What type of problem are you looking for when checking the oil cooler and the heat exchanger?

When checking the oil cooler and the heat exchanger, looking for burning smells is crucial because these components play a vital role in maintaining optimal operating temperatures for fluids in a system. If you detect a burning smell, it often indicates that the lubricating oil is overheating, which can lead to breakdown of the oil and potential damage to both the oil cooler and the heat exchanger. Overheating can result from several issues, such as inadequate cooling due to a blockage, failure in fluid circulation, or excessive friction within the system.

Other potential problem indicators like low fluid or low pressure are important, but they may not directly relate to imminent overheating or fluid breakdown. Pump failure would typically manifest through symptoms such as excessive noise or complete lack of fluid movement rather than a burning odor. Therefore, monitoring for burning smells helps in proactively identifying and addressing serious issues before they result in catastrophic equipment failure.