C3.3 Industrial Engine Caterpillar

Engine Oil

API Oils

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.

Illustration 1	g00546535
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.

Note: When oil meets more than one API classification, the applicable footnote is determined by the highest API classification that is met.

Example - An oil meets both the API CH-4 and the API CF oil classifications. In this case, the API CH-4 applies.

Cat DEO (Diesel Engine Oil)

Caterpillar Oils have been developed and tested in order to provide the full performance and service life that has been designed and built into Caterpillar Engines. Caterpillar Oils are currently used to fill diesel engines at the factory. These oils are offered by Caterpillar dealers for continued use when the engine oil is changed. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for more information on these oils.

Due to significant variations in the quality and in the performance of commercially available oils, Caterpillar makes the following recommendations:

• Cat DEO (Diesel Engine Oil) (10W-30)

• Cat DEO (Diesel Engine Oil) (15W-40)

Caterpillar multigrade DEO is formulated with the correct amounts of detergents, dispersants, and alkalinity in order to provide superior performance in Caterpillar Diesel Engines.

Caterpillar multigrade DEO is available in various viscosity grades that include SAE 10W-30 and SAE 15W-40. To choose the correct viscosity grade for the ambient temperature, see Table 2. Multigrade oils provide the correct viscosity for a broad range of operating temperatures.

Multigrade oils are effective in maintaining low oil consumption and low levels of piston deposits.

Caterpillar multigrade DEO can be used in other diesel engines and in gasoline engines. See the engine manufacturer's guide for the recommended specifications. Compare the specifications to the specifications of Caterpillar multigrade DEO. The current industry standards for Caterpillar DEO are listed on the product label and on the data sheets for the product.

Consult your Caterpillar dealer for part numbers and for available sizes of containers.

Note: Caterpillar SAE 15W-40 multigrade DEO exceeds the performance requirements for the following API classifications: CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF-4 and CF. The Caterpillar multigrade DEO exceeds the requirements of the Caterpillar specification that is ECF-1 (Engine Crankcase Fluid-1). The Caterpillar SAE 15W-40 multigrade DEO passes the following proprietary tests: sticking of the piston ring, oil control tests, wear tests and soot tests. Proprietary tests help ensure that Caterpillar multigrade oil provides superior performance in Caterpillar Diesel Engines. In addition, Caterpillar multigrade oil exceeds many of the performance requirements of other manufacturers of diesel engines. Therefore, this oil is an excellent choice for many mixed fleets. True high performance oil is produced with a combination of the following factors: industry standard tests, proprietary tests, field tests and prior experience with similar formulations. The design and the development of Caterpillar lubricants that are both high performance and high quality are based on these factors.

Note: Non-Caterpillar commercial oils are second choice oils.

Commercial Oils

Note: If Caterpillar Multigrade DEO is not used, use only commercial oils that meet the following classifications.

• API CH-4 multigrade oils and API CI-4 multigrade oils are acceptable if the requirements of Caterpillar's ECF-1 (Engine Crankcase Fluid specification-1) are met. CH-4 oils and CI-4 oils that have not met the requirements of Caterpillar's ECF-1 Specification may cause reduced engine life.

• API CG-4 multigrade oils are acceptable for all Caterpillar diesel engines. When the API CG-4 oils are used, the oil drain interval should not exceed the standard oil drain interval for your engine.

• API CF-4 multigrade oils are not recommended for this series of diesel engines. For all other smaller commercial diesel engines, the oil drain interval should not exceed 50 percent of the standard oil drain interval for your engine.

In order to make the proper choice of a commercial oil, refer to the following explanations:

API CI-4 - API CI-4 oils were developed in order to meet the requirements of high performance diesel engines that use cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR). API CI-4 oils are acceptable if the requirements of Caterpillar's ECF-1 (Engine Crankcase Fluid specification-1) are met.

API CH-4 - API CH-4 oils were developed in order to protect low emissions diesel engines that use a 0.05 percent level of fuel sulfur. However, API CH-4 oils may be used with higher sulfur fuels. API CH-4 oils are acceptable if the requirements of Caterpillar's ECF-1 (Engine Crankcase Fluid specification-1) are met.

Note: CH-4 oils and CI-4 oils that have not met the requirements of Caterpillar's ECF-1 Specification may cause reduced engine life.

Note: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information that relates to lubrication for your engine.

Lubricant Viscosity Recommendations

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.

Refer to Table 2 (minimum temperature) in order to determine the required oil viscosity for starting a cold engine.

Refer to Table 2 (maximum temperature) in order to select the oil viscosity for engine operation at the highest ambient temperature that is anticipated.

