Diesel Engine Oil
Cat Diesel Engine Oil (Cat DEO)
Cat oils have been developed and tested in order 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 Cold Weather DEO-ULS | SAE 0W-40 | |
| Diesel Engine Oil | Cat DEO | SAE 15W-40 |
| SAE 10W-30 | ||
Note: Cat DEO-ULS and Cat DEO multigrade oils are the preferred oils for use in this Cat Diesel Engine.
Commercial Oil
Note: Non-Cat commercial oils are second choice oils for your engine.
| NOTICE |
|---|
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 additional 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 3 (minimum temperature) in order to determine the required oil viscosity for starting a cold engine.
Refer to Table 3 (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.
| Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures for Cat Diesel Engines | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Sulfur Level percent (ppm) | Cat Engine Oils (1) | TBN of Commercial Engine Oils |
| 0.05 percent (500ppm) | Cat DEO-ULS Cat DEO |
Min 7 |
| >0.05-0.2 percent (>500- 2000 ppm) (2) | Cat DEO-ULS Cat DEO |
Min 7 |
| Above 0.1 percent (above 1000ppm) (3) (4) | Cat DEO (5) | Min 10 |
| ( 1 ) | Cat DEO-ULS applies to Cat DEO-ULS SAE 15W-40, SAE10W-30 and Cat DEO Cold Weather SAE 0W-40. Cat DEO applies to Cat DEO SAE 15W-40 and SAE 10W-30. |
| ( 2 ) | Use of an oil analysis program to determine oil drain intervals is strongly recommended if fuel sulfur is between 0.05% (500 ppm) and 0.5% (5000 ppm). |
| ( 3 ) | Use of an oil analysis program to determine oil drain intervals is required if fuel sulfur is above 0.5% (5000 ppm). |
| ( 4 ) | For fuels of sulfur levels that exceed 1.0 percent (10,000 ppm), refer to TBN and engine oil guidelines given in Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Cat Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations", "Engine Oil". |
| ( 5 ) | Cat DEO-ULS may be used if an oil analysis program is followed. High fuel sulfur levels may reduce the oil drain intervals. |
For more information, refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Cat Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations".
S·O·S Services Oil 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.
| NOTICE |
|---|
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 Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" in order to obtain additional information about S·O·S Services oil analysis. You can also contact your local Cat dealer.
Fuel
Note: Caterpillar strongly recommends the filtration of fuel through a fuel filter with a rating of four microns(c) absolute or less. This filtration should be located on the device that dispenses the fuel to the fuel tank for the engine. This filtration should also be located on the device that dispenses fuel from the bulk storage tank. Series filtration is recommended.
| NOTICE |
|---|
In order to meet expected fuel system component life, 4 micron(c) absolute or less secondary fuel filtration is required for all Cat Diesel Engines that are equipped with unit injected fuel systems. All current Cat Diesel Engines are factory equipped with Cat Advanced Efficiency 4 micron(c) absolute fuel filters. Caterpillar does not warrant the quality or performance of non-Cat fluids and filters. |
For more information, refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Cat Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" or consult your Cat dealer for further information.
Specifications for Distillate Diesel Fuel
Note: Diesel fuel used to operate a Cat Marine Diesel Engine which is certified to US EPA Tier 3 Standards must also meet the "Cat Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel for Off-Highway Diesel Engines". The acceptability of these fuels for use is determined on a case by case basis. A complete fuel analysis is required. Consult your Cat dealer for further information.
