Lubrication System
Lubricant Recommendations
Due to significant variations in the quality and in the performance of commercially available oils, Caterpillar recommends the following oils:
- Cat DEO (SAE30)
- Cat DEO (SAE40)
The proper SAE viscosity grade of oil is determined by the minimum ambient temperature during cold engine start-up, and the maximum ambient temperature during engine operation. To determine the oil viscosity that is required for starting a cold soaked engine, refer to the minimum temperature in Table 1. To select the oil viscosity for operation at the highest anticipated ambient temperature, refer to the maximum temperature in the Table. Use the highest oil viscosity that is available in order to meet the required temperature during start-up.
| Engine Oil Viscosity | ||
| SAE Viscosity Grade | Ambient Temperature | |
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| SAE 30 | 0 °C (32 °F) | 40 °C (104 °F) |
| SAE 40 | 5 °C (41 °F) |
50 °C (122 °F) |
Refer to Special Publication, SEBU7003, " 3600 Series and C280 Series Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information that relates to lubricants.
Commercial Oils
Commercial engine oil for a 3600 Series diesel engine must have proof of performance in the Field Performance Evaluation. The TBN and the viscosity of the oil are also important factors.
| NOTICE |
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The Field Performance Evaluation is required. |
Field Performance - The commercial engine oil must demonstrate acceptable performance under controlled operating conditions for a minimum of 7000 hours in a 3600 or C280 Series diesel engine. For the evaluation of a particular oil, the oil company should arrange a field test with the owner of the engine. For a complete explanation of field evaluation for 3600 diesel engine oil, see Special Publication, SEBU7003, " 3600 Series and C280 Series Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations", "Field Evaluation of Commercial Oil".
The Caterpillar Micro-Oxidation Test is strongly recommended as a pre-screening method of qualifying oils for the Field Performance Evaluation.
Note: Passing the Caterpillar Micro-Oxidation Test does not guarantee passing the Field Performance Evaluation requirements.
Caterpillar Micro-Oxidation Test - The oil must demonstrate a minimum induction time of 90 minutes in the test. The test measures the oxidation stability of engine oil at 230 °C (446 °F). The results of the test have been correlated to levels of piston deposits. The piston deposits have been measured in Caterpillar tests for evaluating oil. Engine oils that have an induction time less than 90 minutes have generally produced excessive piston deposits. The excessive deposits have occurred in laboratory testing and in actual field operation. The micro-oxidation test is only one part of the criteria for the selection of a lubrication oil. Presently, Caterpillar only recognizes the results from micro-oxidation tests that are performed at Caterpillar laboratories.
Note: A high induction time for the test does not ensure that the oil performance is adequate for 3600 and C280 Series diesel engines. A Field Performance Evaluation is still required.
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Failure to follow these oil recommendations can cause shortened engine service life due to deposits and/or excessive wear. |
Note: For more information on requirements for 3600 Series Diesel Engine oils, see the Special Publication, SEBU7003, " 3600 Series and C280 Series Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations". Tests can be performed at this laboratory:
Caterpillar Analytical Chemistry LaboratoryCaterpillar Inc. Technical Center-E
P.O. Box 1875 Peoria, IL 61656-1875
Telephone: (309) 578-6604Fax: (309) 578-2292
Lubricant Capacities
The capacity of the engine lubrication system includes the capacity of the oil filters that are installed at the factory. Auxiliary oil filter systems (if equipped) will require additional oil. Refer to the specifications that are provided by the OEM of the auxiliary oil filter system.
| Approximate Refill Capacity of the Lubrication System | ||
|---|---|---|
| Compartment or System | Liters | US Gallons |
| Engine Sump | 1300 | 338 |
Fuel
Fuel Recommendations
Diesel engines have the ability to burn a wide variety of fuels. These fuels are divided into two general groups. The two groups are called the preferred fuels and the permissible fuels.
The preferred fuels provide maximum engine service life and performance. The preferred fuels are distillate fuels. These fuels are commonly called diesel fuel, furnace fuel, gas oil, or kerosene.
The permissible fuels are crude oils or blended fuels. Use of these fuels can result in higher maintenance costs and in reduced engine service life.
