instructions" manual and it talks about removing and cleaning the "suction bell screen". I have never done this task before and wanted to know if there is anything special that I need to know about. The picture in the book shows the cover plate removed from the oil filter side of the oil pan. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks Neil

Another job for CrawlerDollar$$$.....
Angelo: glad you are getting better acquainted with your tractors. JM

Hey Juiceman, he is too busy counting his $$$$ to help.

Main Suction Bell
Remove the inspection cover from the left side of the oil pan and take out the suction bell after removing
the two capscrews holding it to the oil pump.

Front Suction Bell
It is necessary to remove the oil pan before the front suction bell can be removed. After one capscrew
holding the suction line to the pump and two capscrews holding the bell to the block are removed, the
suction bell and line can be lowered from the cylinder block.

John and Mike

This certainly doesnt sound like a regular oil change item. Is there some other reason to go into the internals of the engine? I dont have a manual in front of me, but does it say to do this at some number of hours? I am just curious if I have been missing something along the way. Grant.

Hi Team,
it can be a wise move on an older recent purchase unit to remove the screen and check it for blockage by linted rag residue when such rag is being used to clean oil jugs and funnels, let alone the moths and other things I have seen in sumps.

Holt in their early manuals warned against using linted rag to wipe out sumps etc.
I would attach this scan from the 2 Ton OMI when possible again--if I remember.

I saw the results of and had to do a Failure Analysis for a client after a 3512 land fill gas engine cut itself in half after 6-8 hours running where linted rag --windcheaters, track suits, fleecy shirts, etc. had been used during cleaning and assembly after a recent overhaul.
The smallish suction screen used in these engines was completely choked off due to a layer of lint.
From memory there is some nearly 130 odd gallons of oil a minute passing thru this engine's lube system.

I have seen screens that were holed by stray objects inadvertently poured into the sump with oil, or left after an engine failure that does nothing for the cleanliness of the oil system. The oil pump gears etc. have to pump chunks of crud that do them no good.
I think you get the idea.

That’s certainly true.

I would add silicone squeezed out when things are tightened up on excessive amounts of the stuff. I can sometimes “follow” the previous owners travels through a machine by the trail of various types silicone gasket maker they used!

I think the biggest reason to check the pickup is to ensure it’s not buried in a thick layer of sludge laying in the bottom of the oil pan. Much better to clean that out manually than to hope that proper oils and oil change intervals will get rid of it.

Keeping in mind Eddie’s counsel about lint from rags of course!

I had never considered lint from rags before. I am careful about crud in funnels and pour spouts so now I know one more thing to consider. Since the screens are before the oil pump (I think they are) would any limit in flow not show up as low oil pressure? There is always something to learn on this forum. Grant.