Ambient temperature is the temperature of the air in the immediate vicinity of the machine. This may differ due to the machine application from the generic ambient temperature for a geographic region. When selecting the proper oil viscosity for use, review both the regional ambient temperature and the potential ambient temperature for a given machine application. Generally, use the higher temperature as the criterion for the selection of the oil viscosity. Generally, use the highest oil viscosity that is allowed for the ambient temperature when you start the machine. Refer to the “Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures” tables for guidance. In cold weather applications, the preferred method is to use properly sized machine compartment heaters and a higher viscosity grade oil. Thermostatically controlled heaters that circulate the oil are preferred.
The proper oil viscosity grade is determined by the minimum ambient temperature (the air in the immediate vicinity of the machine). This is the temperature when the machine is started and while the machine is operated. In order to determine the proper oil viscosity grade, refer to the “Min” column in the table. This information reflects the coldest ambient temperature condition for starting a cold machine and for operating a cold machine. Refer to the “Max” column in the table in order to select the oil viscosity grade for operating the machine at the highest temperature that is anticipated. Unless specified otherwise in the “Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures” tables, use the highest oil viscosity that is allowed for the ambient temperature when you start the machine.
Machines that are operated continuously should use oils that have the higher oil viscosity in the final drives and in the differentials. The oils that have the higher oil viscosity will maintain the highest possible oil film thickness. Refer to “General Information for Lubricants” article, “Lubricant Viscosities” tables, and any associated footnotes. Consult your Caterpillar dealer if additional information is needed.
Note: SAE 0W and SAE 5W oils, where allowed for use in non-hydraulic system compartments, are generally not recommended for use in machines that are operated continuously and/or are heavily loaded. Refer to the “Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures” tables for guidance. The oils that have the higher oil viscosity will maintain the highest possible oil film thickness. Consult your Caterpillar dealer if additional information is needed.
Note: Oil viscosity grade selection is also machine compartment specific. For guidance on selecting oil viscosity, refer to the “Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures” tables.
Note: Generally, use the highest oil viscosity that is available to meet the requirement for the temperature at start-up.
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Proper oil viscosity AND oil type/specification are required to maximize machine compartment performance and life. Do NOT use only oil viscosity, or only oil type to determine the machine compartment oil selection. Using only the oil viscosity or only the oil type to determine a machine compartment oil selection can lead to reduced performance and compartment failure. Refer to the “Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures” tables and to ALL of the associated footnotes. |
| NOTICE |
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Not following the recommendations found in the “Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures” tables and associated footnotes can lead to reduced performance and compartment failure. |
General Information for Lubricants
The information provided in this “Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures” article and Tables should be used in conjunction with the information provided in the Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations".
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Caterpillar does not warrant the quality or performance of non-Caterpillar fluids and greases. |
| NOTICE |
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Do NOT use only the oil viscosities when determining the recommended oil for an engine compartment. The oil type (performance requirements) MUST also be used. |
Note: Only use the oil type and the specification that is recommended for the various machine compartments.
Note: Some machine compartments allow the use of more than one oil type. For the best results, do not mix oil types.
Note: Different brand oils may use different additive packages to meet the various machine compartment performance specification recommendations. For the best results, do not mix oil brands.
Note: The availability of the various Caterpillar oils will vary by region.
Note: SAE 10W viscosity grade oil used in most Caterpillar machine compartments must have a minimum viscosity of 5.8 cSt at
Note: The minimum acceptable viscosity for commercial alternative oils in most Caterpillar machine hydraulic and hydrostatic transmission systems is 6.6 cSt at
Note: Caterpillar oils are the preferred oils.