Note: Generally, use the highest oil viscosity that is available to meet the requirement for the temperature at start-up.

If ambient temperature conditions at engine start-up require the use of multigrade SAE 0W oil, SAE 0W-40 viscosity grade is preferred over SAE 0W-20 or SAE 0W-30.

Note: Supplemental heat is recommended below the minimum recommended ambient temperature.

S·O·S Oil Analysis

Caterpillar has developed a tool for maintenance management that evaluates oil degradation and the tool also detects the early signs of wear on internal components. The Caterpillar tool for oil analysis is called S·O·S Oil Analysis and the tool is part of the S·O·S Services program. S·O·S Oil Analysis divides oil analysis into three categories:

• Wear Analysis

• Oil condition

• Additional tests

The wear analysis monitors metal particles, some oil additives, and some contaminants.

Oil condition uses infrared (IR) analysis to evaluate the chemistry of the oil. Infrared analysis is also used to detect certain types of contamination.

Additional tests are used to measure contamination levels from water, fuel, or coolant. Oil viscosity and corrosion protection can be evaluated, as needed.

Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" or contact your local Caterpillar dealer for additional information concerning the S·O·S Oil Analysis program.

Refill Capacities for the Lubrication System

The refill capacities for the engine crankcase reflect the approximate capacity of the crankcase or sump plus standard oil filters. Auxiliary oil filter systems will require additional oil. Refer to the OEM specifications for the capacity of the auxiliary oil filter.

Lubricating Grease

Caterpillar provides a range of moderate greases to extremely high performance greases in order to service the entire line of Caterpillar products that operate throughout the wide variety of climates. From this variety of Caterpillar grease products, you will find at least one of the Caterpillar greases that will satisfy the performance requirements for any machine or equipment application.

Before selecting a grease for any application, the performance requirements must be determined. Consult the grease recommendations that are made by the OEM for the equipment when the equipment is operated in the expected conditions. Then, consult with your Caterpillar dealer for a list of greases and the following related characteristics.

• Performance specifications

• Available sizes of containers

• Part numbers

Always choose a grease that satisfies the recommendations that are specified by the equipment manufacturer for the application.

Note: If it is necessary to choose a single grease to use for all of the equipment at one site, always choose a grease that satisfies the requirements of the most demanding application.

Do not use the cost per pound as the only factor when you choose a grease. Use the grease that yields the lowest total cost of operation. The cost analysis should include the following factors:

• Parts

• Labor

• Downtime

• Cost of the grease

Greases that barely meet the minimum performance requirements can be expected to barely produce the minimum life of the parts.

Note: Take care when you change the type of grease. Take care when you change to a different supplier of grease. Some greases are not chemically compatible. Some brands of grease can not be interchanged. If you are in doubt about the compatibility of the old grease and the new grease, purge all of the old grease from the joint. Consult your supplier in order to determine if the greases are compatible.

Note: All Caterpillar brand of greases are compatible with each other.

Note: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information that relates to lubrication for your engine.

General Fuel Information

Diesel fuels that meet the Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel are recommended. These fuels 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. Diesel fuels from other sources could exhibit detrimental properties that are not defined or controlled by this specification.

Note: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for the Caterpillar Specification for distillate fuel and for additional information that relates to fuel for your engine.

Refill Capacities for the Fuel System

Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual that is provided by the OEM for capacities of the fuel system.

General Coolant Information

Clean the cooling system for the following reasons:

• Contamination of the cooling system

• Overheating of the engine

• Foaming of the coolant

Note: Air pockets can form in the cooling system if the cooling system is filled at a rate that is greater than 5 L (1.3 US gal) per minute.

After you drain the cooling system and after you refill the cooling system, operate the engine. Operate the engine without the filler cap until the coolant reaches normal operating temperature and the coolant level stabilizes. Ensure that the coolant is maintained to the proper level.

Refer to Special Instruction, SEBD0518, "Know Your Cooling System" and Special Instruction, SEBD0970, "Coolant and Your Engine" for more detailed information.

Many engine failures are related to the cooling system. The following problems are related to cooling system failures: overheating, leakage of the water pump, plugged radiators or heat exchangers and pitting of the cylinder liners.

These failures can be avoided with proper cooling system maintenance. Cooling system maintenance is as important as maintenance of the fuel system and the lubrication system. Quality of the coolant is as important as the quality of the fuel and the lubricating oil.

Coolant is normally composed of three elements: water, additives and glycol.

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.

DO NOT use the following types of water in cooling systems: hard water, softened water that has been conditioned with salt and sea water.

If distilled water or deionized water is not available, use water with the properties that are listed in Table 4.

