Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Recommendations
For use in Cat engines, DEF concentration must be 32.5 percent, meeting all requirements defined by "ISO 22241-1".
Caterpillar recommends the use of DEF available through the Cat parts ordering system for use in Cat engines equipped with SCR systems. Refer to Table 1 for part number information:
| Cat Part Number | Container Size |
|---|---|
| 350-8733 | 2.5 gal bottle |
| 350-8734 | 1000 L tote |
In North America, commercial DEF that is API approved and meets all the requirements defined in "ISO 22241-1" may be used in Cat engines that are equipped with SCR systems.
Outside of North America, commercial DEF that meets all requirements defined in "ISO 22241-1" may be used in Cat engines that are equipped with SCR systems.
The owner/operator should provide documentation to prove that the DEF is compliant with the requirements of "ISO 22241-1".
To obtain locations of DEF suppliers, call (888)-598-8186 or (309)-494-7532.
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Cat does not warrant the quality or performance of non-Cat fluids. |
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Do not use agriculture grade urea solutions. Do not use any fluids that do not meet "ISO 22241-1" Requirements in SCR emissions reduction systems. Use of these fluids can result in numerous problems including damage to SCR equipment and a reduction in NOx conversion efficiency. |
DEF is a solution of solid urea that is dissolved in demineralized water to produce a final concentration of 32.5 percent urea. DEF concentration of 32.5 percent is optimal for use in SCR systems. DEF solution of 32.5 percent urea has the lowest attainable freeze point of
Caterpillar offers a refractometer, Cat part number 360-0774, that can be used to measure DEF concentration. Follow the instructions provided with the instrument. Appropriate commercial portable refractometers can be used to determine urea concentration. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
Quality of DEF can degrade when stored and handled inappropriately or if DEF is not protected from contamination. Details are provided below.
If quality issues are suspected or a DEF quality fault is active, testing of DEF should focus on urea concentration, alkalinity as NH3 and Biuret content. DEF that does not pass all these tests should not be used.
DEF is corrosive. Due to the corrosion caused, DEF must be stored in tanks constructed of approved materials. Recommended storage materials:
Stainless Steels:
- 304 (S30400)
- 304L (S30403)
- 316 (S31600)
- 316L (S31603)
- 409 (S40900)
- 439 (S43035)
Alloys and metals:
- Chromium Nickel (CrNi)
- Chromium Nickel Molybdenum (CrNiMo)
- Titanium
Non-metallic materials:
- Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
- Polyisobutylene
- Teflon (PFA)
- Polyfluoroethylene (PFE)
- Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Materials NOT compatible with DEF solutions include Aluminum, Magnesium, Zinc, Nickel coatings, Silver, and Carbon steel and Solders containing any of the above. Unexpected reactions may occur if DEF solutions come in contact with any non-compatible material or unknown materials.
Follow all local regulations covering bulk storage tanks. Follow proper tank construction guidelines. Tank volume typically should be 110% of planned capacity. Appropriately vent indoor tanks. Plan for control of overflow of the tank. Heat tanks that dispense DEF in cold climates.
Bulk tank breathers should be fitted with filtration to keep airborne debris from entering the tank. Desiccant breathers should not be used because water will be absorbed, which potentially can alter DEF concentration.
Follow all local regulations covering transport and handling. DEF transport temperature is recommended to be
- Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
- Fluoroelastomer (FKM)
- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
The condition of hoses and other nonmetallic that are used with DEF should be monitored for signs of degradation. DEF leaks are easily recognizable by white urea crystals that accumulate at the site of the leak. Solid urea can be corrosive to galvanized or unalloyed steel, aluminum, copper, and brass. Leaks should be repaired immediately to avoid damage to surrounding hardware.
Contaminants can degrade the quality and life of DEF. Filtering DEF is required when dispensed into the DEF tank. Filters should be compatible with DEF and should be used exclusively with DEF. Check with the filter supplier to confirm compatibility with DEF before using. Mesh-type filters using compatible metals, such as stainless steel, are recommended. Paper (cellulose) media and some synthetic filter media are not recommended because of degradation during use.
Care should be taken when dispensing DEF. Spills should be cleaned immediately. Machine or engine surfaces should be wiped clean and rinsed with water. Caution should be used when dispensing DEF near an engine that has recently been running. Spilling DEF onto hot components will cause harmful vapors.