| NOTICE |
|---|
The footnotes are a key part of the "Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel for Off-Highway Diesel Engines" Table. Read ALL of the footnotes. |
| Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Fuel for Nonroad Diesel Engines | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Specifications | Requirements | ASTM Test | ISO Test |
| Aromatics | 35% maximum | "D1319" | "ISO 3837" |
| Ash | 0.01% maximum (weight) | "D482" | "ISO 6245" |
| Carbon Residue on 10% Bottoms | 0.35% maximum (weight) | "D524" | "ISO 4262" |
| Cetane Number (1) | 40 minimum (DI engines) | "D613" or "D6890" |
"ISO 5165" |
| 35 minimum (PC engines) | |||
| Cloud Point | The cloud point must not exceed the lowest expected ambient temperature. | "D2500" | "ISO 3015" |
| Copper Strip Corrosion | No. 3 maximum | "D130" | "ISO 2160" |
| Distillation | 10% at 282 °C (540 °F) maximum |
"D86" | "ISO 3405" |
| 90% at 360 °C (680 °F) maximum |
|||
| Flash Point | legal limit | "D93" | "ISO 2719" |
| Thermal Stability | Minimum of 80% reflectance after aging for 180 minutes at 150 °C (302 °F) |
"D6468" | No equivalent test |
| API Gravity (2) | 30 minimum | "D287" | No equivalent test |
| 45 maximum | |||
| Pour Point | 6 °C (10 °F) minimum below ambient temperature |
"D97" | "ISO 3016" |
| Sulfur | (3) | "D5453" or "D2622" |
ISO 20846 or ISO 20884 |
| Kinematic Viscosity | 1.4 cStminimum and 20.0 cSt maximum as delivered to the fuel injection pumps | - | - |
| 1.4 cSt minimum and 4.5 cSt maximum as delivered to the rotary fuel injection pumps | |||
| Water and Sediment | 0.05% maximum | "D1796" or "D2709" | "ISO 3734" |
| Water | 0.05% maximum | "D6304" | No equivalent test |
| Sediment | 0.05% maximum (weight) | "D473" | "ISO 3735" |
| Gums and Resins (4) | 10 mg per 100 mL maximum | "D381" | "ISO 6246" |
| ( 1 ) | Alternatively, to ensure a minimum cetane number of 35 (PC engines), and 40 (DI engines), distillate diesel fuel should have a minimum cetane index of 37.5 (PC engines), and 44.2 (DI engines) when the "ASTM D4737-96a" test method is used. A fuel with a higher cetane number may be required for operation at a higher altitude or in cold weather. |
| ( 2 ) | Via standards tables, the equivalent kg/m3 (kilograms per cubic meter) using the "ASTM D287" test method temperature of 15.56° C (60° F) for the minimum API gravity of 30 is 875.7 kg/m3, and for the maximum API gravity of 45 is 801.3 kg/m3. |
| ( 3 ) | Certain Cat fuel systems and engine components can operate on fuel with a maximum sulfur content of 3%. Contact your Cat dealer for guidance about appropriate maintenance intervals and fluids for engines operating on fuel with sulfur levels between 0.1% and 3%. |
| ( 4 ) | Follow the test conditions and procedures for gasoline (motor). |
Biodiesel
A biodiesel blend of up to 20 percent may be used in the engine when the fuel blend meets the recommendations in table 6 and meets the recommendations in Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Biodiesel". A blend of greater than 20 percent biodiesel may be acceptable in some cases. See your Cat dealer for more information.
Note: A complete Cat S·O·S Services oil analysis program is recommended strongly when using biodiesel blends above 5 percent.
| Biodiesel Blends for Cat Commercial Diesel Engines | ||
| Biodiesel blend stock | Final blend | Distillate diesel fuel used for blend |
| Caterpillar biodiesel specification, "ASTM D6751" or "EN14214" | B20: "ASTM D7467" and "API" gravity 30-45 | Caterpillar distillate diesel fuel specification, "ASTM D975" or "EN590" |
Fuel Additives
Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner
Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner is a proprietary formulation that has been extensively tested for use with distillate diesel fuels for use in Cat Diesel Engines. Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner is a high performance diesel fuel conditioner for use with lower quality fuels that do not meet the minimum requirements of any of the following:
- "Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel"
- National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) Premium Diesel definition (refer to the 2004 or newer National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) Handbook).
