Oil Change Interval
Considerations for the oil change interval include the type of fuel and the engine application. An established S·O·S oil analysis program enables used oil to be evaluated. The evaluation can be used to determine if this oil change interval is suitable for your specific engine.
Engines That Use Bio-Gas
The oil change interval is determined by the results of oil analysis. Change the lubrication oil when oil analysis determines that the oil has reached the condemning limit. Also, change the engine oil filters.
Change the Engine Oil
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Hot oil and components can cause personal injury. Do not allow hot oil or components to contact skin. |
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Ensure that the engine is stopped before performing this procedure. Attach a DO NOT OPERATE tag to the starting controls. |
Do not drain the oil when the engine is cold. As the oil cools, suspended waste particles settle on the bottom of the oil pan. The waste particles are not removed when the cold oil is drained. Drain the crankcase with the oil warm. This draining method allows the waste particles that are suspended in the oil to be drained properly.
Failure to follow this recommended procedure will allow the waste particles to be recirculated through the engine lubrication system with the new oil.
- After the engine has been operated at normal operating temperature, STOP the engine.
- Open drain valve (1) in order to drain used oil. After the oil has drained, close drain valve (1) .
Note: If a suction device is used in order to remove the oil from the oil pan, ensure that the suction device is clean. This will prevent dirt from entering the oil pan. Be careful not to strike the engine oil suction tubes or the piston cooling jets.
Note: Drain the oil into a suitable container. Dispose of fluids according to local regulations.
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| Illustration 1 | g00789667 |
(1) Drain valve | |
- Clean the oil suction screen.
- Loosen the bolts of the cover for the oil suction screen. Remove the cover and the gasket. Discard the old gasket. Slide screen assembly (2) from the tube.
Note: Approximately 1 L (1 qt) of oil will remain in the housing after the sump has been completely drained. This oil will pour out of the housing when the cover for the oil suction screen is removed. Prepare to catch the oil in a suitable container. Clean up any spilled oil with rags. DO NOT use absorbent particles to clean up the oil.
Show/hide table
Illustration 2 g00789729
(2) Screen assembly
- Wash the screen assembly in clean nonflammable solvent. Allow the screen assembly to dry before installation.
- Install the screen assembly. Install a new gasket. Install the cover.
- Change the engine oil filters. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil Filter - Change" topic (Maintenance Section).
- Remove the oil filler cap. Fill the crankcase through the oil filler tube only. Clean the oil filler cap. Install the oil filler cap.
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Only use oils that are recommended by Caterpillar. For the proper oil to use, refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" topic (Maintenance Section). |
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Engine damage can occur if the crankcase is filled above the "FULL" mark on the oil level gauge (dipstick). An overfull crankcase can cause the crankshaft to dip into the oil. This will reduce the power that is developed and also force air bubbles into the oil. These bubbles (foam) can cause the following problems: reduction of the oil's ability to lubricate, reduction of oil pressure, inadequate cooling, oil blowing out of the crankcase breathers and excessive oil consumption. Excessive oil consumption will cause deposits to form on the pistons and in the combustion chamber. Deposits in the combustion chamber lead to the following problems: guttering of the valves, packing of carbon under the piston rings and wear of the cylinder liner. If the oil level is above the "FULL" mark on the oil level gauge, drain some of the oil immediately. |
Note: For the amount of oil to use, refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" (Maintenance Section).
- Follow this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Starting The Engine" procedure (Operation Section). Operate the engine at low idle for two minutes. Inspect the engine for oil leaks. Ensure that the oil level is at the "FULL" mark on the "LOW IDLE" side of the oil level gauge.
- Stop the engine and allow the oil to drain back into the sump for a minimum of ten minutes.
- Remove the oil level gauge and check the oil level. Maintain the oil level to the "FULL" mark on the "ENGINE STOPPED" side of the oil level gauge.