Diesel fuels that meet the specifications in Table 3 will help to provide maximum engine service life and performance. In North America, diesel fuel that is identified as No. 1-D or No. 2-D in "ASTM D975" generally meet the specifications. Table 3 is for diesel fuels that are distilled from crude oil. Diesel fuels from other sources could exhibit detrimental properties that are not defined or controlled by this specification.
| Caterpillar Specifications for Distillate Diesel Fuel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Specifications | Requirements | ASTM Test | |
| Aromatics | 35% maximum | "D1319" | |
| Ash | 0.02% maximum (weight) | "D482" | |
| Carbon Residue on 10% Bottoms | 0.35% maximum (weight) | "D524" | |
| Cetane Number | 40 minimum (DI engines) | "D613" | |
| 35 minimum (PC engines) | |||
| Cloud Point | The cloud point must not exceed the lowest expected ambient temperature. | - | |
| Copper Strip Corrosion | No. 3 maximum | "D130" | |
| Distillation | 10% at 282 °C (540 °F) maximum |
"D86" | |
| 90% at 360 °C (680 °F) maximum |
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| Flash Point | legal limit | "D93" | |
| API Gravity | 30 minimum | "D287" | |
| 45 maximum | |||
| Pour Point | 6 °C (10 °F) minimum below ambient temperature |
"D97" | |
| Sulfur (1) | 3% maximum | "D3605" or "D1552" |
|
| Kinematic Viscosity (2) | 1.4 cSt minimum and 20.0 cSt maximum at 40 °C (104 °F) |
"D445" | |
| Water and Sediment | 0.1% maximum | "D1796" | |
| Water | 0.1% maximum | "D1744" | |
| Sediment | 0.05% maximum (weight) | "D473" | |
| Gummy Products and Resins (3) | 10 mg per 100 mL maximum | "D381" | |
| Lubricity (4) | 3100 g minimum | "D6078" | |
0.45 mm (0.018 inch) maximum at 60 °C (140 °F) |
"D6079" | ||
0.38 mm (0.015 inch) maximum at 25 °C (77 °F) |
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| ( 1 ) | Caterpillar fuel systems and engine components can operate on high sulfur fuels. Fuel sulfur levels affect exhaust emissions. High sulfur fuels also increase the potential for corrosion of internal components. Fuel sulfur levels above 1.0 percent may significantly shorten the oil change interval. |
| ( 2 ) | The values of the fuel viscosity are the values as the fuel is delivered to the fuel injection pumps. If a fuel with a low viscosity is used, cooling of the fuel may be required to maintain a 1.4 cSt viscosity at the fuel injection pump. Fuels with a high viscosity might require fuel heaters in order to bring down the viscosity to a 20 cSt viscosity. For additional information, see Special Publication, SEBD0717, "Diesel Fuel and Your Engine". |
| ( 3 ) | Follow the test conditions and procedures for gasoline (motor). |
| ( 4 ) | The lubricity of a fuel is a concern with low sulfur fuel. To determine the lubricity of the fuel, use either the "ASTM D6078 Scuffing Load Wear Test (SBOCLE)" or the "ASTM D6079 High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR)" test. If the lubricity of a fuel does not meet the minimum requirements, consult your fuel supplier. Do not treat the fuel without consulting the fuel supplier. Some additives are not compatible. These additives can cause problems in the fuel system. |
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Operating with fuels that do not meet Caterpillar's recommendations can cause the following effects: starting difficulty, poor combustion, deposits in the fuel injectors, reduced service life of the fuel system, deposits in the combustion chamber and reduced service life of the engine. |
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Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Residual fuel, or Blended fuel must NOT be used in Caterpillar diesel engines (except in 3600 Series HFO engines). Severe component wear and component failures will result if HFO type fuels are used in engines that are configured to use distillate fuel. |
In extreme cold ambient conditions, you may use the distillate fuels that are specified in Table 4. However, the fuel that is selected must meet the requirements that are specified in Table 3. These fuels are intended to be used in operating temperatures that are down to -54 °C (-65 °F).
| Distillate Fuels (1) | |
| Specification | Grade |
| "MIL-T-5624R" | JP-5 |
| "ASTM D1655" | Jet-A-1 |
| "MIL-T-83133D" | JP-8 |
| ( 1 ) | The fuels that are listed in this Table may not meet the requirements that are specified in the "Caterpillar Specifications for Distillate Diesel Fuel" Table. Consult the supplier for the recommended additives in order to maintain the proper fuel lubricity. |
These fuels are lighter than the No. 2 grades of fuel. The cetane number of the fuels in Table 4 must be at least 40. If the viscosity is below 1.4 cSt at 38 °C (100 °F), use the fuel only in temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F). Do not use any fuels with a viscosity of less than 1.2 cSt at 38 °C (100 °F). Fuel cooling may be required in order to maintain the minimum viscosity of 1.4 cSt at the fuel injection pump.
