3126B Petroleum Engine Caterpillar

Selection of Oil Change Interval

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Hot oil and hot components can cause personal injury. Do not allow hot oil or hot components to contact the skin.

Caterpillar oil filters are recommended for oil changes. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" for lubrication recommendations.

Abnormally harsh operating cycles or harsh environments can shorten the service life of the engine oil. Poor maintenance of air filters or of fuel filters requires reduced oil change intervals. See your Caterpillar dealer for more information if this product will experience abnormally harsh operating cycles or harsh environments.

Adjustment of the Oil Change Interval

Note: Your Caterpillar dealer has additional information on these programs.

Program A

Verification for an Oil Change Interval of 500 Hours

This program consists of three oil change intervals of 500 hours. Oil sampling and analysis is done at 250 hours and 500 hours for each of the three intervals for a total of six oil samples. The analysis includes oil viscosity and infrared (IR) analysis of the oil. If all of the results are satisfactory, the 500 hour oil change interval is acceptable for the engine in that application. Repeat Program A if you change the application of the engine.

If a sample does not pass the oil analysis, take one of these actions:

• Shorten the oil change interval to 250 hours.

• Proceed to Program B.

• Change to a preferred oil type. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" for lubrication recommendations.

Program B

Optimizing Oil Change Intervals

Begin with a 250 hour oil change interval. The oil change intervals are adjusted by increments. Each interval is adjusted an additional 50 hours. Periodic oil sampling and analysis is done during each interval. The analysis includes oil viscosity and infrared (IR) analysis of the oil. Repeat Program B if you change the application of the engine.

If an oil sample does not pass the analysis, shorten the oil change interval, or change to a preferred multigrade oil type in the listing above.

References

Reference: Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations"

Reference: Form, PEDP7035, "Optimizing Oil Change Intervals"

Reference: Form, PEDP7036, "S·O·S Fluid Analysis"

Reference: Form, PEDP7076, "Understanding the S·O·S Oil Analysis Tests"

Drain the Engine Oil

After the engine has been run at the normal operating temperature, stop the engine. Attach a "DO NOT OPERATE" or a similar warning tag to the ignition key switch before the engine is serviced. Catch the oil in a suitable container. Recycle the used oil, or dispose of the used oil properly.

1. Remove the oil drain plug in order to allow the oil to drain.

2. After the oil has drained, the oil drain plug should be cleaned and installed.

Replace the Oil Filter

1. Remove the oil filter with a 1U-8760 Chain Wrench.
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   Illustration 1	g00588944
   Element with debris

2. Cut the oil filter open with a 175-7546 Oil Filter Cutter. Break apart the pleats and inspect the oil filter for metal debris. An excessive amount of metal debris in the oil filter may indicate early wear or a pending failure.

   Use a magnet to differentiate between the ferrous metals and the nonferrous metals that are found in the oil filter element. Ferrous metals may indicate wear on the steel and cast iron parts of the engine.

   Nonferrous metals may indicate wear on the aluminum parts, brass parts or bronze parts of the engine. Parts that may be affected include the following items: main bearings, rod bearings, turbocharger bearings and cylinder heads.

   Due to normal wear and friction, it is not uncommon to find small amounts of debris in the oil filter. Consult your Caterpillar dealer in order to arrange for a further analysis if an excessive amount of debris is found in the oil filter.

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   Illustration 2	g00103713
   Typical filter mounting base and filter gasket

3. Clean the sealing surface of the filter mounting base. Ensure that all of the old oil filter gasket is removed.

4. Apply clean engine oil to the new oil filter gasket.
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   NOTICE
   Do not fill the oil filters with oil before installing them. This oil would not be filtered and could be contaminated. Contaminated oil can cause accelerated wear to engine components.

5. Install the oil filter. Tighten the oil filter until the oil filter gasket contacts the base. Tighten the oil filter by hand according to the instructions that are shown on the oil filter. Do not overtighten the oil filter.

Fill the Engine Crankcase

1. Remove the oil filler cap. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" topic (Maintenance Section) for more information. Fill the crankcase with the proper amount of oil. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" topic (Maintenance Section) for more information.
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   NOTICE
   If equipped with an auxiliary oil filter or system, extra oil must be added when filling the crankcase. Follow the OEM or filter manufacturer's recommendations. If the extra oil is not added, the engine may starve for oil.

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   NOTICE
   To help prevent crankshaft or bearing damage, crank engine to fill all filters before starting. Do not crank engine for more than 30 seconds.

2. Start the engine and run the engine at "LOW IDLE" for two minutes. Perform this procedure in order to ensure that the lubrication system has oil and that the oil filters are filled. Inspect the oil filter for oil leaks.

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

4. Remove the oil level gauge in order to check the oil level. Maintain the oil level between the "ADD" and "FULL" marks on the "ENGINE STOPPED" side of the oil level gauge.