Because of government regulations regarding the certification of engine exhaust emissions, the lubricant recommendations must be followed.
Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) Oils
The "Engine Manufacturers Association Recommended Guideline on Diesel Engine Oil" is recognized by Caterpillar. For detailed information about this guideline, see the latest edition of EMA publication, "EMA LRG-1".
The Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System by the American Petroleum Institute (API) is recognized by Caterpillar. For detailed information about this system, see the latest edition of the "API publication No. 1509". Engine oils that bear the API symbol are authorized by API.
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| Illustration 1 | g00546535 |
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Typical API symbol | |
Diesel engine oils CC, CD, CD-2, and CE have not been API authorized classifications since 1 January 1996. Table 1 summarizes the status of the classifications.
| API Classifications | |
| Current | Obsolete |
| CF-4, CG-4, CH-4 | CE |
| CF | CC, CD |
| CF-2(1) | CD-2(1) |
| (1) | CD-2 and API CF-2 are classifications for two-cycle diesel engines. Caterpillar does not sell engines that utilize CD-2 and API CF-2 oils. |
Note: API CF is not the same classification as API CF-4. API CF oils are not recommended for Caterpillar on-highway diesel engines.
The classifications of grease are based on the "ASTM D217" worked penetration characteristics. These characteristics for grease are given a defined consistency number.
Certain abbreviations follow the nomenclature of "SAE J754". Some classifications follow "SAE J183" abbreviations, and some classifications follow the "EMA Recommended Guideline on Diesel Engine Oil". In addition to Caterpillar definitions, there are other definitions that will be of assistance in purchasing lubricants. Recommended oil viscosities can be found in this publication, "Engine Oil" topic (Maintenance Section).