| Recommendations for powertrain, transmissions, and hydraulics Fluids and Caterpillar Performance Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preferred | Minimum acceptable Performance Requirements for commercial oils | Application |
| Cat HYDO Advanced | Per Product Data Sheet requirements | Hydraulic systems and Hydrostatic Transmissions |
| Cat Bio HYDO Advanced | Cat BF-2 | Hydraulic systems and Hydrostatic transmissions requiring biodegradable fluids |
| Cat TDTO | Cat TO-4 | Powershift transmissions, some direct drive transmissions, final drives, differentials and transfer drives of many machines |
| Cat TDTO-TMS | Cat TO-4M | |
| Cat ATF | Cat AT-1 | On-Highway truck Automatic transmissions |
| Cat FDAO, Cat FDAO SYN | Cat FD-1 | Highly loaded final drives and axles that do not have friction materials |
| Cat GO | API GL-5 | Gears and roller bearings where extreme pressure additives are required. |
When you are operating the machine in temperatures below
For cold weather applications where transmission oil SAE 0W-20 is recommended, Cat Cold Weather TDTO is the first choice oil. Second choice for cold weather transmission applications are commercial oils of full synthetic basestock that do not have viscosity index improvers and do meet the performance requirements of the Cat TO-4 specification. Typical lubricant viscosity grades are SAE 0W-20, SAE 0W-30, and SAE 5W-30. Commercial oils that contain a Cat TO-4 additive package and a lubricant viscosity grade of SAE 0W-20, SAE 0W-30, or SAE 5W-30 are a last choice.
Caterpillar has determined that Medium Wheel Loaders equipped with the High Ambient Cooling Attachment can operate with Cat HYDO Advanced 10 Hydraulic System Oil in ambient temperatures from
The footnotes are a key part of the tables. Read ALL footnotes that pertain to the machine compartment in question.
Refer to the “Lubricant Information” section in the latest revision of the Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for a list of Cat engine oils and for detailed information.
Supplemental heat is recommended for cold-soaked starts below the minimum ambient temperature. The parasitic load and other factors will determine if supplemental heat is required for cold-soaked starts that are above the minimum temperature that is stated. Cold-soaked starts occur when the engine has not been operated for a period of time. The oil becomes more viscous due to cooler ambient temperatures.
Cat DEO-ULS and Cat DEO multigrade oils are the preferred oils for use in ALL Cat diesel engines. Commercial alternative diesel engine oils are, as a group, second choice oils.
Cat DEO-ULS or oils that meet the Cat ECF-3 specification and the API CJ-4 oil category are required for use in nonroad Tier 4 United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) certified engines that are equipped with aftertreatment devices.
Cat DEO-ULS or oils that meet the Cat ECF-3 specification and the API CJ-4 are required for use in the applications listed below. If oils meeting the Cat ECF-3 specification and the API CJ-4 specifications are not available, oils meeting ACEA E9 may be used. ACEA E9 oils meet the chemical limits designed to maintain aftertreatment device life. ACEA E9 oils are validated using some but not all ECF-3 and API CJ-4 standard engine performance tests. Consult your oil supplier when considering use of an oil that is not Cat ECF-3 or API CJ-4 qualified.
- Nonroad EU Stage IIIB and IV type-approved engines that are equipped with aftertreatment devices
- Nonroad Japan Step 4 approved engines that are equipped with aftertreatment devices
Cat DEO-ULS and oils meeting the Cat ECF-3 specification and the API CJ-4 and ACEA E9 oil categories have the following chemical limits:
- 1 percent maximum sulfated ash
- 0.12 percent maximum phosphorous
- 0.4 percent maximum sulfur
The chemical limits were developed in order to maintain the expected aftertreatment devices life, performance and service intervals. Use of oils other than Cat DEO-ULS or oils that do not meet the Cat ECF-3 specification and the API CJ-4 oil category (and/or ACEA E9 category for EU and Japan specific applications listed above) in aftertreatment-equipped engines can negatively impact performance of the aftertreatment devices, can contribute to Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) plugging and/or can cause the need for more frequent DPF ash service intervals. Refer to your engine specific Operation and Maintenance Manual, and refer to your aftertreatment device documentation, if available, for additional guidance.
Typical aftertreatment systems include the following:
- Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF)
- Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC)
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
- Lean NOx Traps (LNT)
Other systems may apply.
Cat DEO-ULS and Cat DEO are recommended for all pre-Tier 4 engines that use Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) or Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) fuels.
Cat DEO is recommended for engines using fuels of sulfur levels that exceed 0.1 percent (1000 ppm). Cat DEO-ULS may be used in these applications if an oil analysis program is followed. The oil change interval may be affected by the fuel sulfur level.