- EN590 (non-arctic)
- ASTM D975
Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner is the only fuel conditioner/additive available to the end user that is tested and approved by Caterpillar for use in Cat Diesel Engines.
Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Cat Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for information about the use of Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner.
Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner
Note: Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner is the only fuel system cleaner available to the end user that is tested and approved by Caterpillar for use in Cat Diesel Engines.
Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner is a proven high performance detergent product designed specifically for cleaning deposits that form in the fuel system. Deposits in the fuel system reduce system performance and can increase fuel consumption. Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner addresses the deposits formed due to the use of degraded diesel fuel, poor quality diesel fuel, and diesel fuel containing high quantities of high molecular weight compounds. Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner addresses deposits formed due to the use of biodiesel, biodiesel blends, and biodiesel that does not meet the appropriate quality specifications. Continued use of Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner is proven to inhibit the growth of new deposits.
Caterpillar strongly recommends that Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner be used with biodiesel and biodiesel blends. Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner is suitable for use with biodiesel/biodiesel blends that meet Caterpillar biodiesel recommendations and requirements. Not all fuel cleaners are suitable for use with biodiesel/biodiesel blends. Read and follow all applicable label usage instructions. Also, refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Cat Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations", "Distillate Diesel Fuel", article and also refer to the "Biodiesel" article, which includes Caterpillar biodiesel recommendations and requirements.
Aftermarket Fuel Additives
There are many different types of fuel additives that are available to use. Caterpillar does not generally recommend the use of fuel additives.
In special circumstances, Caterpillar recognizes the need for fuel additives. Use fuel additives with caution. The additive may not be compatible with the fuel. Some additives may precipitate. This action causes deposits in the fuel system. The deposits may cause seizure. Some additives may plug fuel filters. Some additives may be corrosive, and some additives may be harmful to the elastomers in the fuel system. Some additives may damage emission control systems. Some additives may raise fuel sulfur levels above the maximum levels that are allowed by the following agencies: EPA and other regulatory agencies. Contact your fuel supplier for those circumstances when fuel additives are required. Your fuel supplier can make recommendations for additives to use and for the proper level of treatment.
Note: For best results, your fuel supplier should treat the fuel when additives are needed.
Cooling System
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.
 |
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. |
 |
| NOTICE |
|---|
Never add coolant to an overheated engine. Engine damage could result. Allow the engine to cool first. |
| NOTICE |
|---|
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. |
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.
Coolant Recommendations
| Coolant Recommendations for use in Cat Diesel Engines | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommendations | Product | Service Hours (1) (2) (3) | Required Maintenance |
| Preferred | Cat ELC (Cat Extended Life Coolant) | 12000 hours or 6 years | Add Cat ELC Extender at 6000 service hours or one half of service life |
| Cat ELI (Cat Extended Life Inhibitor) | 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 concnetration 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 (Cat Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant) | 3000 hours or 3 years | SCA (Supplemental coolant additive) 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 |
| ( 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 | |
|---|---|
| Cat C7-C32 Marine Engines with heat exchangers | Minimum of 30% glycol is required. 50% Glycol is recommended. Water alone or water with SCA or with ELI is NOT allowed. |
| Cat diesel engines equipped with air-to-air aftercooling (ATAAC) | |
| NOTICE |
|---|
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 Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations".
Cat 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.
Note: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engines Fluids Recommendations" or contact your Cat dealer for additional information concerning the S·O·S program for coolant analysis.
Greases
If it is necessary to choose a single grease, always choose a grease that meets or exceeds the requirements of the most demanding application. Remember that the products which barely meet the minimum performance requirements can be expected to barely produce the minimum lives of your parts. False economy is being used if a grease is purchased with the lowest cost as the only consideration. Instead, use the grease that yields the lowest total operating cost. The cost should be based on an analysis that includes the costs of parts, labor, downtime, and the cost of the amount of grease that is required.
For more information, refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Cat Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations".