Crankshaft Failure on New Holland LX565 After Running Without Oil

[MikePhua]

The forum post shares the unfortunate experience of an operator who ran their New Holland LX565 skid steer loader without sufficient oil, leading to the crankshaft breaking. This scenario highlights the critical importance of maintaining proper oil levels in heavy machinery, as running without oil or with low oil can result in catastrophic engine failure.
The Incident: Running Without Oil
The operator describes starting the New Holland LX565 and running it for an unspecified amount of time without realizing that the engine was low on oil. The machine’s performance gradually declined, and the engine eventually failed. Upon inspection, it was determined that the crankshaft had broken due to a lack of lubrication.
Why Oil is Critical for Engine Functionality
Oil serves several vital functions in an engine:

1. Lubrication: Reduces friction between moving parts, especially in high-stress areas like the crankshaft, camshaft, and pistons.
   
2. Cooling: Helps absorb and dissipate the heat generated by the engine’s moving components, preventing overheating.
   
3. Cleaning: Carries contaminants, such as dirt and debris, away from vital engine parts.
   
4. Sealing: Ensures a tight seal in parts like pistons, preventing combustion gases from escaping.
   

Without oil, the engine components lack proper lubrication, leading to excessive heat buildup, wear, and eventual failure. In this case, the crankshaft broke as a direct result of running the engine without oil.
The Consequences of a Broken Crankshaft
A broken crankshaft is a serious engine problem and often means a costly repair. The crankshaft is a critical component that transmits power from the pistons to the drivetrain. When it fails, the engine can no longer operate properly, and the machine is rendered inoperable. The damage typically extends beyond just the crankshaft, often affecting other engine components, which increases the complexity and cost of the repair.
Steps Taken After the Failure
After the crankshaft failure, the operator took the following steps:

1. Inspection: Upon realizing the issue, the operator conducted an inspection and found the crankshaft had broken.
   
2. Repair or Replacement: Replacing or repairing the crankshaft can be a major undertaking, often requiring a full engine rebuild. This is a costly repair, especially on a machine like the New Holland LX565.
   
3. Oil System Check: The operator checked the oil system and found that it was either empty or had insufficient oil to lubricate the engine.
   

Lessons Learned and Preventative Measures
This experience highlights several critical lessons:

1. Regular Oil Checks: Always monitor oil levels and ensure the engine has the proper amount of oil before starting the machine. Periodically checking oil levels helps prevent running the engine with low or no oil.
   
2. Routine Maintenance: Regularly scheduled maintenance, including oil changes and filter replacements, ensures the engine operates smoothly and helps catch any potential issues early.
   
3. Signs of Low Oil: Pay attention to any abnormal engine sounds, overheating, or warning lights that may indicate low oil or a lack of lubrication. If these signs appear, stop the machine immediately and inspect the oil levels.
   
4. Oil Monitoring Systems: If your machine does not have an oil monitoring system, consider installing one. Some modern equipment comes with sensors that alert operators when oil levels are too low, which can prevent severe engine damage.
   
5. Use of Quality Oil: Always use the manufacturer-recommended oil type and grade to ensure proper engine lubrication. Using the wrong oil can cause poor lubrication and may lead to engine failure.
   

Repairing a Broken Crankshaft
Repairing a broken crankshaft typically involves:

1. Engine Disassembly: The engine must be partially or fully disassembled to access the broken crankshaft.
   
2. Crankshaft Replacement: A new or reconditioned crankshaft will be needed to replace the broken one. The cost of a crankshaft replacement can be significant, especially if additional damage has occurred.
   
3. Inspection of Other Engine Components: It's essential to inspect other components such as bearings, pistons, and the block for damage. In some cases, these components may also need to be replaced.
   
4. Rebuilding the Engine: In severe cases, an engine rebuild may be necessary, which can add significant time and cost to the repair process.
   

Conclusion
Running a New Holland LX565 (or any heavy machinery) without sufficient oil can lead to catastrophic engine failure, as demonstrated by the broken crankshaft in this case. Operators must take proactive steps to check oil levels regularly and perform scheduled maintenance to avoid severe damage. Repairing a broken crankshaft is expensive and time-consuming, but the experience serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of oil maintenance in preserving the life of heavy equipment engines.