Cat DEO-ULS SYN and Cat DEO SYN are SAE 5W-40 viscosity grade oils.
Cat Cold Weather DEO-ULS is an SAE 5W-40 viscosity grade oil.
Cat ECF refers to Engine Crankcase Fluid specifications. Commercial alternative diesel engine oils must meet one or more of these Cat ECF specifications.
If ambient temperature conditions at engine start-up require the use of multigrade SAE 0W oil, SAE 0W-40 viscosity grade is generally preferred over SAE 0W-30.
| Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compartment or System | Oil Type and Performance Requirements | Oil Viscosities | °C | °F | ||
| Min | Max | Min | Max | |||
| Engine Crankcase for all Machines | Cat DEO-ULS
Cat DEO Cat DEO-ULS SYN Cat DEO SYN Cat Cold Weather DEO-ULS Cat ECF-1-a, Cat ECF-2, Cat ECF-3 |
SAE 0W-40 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 |
| SAE 5W-30 | −30 | 30 | −22 | 86 | ||
| SAE 0W-30 | −40 | 30 | −40 | 86 | ||
| SAE 5W-40 | −30 | 50 | −22 | 122 | ||
| SAE 10W-30 | −18 | 40 | 0 | 104 | ||
| SAE 10W-40 | −18 | 50 | 0 | 122 | ||
| SAE 15W-40 | −9.5 | 50 | 15 | 122 | ||
Cat Hydraulic Systems and Hydrostatic Transmissions
Refer to the “Lubricant Information” section in the latest revision of the Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for a list of Cat engine oils and for detailed information.
Cat HYDO Advanced 10 SAE 10W, Cat HYDO Advanced 30 SAE 30W, or Cat BIO HYDO Advanced are the preferred oils for use in most Caterpillar machine hydraulic and hydrostatic transmission systems. Cat HYDO Advanced fluids have a 50% increase in the standard oil drain interval for machine hydraulic systems (3000 hours versus 2000 hours) over second and third choice oils - when following the maintenance interval schedule for oil filter changes and for oil sampling that is stated in the Operation and Maintenance Manual for your particular machine. 6000 hour oil drain intervals are possible when using S·O·S Services oil analysis. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for details. In order to gain the most benefit from the improved performance designed into Cat HYDO Advanced fluids, when switching to Cat HYDO Advanced fluids, cross contamination with the previous oil should be kept to less than 10%.
Second choice oils are Cat MTO, Cat DEO, Cat DEO-ULS, Cat TDTO, Cat Cold Weather TDTO, Cat TDTO-TMS, Cat DEO-ULS SYN, Cat DEO SYN, Cat Cold Weather DEO-ULS. Third choice oils are commercial oils that meet Cat ECF-1-a, Cat ECF-2, Cat ECF-3, Cat TO-4, or the Cat TO-4M performance requirements, and that have a minimum zinc additive level of 0.09 percent (900 ppm). Commercial biodegradable hydraulic oil must meet the Cat BF-2 specification.
The minimum viscosity for commercial alternative oils used in most Cat machine hydraulic and hydrostatic transmission systems is 6.6 cSt at
| Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compartment or System | Oil Type and Performance Requirements | Oil Viscosities | °C | °F | ||
| Min | Max | Min | Max | |||
| Hydraulic System | CatHYDO Advanced 10
Cat HYDO Advanced 30 Cat BIO HYDO Advanced Cat MTO Cat DEO-ULS Cat DEO Cat DEO-ULS SYN Cat DEO SYN Cat TDTO Cat TDTO-TMS Cat Cold Weather DEO-ULS Cat Cold Weather TDTO Cat ECF-1-a, Cat ECF-2, Cat ECF-3, Cat TO-4, Cat TO-4M, Cat BF-2 |
SAE 0W-20 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 |
| SAE 0W-40 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 | ||
| SAE 0W-30 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 | ||
| SAE 5W-40 | −30 | 40 | −22 | 104 | ||
| SAE 10W | −20 | 50 | −4 | 122 | ||
| SAE 30 | 10 | 50 | 50 | 122 | ||
| Bio HYDO Advanced | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 | ||
| SAE10W-30 | −20 | 40 | −4 | 104 | ||
| SAE15W-40 | −15 | 50 | 5 | 122 | ||
| Cat MTO | −20 | 40 | −4 | 104 | ||
| Cat TDTO-TMS | −15 | 50 | 5 | 122 | ||
Do not use SAE 50 viscosity grade oil in ICM controlled transmissions. Do not use SAE 50 viscosity grade oil for the hydraulic drive winch case.
