Have you ever thought much about your oil pump?
If not, maybe it’s time you did.
It plays a pivotal role, keeping your entire engine lubricated and working great.
If the oil is not circulating properly through your engine, other components won’t be able to move correctly. An oil pump failure can lead to major engine issues, especially if it’s not addressed quickly.
This can cost you even more time and money.
In this post, we’re taking a look at the oil pump for your Caterpillar C15 and some common problems they experience.

What Are the Symptoms of Oil Pump Failure in Your C15?
Understanding the symptoms of oil pump failure can help you prevent major damage to your engine.
Even if there’s nothing wrong with your oil pump, you shouldn’t ignore the symptoms, as they might indicate another issue within your engine.
Common Symptoms You Might Experience
If you’re having a problem with your oil pump, you might experience:
- Low Oil Pressure
- Higher Operating Temperatures
- Unusual Noises
It’s important to remember that these symptoms aren’t the only ones that point to a failing oil pump, just some common ones.
What Else Can These Symptoms Indicate?
As we said, these symptoms can also point to a different problem in your engine.
Low oil pressure, for instance, can be a symptom of another failure, especially if you recently replaced your oil pump. First, you’d want to check that your oil pump was correctly installed and operating well. If it is, then other possible problems can include:
- Faulty Oil Pressure Gauge
- Worn Bearings
- Not Enough Oil
- Plugged Oil Filter
- Contaminated Oil
- Engine Age
Properly Diagnosing Your C15 Oil Pump Problem
If you’re trying to figure out what’s going on with the oil pump in your C15, there are a few ways to narrow it down.
1. Install Techniques
You’ll find that in many situations, the issue can be traced back to how the pump was installed.
As with other components, if an oil pump was poorly installed, it will cause you problems. So, check on the install of the oil pump, especially if it’s failing soon after it was replaced.
2. Contaminants
Contaminants that enter the system during install can also cause oil pump failure. Make sure the parts are kept clean during install, otherwise debris from past failures can get into the oil pump, causing premature wear and failure.
3. Other Causes
Some other things that might be making the pump in your C15 fail include:
- Broken or Worn Regulator Springs
- Many Miles of Operation Leading to Excessive Clearance
- Not Enough Oil in the Engine
- Contaminated Oil
If you notice any of these symptoms in your engine, don’t ignore them! It might be time for a new oil pump for your Caterpillar C15.
Highway & Heavy Parts is here for you, with a wide selection of components and a team of experts to help make sure you’re getting the parts you need!
Related Articles:
THE CAUSES OF OIL PUMP FAILURE
THE 6 MOST COMMON DIESEL ENGINE OIL PUMP FAILURES
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