There are many other diesel fuel specifications that are published by governments and by technological societies. Usually, those specifications do not review all the requirements that are addressed in this specification. To ensure optimum engine performance, a complete fuel analysis should be obtained before engine operation. The fuel analysis should include all of the properties that are listed in Table 3.
Marine Diesel Fuel
Many different names are used for marine diesel fuels. The different names often cause misunderstanding. Some specifications for marine diesel fuels seem to be based on the limits of the fuel suppliers. Those specifications may not be as precise as other specifications such as ASTM fuel specifications.
Four types of marine diesel fuel are generally recognized. These four types of marine diesel fuel are available at bunkering ports around the world. Not all of the types are available at every station.
Be aware of the fuel supplier's specifications for a fuel, especially if the fuel contains more than 20 percent of residual fuel.
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Heavy fuel oil, residual fuel, or blended fuel can be used in Caterpillar 3600 Series diesel engines that are configured to use heavy fuel oil. DO NOT use these types of fuel in 3600 Series diesel engines that are configured to use distillate diesel fuel. DO NOT use heavy fuel oil in C280 Series diesel engines. Failure to follow this recommendation will result in severe wear of components and engine failure. |
Gas Oil - This is a light distillate fuel which does not contain residual fuel. Gas oil is approximately ASTM No.1 diesel fuel.
Marine Diesel - This is a distillate fuel that boils at a higher temperature than gas oil. This fuel varies from ASTM No.2 to ASTM No.4. The composition can vary within the following range: ASTM No.2 diesel fuel, No.2 that is contaminated with heavier fuel in the bottom of a tanker and No.2 that is blended with as much as 20 percent of residual fuel.
Blended Fuel Oil - This is a blend of distillate and residual fuel. This fuel is blended to the viscosity that is requested by the operator or the manufacturer of the engine. Blended fuel is NOT recommended for use in Caterpillar 3600 Series Engines that are configured to use distillate fuel.
Residual Fuel - This is residue from the distillation of crude oil in a refinery. DO NOT use residual fuel in Caterpillar 3600 Series Engines that are configured to use distillate fuel.
For more information on descriptions of marine fuel and nomenclature, see Engine Data Sheet 60.1, LEKQ4219, "Fuel Recommendations for Caterpillar Diesel Engines".
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DO NOT use fuels that are classified as CIMAC DC or ISO 8217F-DMC. The use of fuels that are classified as CIMAC DC or ISO 8217F-DMC can reduce the service life of components. Only use fuels that are recommended by Caterpillar. |
The classifications that are listed in Table 5 are established by the Counseil International Des Machines a Combustion (CIMAC) (International Council on Combustion Engines) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). Fuels which meet the classifications that are listed in Table 5 are acceptable for use in Caterpillar 3600 Series and C280 Series engines that are configured to use distillate fuel.
| Classifications of Marine Diesel Fuel That Are Acceptable for Use In Caterpillar 3600 Series and C280 Series Engines | |
| CIMAC DA | ISO 8217-DMA |
| CIMAC DB | ISO 8217-DMB |
| CIMAC DX | ISO 8217-DMX |
Cooling System
Coolant Recommendations
| NOTICE |
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Never add coolant to an overheated engine. Engine damage could result. Allow the engine to cool first. |
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If the engine is to be stored in, or shipped to an area with below freezing temperatures, the cooling system must be either protected to the lowest outside temperature or drained completely to prevent damage. |
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Never use water alone without Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCA). Water alone is corrosive at engine operating temperatures. Water alone does not provide adequate protection. |
Coolant for the 3618 engine is normally composed of two elements: water and Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCA).
Water
Water is used in the cooling system in order to transfer heat.
Distilled water or deionized water is recommended for use in engine cooling systems. If distilled water or deionized water is not available, use water with the properties that are listed in Table 6. DO NOT use the following types of water in cooling systems: hard water, softened water that has been conditioned with salt and sea water.
| Caterpillar Minimum Acceptable Water Requirements | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property | Maximum Limit | ASTM Test | ||
| Chloride (Cl) | 40 mg/L (2.4 grains/US gal) |
"D512", "D4327" | ||
| Sulfate (SO4) | 100 mg/L (5.9 grains/US gal) |
"D516" | ||
| Total Hardness | 170 mg/L (10 grains/US gal) |
"D1126" | ||
| Total Solids | 340 mg/L (20 grain/US gal) |
"D1888" | ||
| Acidity | pH of 5.5 to 9.0 | "D1293" | ||
For a water analysis, consult one of the following sources:
- Caterpillar dealer
- Local water utility company
- Agricultural agent
- Independent laboratory
Water and Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)
Caterpillar recommends Cat SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive). If Cat SCA is not used, select a commercial SCA that provides a minimum of 2400 mg/L or 2400 ppm (140 grains/US gal) of nitrites in the final coolant mixture.