Where recommended for use, Cat TDTO SAE 50 or TO-4 SAE 50 is preferred in most applications, particularly continuous operation. If the ambient temperature is below
Do not use API GL-5 or API GL-4 Gear Oils for the Vibratory support, the Final Drive Planetary (Drum), or the Eccentric Weight Housing. 4C-6767 Synthetic Oil is a premium PAO (Polyalpaolefin) synthetic gear and bearing lubricant with no viscosity improvers. This lubricant has an ISO viscosity grade of 220, and a minimum viscosity index of 152. Commercial oil selected for this application should have a full synthetic base stock with no viscosity improvers, an ISO viscosity grade of 220, and a minimum viscosity index of 150.
For low temperatures, do not use API GL-5 or API GL-4 Gear Oils for the Vibratory support, the Final Drive Planetary (Drum), or the Eccentric Weight Housing. Select a commercial full synthetic gear and bearing lubricant with no viscosity improvers and with ISO 68 viscosity grade. This lubricant should have a minimum viscosity index of 145, and have a minimum pour point of
| Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compartment or System | Oil Type and Classification | Oil Viscosities | °C | °F | ||
| Min | Max | Min | Max | |||
| Final Drive Planetary (Drum)
Eccentric Weight Housing Drum Support 4KN1-928, ; 4LN1-806, ; 5JN1-611, ; 5KN1-239 |
Cat GO (Gear Oil)
Cat Synthetic Compactor Oil ( 4C-6767) |
SAE 80W-90 | -20 | 40 | -4 | 104 |
| SAE 85W-140 | -10 | 50 | 14 | 122 | ||
| synthetic ISO 220 | −20 | 50 | −4 | 122 | ||
| synthetic ISO 68 | −47 | 21 | −53 | 122 | ||
| Final Drive Planetary (Drum)
Eccentric Weight Housing Drum Support 4KN929-UP, ; 4LN807-UP, ; 5JN612-UP, ; 5KN240-UP |
Cat Synthetic Compactor Oil ( 4C-6767)
commercial synthetic |
synthetic ISO 220 | −20 | 50 | −4 | 122 |
| synthetic ISO 68 | −47 | 21 | −53 | 122 | ||
| Final Drive Planetary (Axle) | Cat MTO
commercial M2C 134-D |
SAE 10W-30 | −25 | 40 | −13 | 104 |
| Vibratory Support | Cat GO (Gear Oil) | SAE 80W-90 | -20 | 40 | -4 | 104 |
| SAE 85W-140 | -10 | 50 | 14 | 122 | ||
| Drum Cooling Oil | CatHYDO Advanced 10
Cat HYDO Advanced 30 Cat BIO HYDO Advanced Cat MTO Cat DEO-ULS Cat DEO Cat DEO-ULS SYN Cat DEO SYN Cat TDTO Cat TDTO-TMS Cat Cold Weather DEO-ULS Cat Cold Weather TDTO Cat ECF-1-a, Cat ECF-2, Cat ECF-3, Cat TO-4, Cat TO-4M, Cat BF-2 |
SAE 0W-20 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 |
| SAE 0W-40 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 | ||
| SAE 0W-30 | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 | ||
| SAE 5W-40 | −30 | 40 | −22 | 104 | ||
| SAE 10W | −20 | 50 | −4 | 122 | ||
| SAE 30 | 10 | 50 | 50 | 122 | ||
| Bio HYDO Advanced | −40 | 40 | −40 | 104 | ||
| SAE10W-30 | −20 | 40 | −4 | 104 | ||
| SAE15W-40 | −15 | 50 | 5 | 122 | ||
| Cat MTO | −20 | 40 | −4 | 104 | ||
| Cat TDTO-TMS | −15 | 50 | 5 | 122 | ||
Cat Multipurpose Grease is a National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) grade 2 grease. This grease is made with petroleum base oil and a lithium complex thickener. Cat Multipurpose Grease is formulated for use in applications that have a low severity to a medium severity and moderate temperatures.