DEF fluid is stable when stored and handled properly. The quality of DEF rapidly degrades when stored at high temperatures. The ideal storage temperature for DEF is between
The length of storage of DEF is listed in the following table:
| Storage Temperature | Expected DEF Life |
|---|---|
| Below |
18 months |
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12 months |
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6 months |
| Above |
test quality before use |
Refer to "ISO 22241" document series for more information about DEF quality control.
Note: Dispose of all fluids according to applicable regulations and mandates.
General Characteristics of DEF
DEF with a concentration of 32.5 percent has a freezing point of
For more information, refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Cat Commercial Engine Fluids Recommendations".
Cat Diesel Engine Oil (Cat DEO)
Cat oils have been developed and tested to provide the full performance and service life that has been designed and built into Cat engines. Cat oils are currently used to fill Cat Diesel Engines at the factory. These oils are offered by Cat dealers for continued use when the engine oil is changed. Consult your Cat 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 Lubricants | Viscosity Grade | |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel Engine Oil-Ultra Low Sulfur | Cat DEO-ULS | SAE 15W-40 |
| SAE 10W-30 | ||
| Cat DEO-ULS SYN | SAE 5W-40 | |
| Cat Cold-Weather DEO-ULS | SAE 0W-40 | |
| Diesel Engine Oil | Cat DEO | SAE 15W-40 |
| SAE 10W-30 | ||
| Cat DEO SYN | SAE 5W-40 | |
Note: Cat DEO and Cat DEO-ULS multigrade oils are the preferred oils for use in this Cat Diesel Engine.
Note: Non-Cat commercial oils are second choice oils for your engine.
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Caterpillar does not warrant the quality or performance of non-Cat fluids. |
The three current Caterpillar ECF specifications are: Cat ECF-1-a, Cat ECF-2, and Cat ECF-3. Each higher Cat ECF specification provides increased performance over lower Cat ECF specifications.
A commercial oil must meet the following standards to be considered an equivalent of a Cat Diesel Engine Oil:
| Cat Engine Crankcase Fluids (ECF) Definitions | |
| Cat Performance Requirement | Cat ECF Specifications Requirements |
| Cat ECF-3 | API CJ-4 Oil Category performance requirements |
| Cat ECF-2 | API CI-4 / CI-4 PLUS Oil Category performance requirements |
| Passing standard Cat C13 engine test per API requirements | |
| Oils of sulfated ash > 1.50 percent are not allowed | |
| Cat ECF-1-a | API CH-4 Oil Category performance requirements |
| For oils that are between 1.30 percent and 1.50 percent sulfated ash, passing one more Cat 1P SCOTE test ("ASTM D6681") is required | |
| Oils of sulfated ash > 1.50 percent are not allowed | |
In selecting oil for any engine application, both of the following must be satisfied: the oil viscosity and the category of oil performance or the specification for oil performance . Using only one of these parameters will not sufficiently define oil for an engine application.
The proper SAE viscosity grade of oil is determined by the following temperatures: minimum ambient temperature during cold engine start-up and maximum ambient temperature during engine operation.
Refer to Table 5 (minimum temperature) to determine the required oil viscosity for starting a cold engine.
Refer to Table 5 (maximum temperature) 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.
| Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures
for Cat Diesel Engines |
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| Oil Type and Performance Requirements | Viscosity Grade | °C | °F | ||
| Min | Max | Min | Max | ||
| Cat ECF-1-a
Cat ECF-2 Cat ECF-3 |
SAE 0W-30 | −40 | 30 | −40 | 86 |
| Cat Cold-Weather DEO-ULS
Cat ECF-1-a Cat ECF-2 Cat ECF-3 |
SAE 0W-40 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 |
| Cat DEO-ULS
Cat ECF-1-a Cat ECF-2 Cat ECF-3 |
SAE 5W-30 | −30 | 30 | −22 | 86 |
| Cat DEO-ULS SYN
Cat DEO Cat ECF-1-a Cat ECF-2 Cat ECF-3 |
SAE 5W-40 | −30 | 50 | −22 | 122 |
| Cat ECF-1-a
Cat ECF-2 Cat ECF-3 |
SAE 10W-30 | −18 | 40 | 0 | 104 |
| Cat DEO-ULS
Cat DEO |
SAE 10W-40 | −18 | 50 | 0 | 122 |
| SAE 15W-40 | −9.5 | 50 | 15 | 122 | |
Note: A cold soaked start occurs when the engine has not been operated recently, allowing the oil to become more viscous due to cooler ambient temperatures. Supplemental heat is recommended for cold soaked starts below the minimum ambient temperature. Supplemental heat may be necessary for cold soaked starts that are above the minimum temperature depending on factors such as parasitic load.