For a water analysis, consult one of the following sources:

• Caterpillar dealer

• Local water utility company

• Agricultural agent

• Independent laboratory

Additives

Additives help to protect the metal surfaces of the cooling system. A lack of coolant additives or insufficient amounts of additives enable the following conditions to occur:

• Corrosion

• Formation of mineral deposits

• Rust

• Scale

• Pitting and erosion from cavitation of the cylinder liner

• Foaming of the coolant

Many additives are depleted during engine operation. These additives must be replaced periodically. This can be done by adding Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCA) to Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant (DEAC) or by adding ELC Extender to Extended Life Coolant (ELC).

Additives must be added at the proper concentration. Overconcentration of additives can cause the inhibitors to drop out-of-solution. The deposits can enable the following problems to occur:

• Formation of gel compounds

• Reduction of heat transfer

• Leakage of the water pump seal

• Plugging of radiators, coolers, and small passages

Glycol

Glycol in the coolant helps to provide protection against the following conditions:

• Boiling

• Freezing

• Cavitation of the water pump and the cylinder liner

For optimum performance, Caterpillar recommends a 1:1 mixture of a water/glycol solution.

Note: Use a mixture that will provide protection against the lowest ambient temperature.

Note: 100 percent pure glycol will freeze at a temperature of −23 °C (−9 °F).

Most conventional heavy-duty coolants and antifreezes use ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol may also be used. In a 1:1 mixture with water, ethylene and propylene glycol provide similar protection against freezing and boiling. See Tables 5 and 6.

To check the concentration of glycol, use the 1U-7298 Coolant/Battery Tester (Degrees Celsius) or use the 1U-7297 Coolant/Battery Tester (Degrees Fahrenheit). The testers give readings that are immediate and accurate. The testers can be used with ethylene or propylene glycol.

Coolant Recommendations

The following two coolants are used in Caterpillar diesel engines:

Preferred - Caterpillar Extended Life Coolant (ELC) or a commercial extended life coolant that meets the Caterpillar EC-1 specification

Acceptable - Caterpillar Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant (DEAC) or a commercial heavy-duty coolant that meets "ASTM D4985", or "ASTM D6210" specifications

Caterpillar recommends a 1:1 mixture of water and glycol. This mixture of water and glycol will provide optimum heavy-duty performance as a coolant or antifreeze.

Note: Caterpillar DEAC does not require a treatment with an SCA at the initial fill. A commercial heavy-duty coolant that meets "ASTM D4985" or "ASTM D6210" specifications MAY require a treatment with an SCA at the initial fill. These coolants WILL require a treatment with an SCA on a maintenance basis.

Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information that relates to coolant.

S·O·S Coolant Analysis

S·O·S Coolant Analysis (Level 1)

A coolant analysis (Level 1) is a test of the properties of the coolant.

The following properties of the coolant are tested:

• Glycol concentration for freeze protection and boil protection

• Ability to protect from erosion and corrosion

• pH

• Conductivity

• Visual analysis

• Odor analysis

The results are reported, and appropriate recommendations are made.

Refer to the Maintenance Interval Schedule in this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 1) - Obtain" for a sampling location and the maintenance interval for collecting the coolant samples.

S·O·S Coolant Analysis (Level 2)

A coolant analysis (Level 2) is a comprehensive chemical evaluation of the coolant. This analysis is also a check of the overall condition of the inside of the cooling system.

The S·O·S Coolant Analysis has the following features:

• Full coolant analysis (Level 1)

• Identification of the source of metal corrosion and of contaminants

• Water hardness

• Identification of buildup of the impurities that cause corrosion

• Identification of buildup of the impurities that cause scaling

The results are reported, and appropriate recommendations are made.

Refer to the Maintenance Interval Schedule in this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 2) - Obtain" for a sampling location and the maintenance interval for collecting the coolant samples.

Testing the engine coolant is important to ensure that the engine is protected from internal cavitation and from corrosion. The analysis also tests the ability of the coolant to protect the engine from boiling and from freezing. The S·O·S Coolant Analysis can be done at your Caterpillar dealer. Caterpillar S·O·S Coolant Analysis is the best way to monitor the condition of your coolant and your cooling system. S·O·S Coolant Analysis is a program that is based on periodic samples.

Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information.

Refill Capacity of the Cooling System

To maintain the cooling system, the Total Cooling System capacity must be known. The approximate capacity for the "Engine Only" cooling system is listed. External System capacities will vary among applications. Refer to the OEM specifications for the External System capacity. This capacity information will be needed in order to determine the amount of coolant that is required for the Total Cooling System.