Cat Multipurpose Grease meets the NLGI certification of "GC-LB". (This certification relates to extended service intervals in automotive chassis points and in wheel bearings with disc brakes in automobiles, vans and light trucks.)
Note: If the application calls for a multipurpose grease and Cat Multipurpose Grease is not available, consult the grease data sheets. Use a substitute that meets or exceeds the performance characteristics of Cat Multipurpose Grease.
Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease is an NLGI grade 2 grease. This grease is made with petroleum base oil and a lithium complex thickener. This grease also has 3% Molybdenum diSulfide (MoS2 or “Moly”). Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease is formulated for use in applications with low severity to high severity at moderate temperatures. In addition, the molybdenum in Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease is a special grade that has a median particle size of 3 microns in order to meet the special requirements of some rolling element bearings. Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease is recommended for heavily loaded pin joints, and high impact applications in machines.
Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease meets the NLGI certification of "GC-LB".
Note: If the application calls for a multipurpose grease with molybdenum and Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease is not available, consult the data sheets for the greases. Use a substitute that meets or exceeds the performance characteristics of Cat Advanced 3Moly Grease.
Cat Ultra 5Moly Greases are available in NLGI grades 0, 1, and 2. Cat Ultra 5Moly Greases are made with special blends of petroleum base oils and a Calcium Sulfonate Complex thickener. These greases also have 5% Molybdenum diSulfide (MoS2 or “Moly”) and added tackifier. Cat Ultra 5Moly Greases are specially formulated in order to protect all of the most heavily loaded joints in any Caterpillar machine against galling, wear, and corrosion. This protection is sustained while work is being done in moderate temperatures and with wet working conditions or dry working conditions.
Cat Ultra 5Moly Grease exceeds the NLGI certification of "GC-LB".
Note: If the application calls for Cat Ultra 5Moly Grease and Cat Ultra 5Moly Grease is not available, consult the data sheets for the grease. From these data sheets, use a substitute that meets the performance characteristics of Cat Ultra 5Moly Grease.
| Application Point | Typical Load and Speed | Load Factor | Ambient Temperature Range | NLGI Grade | Grease Type | |||
| ° C | ° F | |||||||
| Min | Max | Min | Max | |||||
| Lubrication Points | High | Vibration 80-100%, heavy cohesive soil, 350 mm (12) lifts or more. | −35 | 40 | −31 | 104 | 1 | Ultra 5Moly Grease |
| −30 | 50 | −22 | 122 | 2 | ||||
| Medium | Vibration 50-80%, granular soil, 100mm-305 mm (4-12) lifts. | −20 | 40 | −4 | 104 | 2 | Advanced 3Moly Grease | |
| Low | Vibration 30-50%, asphalt mix, 51mm - 100 mm (2-4) lifts. | −30 | 40 | −22 | 104 | 2 | Multipurpose Grease | |
Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)
The United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD - S15) as a U.S. diesel fuel with a sulfur content not to exceed 15 parts per million (ppm(mg/kg)) or 0.0015 percent by weight. ULSD was introduced for the U.S. on-highway diesel engine market in October 2006. ULSD will be available in December 2010 for off-highway diesel engines and machines and for the on-highway diesel engine markets. Engines certified to nonroad Tier 4 standards (Stage IV in Europe) and are equipped with exhaust aftertreatment systems are designed to run on ULSD only. Use of LSD or fuels higher than 15 ppm (mg/kg) sulfur in these engines will reduce engine efficiency and engine durability and will damage emissions control systems and/or shorten their service interval. Failures that result from the use of fuels are not Caterpillar factory defects. Therefore the cost of repairs would not be covered by a Caterpillar warranty.
