| NOTICE |
|---|
Every attempt is made to provide accurate, up-to-date information. By the use of this document, you agree that Caterpillar Inc. is not responsible for errors or omissions. |
| NOTICE |
|---|
These recommendations are subject to change without prior notice. Contact your Caterpillar dealer for the most up to date recommendations. |
Note: Instructions for the installation of the filter are printed on the side of each Cat spin-on filter. For filters that are not Cat filters, refer to the installation instructions that are provided by the supplier of the filter.
Lubricant Recommendations
Due to significant variations in the quality and in the performance of commercially available oils, Caterpillar makes the following recommendations:
- Cat Natural Gas Engine Oil (NGEO)
- Cat EL250 Natural Gas Engine Oil (NGEO)
- Cat EL350 Natural Gas Engine Oil (NGEO)
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 | ||
| Cat NGEO Grade of Viscosity |
Ambient Temperature | |
| Minimum | Maximum | |
| SAE 30 (1) | 0 °C (32 °F) |
40 °C (104 °F) |
| SAE 40 (1) (2) | 5 °C (41 °F) |
50 °C (122 °F) |
| ( 1 ) | Cat NGEO is available in these grades only. Multigrade oils are NOT recommended for use in Cat Gas Engines. If other grades of viscosity are selected, ensure that the oil meets the requirements for Cat Gas Engines. |
| ( 2 ) | Currently unavailable in North America |
For further information about oils, see Special Publication, SEBU6400, "Caterpillar Gas Engine Lubricant, Fuel, and Coolant Recommendations".
Fuel Recommendations
Cat gas engines will operate successfully in the range found in Special Instructions, REHS9280, "Air/Fuel Ratio Setup for Certain G3306B Engines". Contact your Cat dealer before using fuels such as wellhead gas, bio-gas, and manufactured gas.
Coolant Recommendations
During shipping and storage, the engine must be protected from damage that can be caused by freezing of the cooling system. The cooling system must contain antifreeze that will withstand the lowest ambient temperature If the engine is shipped to a site with freezing temperatures and if the engine is stored in a location with freezing temperatures. Frequently check the concentration of glycol in the coolant/antifreeze. Make sure that the concentration is adequate in order to prevent freezing. If the coolant may be subject to freezing conditions, completely drain the cooling system.
Coolant/antifreeze is normally composed of three elements: water, glycol and additives. Each element must meet specific guidelines.
Water
Deionized water or distilled 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 2.
| Caterpillar Minimum Acceptable Water Requirements | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property | Maximum Limit | ASTM Test | ||
| Chloride (Cl) | 40 mg/L (2.4 gr per US gal) |
"D512", "D4327" | ||
| Sulfate (SO4) | 100 mg/L (5.9 gr per US gal) |
"D516" | ||
| Total Hardness | 170 mg/L (10 gr per US gal) |
"D1126" | ||
| Total Solids | 340 mg/L (20 gr per US gal) |
"D1888" | ||
| Acidity | pH of 5.5 to 9.0 | "D1293" | ||
| NOTICE |
|---|
Use of water that does not meet the recommendations for the cooling system will damage the cooling system. Do not use these types of water in the cooling system: sea water, softened water that has been conditioned with salt, hard water and tap water. Only use water that meets the recommendations for the cooling system. |
If you are not sure about the properties of your water, consult one of the following sources for a water analysis:
- Cat dealer
- Local water utility company
- Agricultural agent
- Independent laboratory
Glycol
| NOTICE |
|---|
Do not use Extended Life Coolant (ELC) with Cat Gas Engines. ELC was not formulated for use in Cat Gas Engines. Do not use heat transfer fluids in Cat Gas Engines. Use only the coolant/antifreeze that is recommended. |
Preferred - Cat Natural Gas Engine Coolant (NGEC)
Alternatively, use Cat Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant (DEAC) or a commercial heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze that meets "ASTM D6210" or "ASTM D4985" specifications.
| NOTICE |
|---|
Do not use a commercial coolant/antifreeze that only meets the ASTM "D3306" or equivalent specification. This type of coolant/antifreeze is made for light duty automotive applications. Use only the coolant/antifreeze that is recommended. |
Acceptable - In applications that do not require protection from boiling or freezing, a mixture of water with the properties listed in Table 2 and Cat SCA is acceptable.
Note: The preferred coolant/antifreeze and the acceptable mixture of SCA and water require different concentrations of SCA. Refer to the Special Publication, SEBU6400, "Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)" topic.
Table 3 is a list of the coolant/antifreeze that is recommended for Cat Gas Engines. The service life of the coolant/antifreeze that is used in Cat Gas Engines is also listed. To achieve this service life, the coolants must be maintained properly. The maintenance program includes S·O·S coolant analysis.
| Recommended Coolant/Antifreeze and Service Life of the Coolant/Antifreeze | |
| Coolant/Antifreeze | Service Life |
| Cat NGEC | Three Years |
| Cat DEAC | |
| Commercial Heavy-Duty Coolant/Antifreeze that meets "ASTM D6210" | Two Years |
| Commercial Heavy-Duty Coolant/Antifreeze that meets "ASTM D4985" | One Year |
| Cat SCA and Water | Two Years |
| Commercial SCA and Water | One Year |
Additives
Preferred - Cat Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)
Acceptable - A commercial SCA that provides 1200 mg/L (70 gr per US gal) or 1200 ppm of nitrites in the final mixture of coolant/antifreeze
Note: A 50/50 concentration of Cat NGEC or of Cat DEAC does not require a treatment with an SCA at the initial fill. Commercial heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze that meets "ASTM D6210" or "ASTM D4985" specifications may require a treatment with an SCA at the initial fill. Read the label or the instructions that are provided by the OEM of the product.
To ensure that the correct amount of SCA is in the cooling system, the concentration of SCA must be tested on a scheduled basis. Obtain an S·O·S coolant analysis (Level 1) or use a test kit to check the concentration of the SCA according to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Maintenance Interval Schedule".
For further information on coolant, see Special Publication, SEBU6400, "Caterpillar Gas Engine Lubricant, Fuel, and Coolant Recommendations".