3608 Engine Caterpillar

Oil Change Interval

The establishment of an S·O·S oil analysis program will enable an evaluation of the used oil. The evaluation can be used to determine the oil change interval that is suitable for your specific engine. Change the engine oil when oil analysis determines that the oil has reached the condemning limit.

In the absence of oil analysis, change the engine oil after every 1350 service hours.

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.

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 method allows the waste particles to be removed.

Failure to follow this recommended procedure will allow the waste particles to be recirculated through the engine lubrication system with the new oil.

1. After the engine has been operated at normal operating temperature, STOP the engine.
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   NOTICE
   Care must be taken to ensure that fluids are contained during performance of inspection, maintenance, testing, adjusting, and repair of the product. Be prepared to collect the fluid with suitable containers before opening any compartment or disassembling any component containing fluids. Refer to Special Publication, NENG2500, "Dealer Service Tool Catalog" for tools and supplies suitable to collect and contain fluids on Cat products. Dispose of all fluids according to local regulations and mandates.

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   Illustration 1	g00715554
   (1) Drain valve

2. 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.

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   NOTICE
   Keep all parts clean from contaminants. Contaminants may cause rapid wear and shortened component life.

3. Clean the oil suction screen.

   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 absorbent towels or pillows. DO NOT use absorbent particles to clean up the oil.

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   Illustration 2	g00748343
   (2) Cover (3) Seal (4) Screen

   1. Remove cover (2) and seal (3). Slide screen assembly (4) from the tube.

   2. Wash the screen assembly in clean nonflammable solvent. Allow the screen assembly to dry before installation.

4. Clean the bottom of the sump. Remove side covers in order to gain access to the sump. When the bottom of the sump is clean, install the side covers.

5. Install oil suction screen (4).

6. Inspect seal (3). If the seal is cut, scratched, or cracked, obtain a new seal for assembly. Install cover (2) and seal (3).

7. Change the engine oil filters. See this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil Filter - Change" topic (Maintenance Section).
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   NOTICE
   Only use oils that are recommended by Caterpillar. For the proper oil to use, refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil" topic (Maintenance Section).

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   NOTICE
   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.

8. Remove the oil filler cap. Fill the crankcase through the oil filler tube only. Clean the oil filler cap. Install the oil filler cap.

9. Start the engine according to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Starting" topic (Operation Section).

   1. Operate the engine at low idle for two minutes. Inspect the engine for oil leaks.

   2. Ensure that the oil level is at the "FULL" mark on the "LOW IDLE" side of the oil level gauge.

10. Stop the engine and allow the oil to drain back into the sump for a minimum of ten minutes.

11. 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.