Caterpillar does not require the use of ULSD in non-road and machine applications that are not Tier 4/Stage IIIB/ Stage IV certified engines and are not equipped with aftertreatment devices. For Tier 4/Stage IIIB/Stage IV certified engines, always follow operating instructions and fuel tank inlet labels to insure the correct fuels are used.
Note: ULSD has less electrical conductivity than LSD. Follow all industry standard grounding and safety practices.
In Europe, ultra low sulfur diesel fuel will have a maximum of 0.0010 percent (10 ppm(mg/kg)) sulfur and is typically referred to as “sulfur-free”. This sulfur level is defined in European Standard "EN 590:2004".
Note: Another available diesel fuel in Europe has a maximum sulfur content of 0.005 percent (50 ppm). This sulfur level is defined in European Standard "EN 590:2004".
Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD - S500) is defined by the U.S. EPA as a U.S. diesel fuel with sulfur content not to exceed 500 ppm or 0.05 percent by weight.
Note: Both ULSD and LSD must meet the fuel requirements outlined in the most current revision level of "ASTM D975".
Biodiesel is a fuel that can be made from a variety of renewable resources that include vegetable oils, animal fat, and waste cooking oil. Soybean oil and rapeseed oil are the primary vegetable oil sources. In order to use any of these oils or fats as fuel, the oils or fats are chemically processed (esterified) and the water and contaminants removed.
Fuel made of 100 percent renewable resource is generally referred to as B100 biodiesel or neat biodiesel.
Biodiesel can be blended with distillate diesel fuel. The blends can be used as fuel. The most commonly available biodiesel blends are B5, which is 5 percent biodiesel and 95 percent distillate diesel fuel, and B20, which is 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent distillate diesel fuel. Note that the percentages are volume based.
U.S. distillate diesel fuel specification "ASTM D975-09a" includes up to B5 (5 percent) biodiesel. Currently, any diesel fuel in the U.S. may contain up to B5 biodiesel fuel.
European distillate diesel fuel specification "EN 590" includes up to B5 (5 percent) and in some regions up to B7 (7 percent) biodiesel. Any diesel fuel in Europe may contain up to B5 or in some regions up to B7 biodiesel fuel.
Cat engines can run on B5 biodiesel blend. Most Cat engines can run on B20 biodiesel blend. The biodiesel and biodiesel final blend must conform to the quality recommendations provided in Table 6.
| Biodiesel Fuel Recommendations for Caterpillar Off-Highway Engines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Biodiesel Blend Stock | Final Blend | Distillate Diesel Fuel used for blending(1) |
| Caterpillar biodiesel specification.(2) | B5: Caterpillar distillate diesel fuel specification.(3) | Caterpillar distillate diesel fuel specification, "ASTM D975" or "EN590" |
| B20: "ASTM D7467" and "API" gravity 30-45 | ||
| (1) | For Tier 4 applications in the U.S., the diesel fuel portion of the final blend must meet the requirements of S15 fuels (15 ppm sulfur) designations in the latest edition of "ASTM D975" specification. For Stage IIIB and later applications in EU, the diesel fuel portion of the final blend must meet the requirements for sulfur free (10 ppm sulfur) designation in the latest edition of "EN590". The final blend must have 15 ppm sulfur or less. |
| (2) | Refer to the “Biodiesel” section of the latest revision of Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations". |
| (3) | Refer to the “Fuel” section of the latest revision of Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations". |
When biodiesel fuel is used, certain guidelines need to be followed. Biodiesel fuel can influence the engine oil, aftertreatment devices, non metallics, fuel system components, etc. Follow the guidelines provided in the latest revision of Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations".
Biodiesel fuel has limited storage life and has limited oxidation stability. Follow the guidelines provided in the latest revision of Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations" for storage and handling. Follow these guidelines for engines that are seasonally operated and for standby generation engines.
The information provided in this “Coolant Recommendation” section should be used in conjunction with the “Lubricants Information” provided in the latest revision of Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations".
