Caterpillar does not recommend the use of multigrade oils in the Marine Diesel Engines that are covered in this Operation and Maintenance Manual.
Multigrade oils use high molecular weight polymers as viscosity index improvers. When the crankcase blowby flows through the turbocharger and the aftercooler, the viscosity index improvers can adhere to the turbocharger compressor and aftercooler core.
The fouling of the turbocharger and aftercooler can cause reduced air flow, loss of power, and increased black smoke. The emission of black smoke results in buildup of soot on the transom of the boat.
Cat SAEO (Special Application Engine Oil)
Caterpillar recommends the use of Cat SAEO in Cat Marine Diesel Engines covered by this Operation and Maintenance Manual.
The factory-fill for these engines is Cat SAEO with the following properties:
- Meets all requirements of API CF-4 category
- Viscosity grade of SAE 30
Caterpillar recommends the following engine oil for maximum performance:
- Cat SAEO (SAE 30)
- Cat SAEO (SAE 40)
Note: Caterpillar recommends the use of single grade oils that pass all API CF-4 category requirements unless crankcase blowby has been routed away from the air cleaner inlet.
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Cat does not warrant the quality or performance of non-Cat fluids. |
When Cat SAEO is not used, use the following commercial oils:
- Single grade oil with a viscosity of SAE 30 or SAE 40 that meets all API CF category requirements is preferred.
- Single grade oil with a viscosity of SAE 30 or SAE 40 with an API CF additive package and no viscosity improvers is acceptable oil.
For an acceptable commercial single grade oil, consult your Cat dealer.
Some commercial oils that meet the requirements API CF-4 category may require reduced oil change intervals. To determine the oil change interval, closely monitor the condition of the oil and perform a wear metal analysis. Cat S·O·S Services oil analysis program is the preferred method.
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Failure to follow these oil recommendations can cause shortened engine service life due to deposits and/or excessive wear. |
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.
Total Base Number (TBN) and Fuel Sulfur Levels
The use of Cat S·O·S Services oil analysis is strongly recommended for determining oil life.
Note: The following information concerning oil life relative to used oil TBN level is provided for general information only, and is not the recommended method for determining oil life. If the one half of new oil TBN guideline that is stated below is used for determining oil life it must only be used in conjunction with a complete S·O·S Services oil analysis program.
Note: TBN is also commonly referred to as Base Number (BN).
The minimum required Total Base Number (TBN) for oil depends on the fuel sulfur level. For direct injection engines that use distillate fuel, the minimum new oil TBN must be ten times the fuel sulfur level. The TBN for new oil is typically determined by the "ASTM D2896" procedure.
Note: The minimum TBN of the new oil is 6.5 regardless of the fuel sulfur level. Reaching one half of new oil TBN is one of the condemning factors for diesel engine oil but, in order to help provide the best protection for your engine, Cat S·O·S Services oil analysis is the preferred method of determining oil life. For best results when determining oil life using the one half new oil TBN method, determine the new and used oil TBN using both the "ASTM D2896" and the "ASTM D4739" test methods. Change the oil when reaching one half of new oil TBN with either respective TBN test method using the results from which ever respective test method shows reaching one half of new oil TBN first.
Excessive piston deposits can be produced by oil with a high TBN and/or high ash. These deposits can lead to a loss of control of the oil consumption and to the polishing of the cylinder bore.
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Depending on application severity and localized environmental conditions, and also depending on maintenance practices, operating Direct Injection (DI) diesel engines and operating PC (Precombustion Chamber) diesel engines on fuel with sulfur levels over 0.1 percent (1000 ppm) may require significantly shortened oil change intervals in order to help maintain adequate wear protection. |
Consult with your Cat dealer regarding the testing that is required in establishing oil drain intervals that are optimized for your application.
Cat S·O·S Services oil analysis is:
- Recommended as a matter of course
- Very strongly recommended in order to determine oil drain intervals when operating on fuel with sulfur levels between 0.05% (500 ppm) and 0.5% (5000 ppm)
- Required in order to determine oil drain intervals when operating on fuel with sulfur levels that are above 0.5% (5000 ppm)
Note: Engine operating conditions play a key role in determining the effect that fuel sulfur will have on engine deposits and on engine wear. Consult your Cat dealer for guidance when fuel sulfur levels are above 0.1% (1000 ppm).
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 1 (minimum temperature) in order to determine the required oil viscosity for starting a cold engine.
Refer to Table 1 (maximum temperature) in order to select the oil viscosity for engine operation at the highest ambient temperature that is anticipated.
Generally, use the highest oil viscosity that is allowed for the ambient temperature at start-up.
| Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures(1) | ||
| Cat SAEO
Viscosity Grade |
Ambient Temperature | |
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| SAE 30 | |
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| SAE 40 | |
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| (1) | Supplemental heat is recommended for cold-soaked starts below the minimum ambient temperature. Supplemental heat may be required for cold-soaked starts that are above the minimum temperature that is stated, depending on the parasitic load and other factors. Cold-soaked starts occur when the engine has not been operated for a period of time, allowing the oil to become more viscous due to cooler ambient temperatures. |
Caterpillar has developed a maintenance tool that evaluates oil degradation. the maintenance management also detects the early signs of wear on internal components. The Cat 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 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.
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.
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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.
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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 maximum |
"D86" | "ISO 3405" |
| 90% at maximum |
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| Flash Point | legal limit | "D93" | "ISO 2719" |
| Thermal Stability | Minimum of 80% reflectance after aging for 180 minutes at |
"D6468" | No equivalent test |
| API Gravity (2) | 30 minimum | "D287" | No equivalent test |
| 45 maximum | |||
| Pour Point | |
"D97" | "ISO 3016" |
| Sulfur | (3) | "D5453"
or "D2622" |
ISO 20846
or ISO 20884 |
| Kinematic Viscosity | 1.4 cSt minimum 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 |
| (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). |
A biodiesel blend of up to 20 percent may be used in the engine when the fuel blend meets the recommendations in table 3 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" |
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.
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.
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. |
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 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) | |
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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 Diesel 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
Conventional Heavy-Duty Coolants |
Every 250 hours | Yearly(1) |
| Cat ELC
Cat ELI Commercial EC-1 Coolants |
Optional | 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.
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".