A cooling system that uses a mixture of SCA and water only needs more SCA than a cooling system that uses a mixture of glycol and water. The SCA concentration in a cooling system that uses SCA and water should be six to eight percent by volume.
Note: Test the concentration of SCA with a 298-5311 Coolant Nitrite Test Kit or perform an S·O·S Services Coolant Analysis. The test kit includes the following items: a tool for testing, 30 nitrite test ampoules, instructions and a case. 294-7420 Test Kit contains the refill ampoules for the 298-5311 Coolant Nitrite Test Kit . Use the instructions that are included with the test kit in order to properly test the SCA.
Note: The 298-5311 Coolant Nitrite Test Kit is not calibrated for testing the levels of nitrite of conventional coolants or extended life coolants.
Adding the Cat SCA
Adding the Cat SCA to Water at the Initial Fill
The capacity of the cooling system determines the amount of Cat SCA that is required. Use the equation that is in Table 7 to determine the amount of Cat SCA that is required at the initial fill. This equation is for a mixture of only SCA and water.
| Equation For Adding The Cat SCA To Water At The Initial Fill |
| V × 0.08 = X |
| V is the total volume of the cooling system. |
| X is the amount of Cat SCA that is required. |
Table 8 is an example for using the equation that is in Table 7.
| Example Of The Equation For Adding The Cat SCA To Water At The Initial Fill | ||
| Total Volume of the Cooling System (V) | Factor for Multiplication | Amount of Cat SCA that is Required (X) |
| (946 L) (250 US gal) |
× 0.08 | (76 L) (20 US gal) |
Adding the Cat SCA to Water for Maintenance
Test the mixture of SCA and water periodically for the concentration of SCA. For the testing interval, see this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Maintenance Interval Schedule".
Note: Test the concentration of SCA with a 298-5311 Coolant Nitrite Test Kit or perform an S·O·S Services Coolant Analysis. The test kit includes the following items: a tool for testing, 30 nitrite test ampoules, instructions and a case. 294-7420 Test Kit contains the refill ampoules for the 298-5311 Coolant Nitrite Test Kit . Use the instructions that are included with the test kit in order to properly test the SCA.
Note: The 298-5311 Coolant Nitrite Test Kit is not calibrated for testing the levels of nitrite of conventional coolants or extended life coolants.
Additions of Cat SCA are based on the results of the test or based on the results of the S·O·S Coolant Analysis. Test for nitrites more frequently if the results of the analysis necessitate more frequent testing.
Use the equation that is in Table 9 to determine the amount of Cat SCA that is required for maintenance.
| Equation For Adding the Cat SCA To Water For Maintenance |
| V × 0.023 = X |
| V is the total volume of the cooling system. |
| X is the amount of Cat SCA that is required. |
Table 10 is an example for using the equation that is in Table 9.
| Example Of The Equation For Adding the Cat SCA To Water For Maintenance | ||
| Total Volume of the Cooling System (V) | Factor for Multiplication | Amount of Cat SCA that is Required (X) |
| (946 L) (250 US gal) |
× 0.023 | (22 L) (6 US gal) |
Note: Specific engine applications may require maintenance practices to be periodically evaluated in order to properly maintain the engine's cooling system.
Table 11 lists part numbers and quantities of Cat SCA that is available from your Caterpillar dealer.
| Caterpillar Liquid SCA | |
| Part Number | Quantity |
| 8C-3680 | 19 L (5 US gal) |
| 5P-2907 | 208 L (55 US gal) |
Coolant Capacities
To properly maintain the cooling system, the total cooling system capacity must be determined. The total cooling system capacity will vary between individual installations. The total cooling system capacity can include the following components: engine, expansion tank, heat exchanger, radiator, keel cooler and piping.
Refer to the specifications that are provided by Caterpillar or the OEM of the installation. Record the total cooling system capacity in the appropriate Table.
| Approximate Refill Capacity of the Cooling System | ||
|---|---|---|
| Compartment or System | Liters | US Gallons |
| Engine Only | 800 | 211 |
| External System (1) | ||
| Total Cooling System (1) | ||
| ( 1 ) | The capacity of the External System and the Total Coolant System is specific for each installation. |