Total Base Number (TBN) and Fuel Sulfur Levels
The use of Cat S·O·S Services oil analysis is recommended strongly for determining oil life.
The minimum required Total Base Number (TBN) for oil depends on the fuel sulfur level. The TBN for new oil is typically determined by the "ASTM D2896" procedure. For direct injection engines that use distillate fuel, the following guidelines apply:
| TBN recommendations for applications in Cat engines(1) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Sulfur Level percent (ppm) | Cat Engine Oils | TBN of Commercial Engine Oils |
| ≤0.05 percent (≤500 ppm) | Cat DEO-ULS
Cat DEO |
Min 7 |
| 0. 1- 0.05 percent (1000-500 ppm) | Cat DEO-ULS
Cat DEO |
Min 7 |
| Above 0.1 percent (above 1000 ppm)(2) | Cat DEO(3) | Min 10 |
| (1) | When using fuel with 0.10% sulfur (1000 ppm) or higher, refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Severe Service Application" for more information. |
| (2) | For fuels of sulfur levels that exceed 1.0 percent (10,000 ppm), refer to TBN and engine oil guidelines given in this section. |
| (3) | Cat DEO-ULS may be used if an oil analysis program is followed. Base the oil change interval on the analysis. |
Caterpillar has developed a maintenance tool that evaluates oil degradation. the maintenance management 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 four categories:
- Component wear rate
- Oil condition
- Oil contamination
- Identification of oil
These four types of analysis are used to monitor the condition of your equipment. The four types of analysis will also help you identify potential problems. A properly administered S·O·S oil analysis program will reduce repair costs and the program will lessen the impact of downtime.
The S·O·S Oil Analysis program uses a wide range of tests to determine the condition of the oil and the crankcase. Guidelines that are based on experience and a correlation to failures have been established for these tests. Exceeding one or more of these guidelines could indicate serious fluid degradation or a pending component failure. A trained person at your Cat dealership should make the final analysis.
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Always use a designated pump for oil sampling, and use a separate designated pump for coolant sampling. Using the same pump for both types of samples may contaminate the samples that are being drawn. This contaminate may cause a false analysis and an incorrect interpretation that could lead to concerns by both dealers and customers. |
Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Cat Commercial Engine Fluids Recommendations" to obtain additional information about S·O·S Services oil analysis. You can also contact your local Cat dealer.
Note: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Cat Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for complete information about the proper fluids for use in the cooling system.
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The cooling system operates under pressure which is controlled by the radiator pressure cap. Removing the cap while the system is hot may allow the escape of hot coolant and steam, causing serious burns. Before you remove the radiator cap, allow the system to cool. Use a thick cloth and turn the radiator cap slowly to the first stop to allow pressure to escape before fully removing the cap. Avoid contact with coolant. |
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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 in order to prevent damage caused by freezing coolant. |
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Never operate an engine without water temperature regulators in the cooling system. Water temperature regulators help to maintain the engine coolant at the proper operating temperature. Cooling system problems can develop without water temperature regulators. Removing the regulators allows some coolant to bypass the radiator, potentially causing overheating. |
A Cat Diesel Engine equipped with air-to-air aftercooling (ATAAC) requires a minimum of 30 percent glycol to help prevent water pump cavitation.
