Jurnal Teknologi dan Rekayasa Alat Berat (JTRAB)
Vol 3 No 2 (2026): JTRAB Volume 3, No 2, 2026

Analisis Kerusakan Engine High Blow-by Pressure pada Mesin Diesel Unit Excavator Caterpillar 320GC di PT XYZ

Pandhu Khanif Pramudya (Universitas Gadjah Mada)
Surojo (Universitas Gadjah Mada)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study analyzes engine damage characterized by high blow-by pressure on a Caterpillar 320 GC excavator unit operated by PT XYZ. The damage is indicated by reduced engine power (low power), along with the emission of white smoke from the muffler and crankcase breather. The analysis was conducted using several methods, including blow-by pressure measurement, Scheduled Oil Sampling (SOS) analysis, engine disassembly (overhaul), and root cause analysis through fishbone diagrams, 5W+1H method, and fault tree analysis (FTA). The results showed that the blow/-by pressure reached 2.72 inHâ‚‚O, indicating a deteriorated engine condition. Oil analysis (SOS) detected high concentrations of wear metals, particularly iron (Fe) at 97.2 ppm, suggesting severe wear on internal engine components. After the overhaul, significant wear exceeding standard tolerance limits was found on the cylinder liner, piston, and piston rings. The primary cause of the high blow-by pressure was identified as wear on the piston rings, pistons, and cylinder liners due to increased levels of wear metals and oil contamination by fuel (fuel dilution), which reduced lubrication effectiveness. This condition was triggered by several contributing factors, including insufficient operator training, improper maintenance procedures, lack of adequate early detection systems, and extreme working environment conditions. As a result, the engine suffered damage and experienced a significant loss of power. The recommended solutions include replacing the worn components (cylinder liner, piston, and piston rings), improving operator training, and implementing a stricter preventive maintenance schedule to restore engine performance and extend component lifespan.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jtrab

Publisher

Subject

Automotive Engineering Control & Systems Engineering Engineering Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Mechanical Engineering

Description

Jurnal Teknologi dan Rekayasa Alat Berat (Journal of Heavy Equipment Technology and Engineering) is a scientific publication journal in the field of management and maintenance of heavy equipments published by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vocational College, Gadjah Mada University. ...