| Coolant Recommendations for Cat Diesel Engines | |||
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| Recommendations | Product | Service Hours(1)(2)(3) | Required Maintenance |
| Preferred | Cat ELC and Cat ELI | 12000 hours or 6 years | Add Cat ELC Extender at 6000 service hours or one half of service life |
| Min requirements | Cat EC-1 specification and "ASTM D6210" and
Organic Additive Technology (OAT) based on a combination of a monocarboxylic acid and a dicarboxylic acid Phosphate, borate, and silicate free Tolyltriazole: minimum typical concentration of 900 ppm Nitrite: minimum typical concentration of 500 ppm in new coolants |
6000 hours or 6 years | Add Extender at 3000 service hours or one half of service life |
| Acceptable | Cat DEAC | 3000 hours or 3 years | SCA at maintenance intervals |
| Cat SCA in water | 3000 hours or 2 years | SCA at maintenance intervals | |
| Min requirements for fully formulated Heavy-Duty Commercial coolants | "ASTM D6210" and
Nitrite (as NO2) concentration: Minimum of 1200 ppm (70 grains/US gal) and maximum of 2400 ppm (140 grains/US gal) Silicon concentration: minimum of 100 ppm and maximum of 275 ppm |
3000 hours or 2 years | SCA at maintenance intervals |
| Min requirements for Commercial coolants requiring SCA precharge | "ASTM D4985" and(1)
Nitrite (as NO2) concentration: Minimum of 1200 ppm (70 grains/US gal) and maximum of 2400 ppm (140 grains/US gal) Silicon concentration: minimum of 100 ppm and maximum of 275 ppm |
3000 hours or 1 year | SCA at initial fill and SCA at maintenance intervals |
| Min requirements for SCA and water | Commercial supplemental coolant additive and water | 3000 hours or 1 year | Per manufacturer recommendations |
| (1) | New Coolants at 50 volume percent diluted. Coolants that are prediluted at the coolant manufacturer must be diluted with water that meets Reagent 4 "ASTM D1193" requirements. |
| (2) | Maintain the in-service coolant at the given limits. |
| (3) | When referring to the service hours, use the interval that occurs first. These coolant change intervals are only achievable with annual S·O·S Services Level 2 coolant sampling analysis. |
| Special Requirements(1) | |
|---|---|
| Cat diesel engines equipped with air-to-air aftercooling (ATAAC) | Minimum of 30% glycol is required. 50% Glycol is recommended. Water alone or water with SCA or with ELI is NOT allowed. |
| Cat C7-C32 marine engines with engine-mounted heat exchangers and raw water aftercoolers (SWAC(2)) | |
| Cat 3618 engine model | Water-based ELI is recommended. Water-based SCA is acceptable. Glycol-based coolants are NOT allowed. |
| Cat C18 SCAC(3), Cat C32 SCAC, and Cat 3500C Tier 3 certified marine engines | Maximum of 20% glycol is allowed in the aftercooler circuit.(4)
(not applicable to the jacket water circuit, which can use 50% glycol) |
| (1) | Water-based ELI and SCA are not recommended for use in applications that require freeze protection. |
| (2) | SWAC: seawater aftercoolers |
| (3) | SCAC: Separate Circuit Aftercooler |
| (4) | For freezing protection of |
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Use Only Approved SCAs and Extenders Conventional coolants require the maintenance addition of SCA throughout the expected life of the coolants. Do NOT use an SCA with a coolant unless approved specifically by the coolant supplier. The coolant manufacturer is responsible for ensuring compatibility and acceptable performance. To help ensure expected performance, EC-1 coolants require the one time maintenance addition of an extender at coolant service mid-life. Do not use an extender with a coolant unless the extender has been approved specifically for use by the coolant manufacturer. The coolant manufacturer is responsible for ensuring compatibility and acceptable performance. Failure to follow these recommendations can result in shortened cooling system component life. |
Cat ELC can be recycled into conventional coolants.
For more information, refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Cat Commercial Engine Fluids Recommendations".
S·O·S Services Coolant Analysis
Testing the engine coolant is important to ensure that the engine is protected from internal cavitation and corrosion. The analysis also tests the ability of the coolant to protect the engine from boiling and freezing. S·O·S coolant analysis can be done at your Cat dealer. Cat 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.
| Recommended Interval | ||
| Type of Coolant | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| Cat DEAC
Cat SCA Conventional Heavy-Duty Coolants |
Every 250 hours | Yearly(1) |
| Cat ELC
Cat ELI Commercial EC-1 Coolants |
Optional(1) | Yearly(1) |
| (1) | The Level 2 Coolant Analysis should be performed sooner if a problem is suspected or identified. |
Note: Check the SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive) of the conventional coolant at every oil change or at every 250 hours. Perform this check at the interval that occurs first.
S·O·S Services 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.
S·O·S Services 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 cooling system.
The S·O·S coolant analysis (Level 2) has the following features:
- Full coolant analysis (Level 1)
- Identification of metal corrosion and of contaminants
- Identification of buildup of the impurities that cause corrosion
- Identification of buildup of the impurities that cause scaling
- Determination of the possibility of electrolysis within the cooling system of the engine
The results are reported, and appropriate recommendations are made.
For more information on S·O·S coolant analysis, consult your Cat dealer.