The following two types of coolants may be used in Caterpillar diesel engines:
Preferred - Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant)
Acceptable - (listed in order of most recommended to least recommended)
- Cat DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant)
- a commercial extended life coolant that meets the Caterpillar EC-1 (Engine Coolant -1) specification and the additional requirements for EC-1 specification coolants as stated in the coolant section of Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations".
- a commercial heavy-duty antifreeze/coolant that meets the "ASTM D6210-06" specifications
- a commercial heavy-duty antifreeze/coolant that meets "ASTM D4985-05" specifications
Coolant is normally composed of three elements: water, additives, and glycol. Additionally, coolants containing ethylene glycol may also use embittering agents to make the coolant taste bad.
Caterpillar recommends a 1:1 mixture of properly inhibited distilled or deionized water and glycol. This mixture will provide optimum heavy-duty performance as a coolant/antifreeze.
| Coolant Service Life | |
| Coolant Type | Service Life (1)(2) |
| Cat ELC | 12000 Service Hours or Six Years(3) |
| Commercial coolant that meets the Caterpillar EC-1 Specification | 6000 Service Hours or Six Years(4)(5) |
| Cat DEAC | 3000 Service Hours or Three Years |
| Commercial Heavy-Duty Coolant/Antifreeze that meets "ASTM D6210" | 3000 Service Hours or Two Years |
| Commercial Heavy-Duty Coolant/Antifreeze that meets "ASTM D4985" | 3000 Service Hours or One Year |
| (1) | Use the interval that occurs first. |
| (2) | Refer to the engine's Operation and Maintenance Manuals, "Maintenance Interval Schedule" for the correct interval for replacement of the cooling system water temperature regulator. |
| (3) | Cat ELC Extender must be added at 6000 service hours or one half of the service life of the Cat ELC. |
| (4) | An extender must be added at 3000 service hours or one half of the service life of the coolant. |
| (5) | In order to be used in Caterpillar diesel engines in accordance with the service interval for EC-1 coolants that is listed in this Special Publication, commercial EC-1 coolants must also pass/conform to the additional requirements for EC-1 specification coolants as stated in the coolant section of this Special Publication. Cat EC-1 coolants must also meet the requirements of the "ASTM D6210" specification. |
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Never use water alone without Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCA) or without inhibited coolant. Water alone is corrosive at engine operating temperatures. In addition, water alone does not provide adequate protection against boiling or freezing. |
Note: Caterpillar strongly recommends a minimum of 30 percent glycol in diesel engine cooling systems, with a minimum of 50 percent glycol very strongly recommended. Use only glycol based coolants that meet one or more of the coolant specifications that are defined as preferred or acceptable in this Special Publication and that also comply with any additional requirements that are stated in this Special Publication (i.e. chemical composition, the use of SCA, the use of Extender, etc.). Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for your engine for any exceptions.
| NOTICE |
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All Cat diesel engines equipped with air-to-air aftercooling (ATAAC) require a minimum of 30 percent glycol in order to help prevent water pump cavitation. |
Water in the water/glycol coolants is more effective than glycol alone in transferring 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 that meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable water requirements that are listed in Table 8.
| Caterpillar Minimum Acceptable Water Requirements | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property | Maximum Limit | ASTM Test | ||
| Chloride (Cl) | |
"D512", "D4327" | ||
| Sulfate (SO4) | |
"D516"
"D4327" |
||
| Total Hardness | |
"D1126" | ||
| Total Solids | |
"D1888"
"Federal Method 2504B"(1) |
||
| Acidity | pH of 5.5 to 9.0 | "D1293" | ||
| (1) | Total dissolved solids dried at |
For a water analysis, consult one of the following sources:
- Caterpillar dealer
- Local water utility company
- Agricultural agent
- Independent laboratory
Note: Periodic analysis of water that is used in the coolant is recommended. Water quality can be affected by a variety of factors including malfunctioning purification equipment, earthquakes, and droughts.
Cat ELC Extender is added to the cooling system halfway through the Cat ELC Extender service life. Treat the cooling system with Cat ELC Extender at 6000 hours or one half of the coolant service life.
SCA (supplemental coolant additive) is a general term for an inhibitor package that is added to a cooling system. In glycol-based coolant applications, SCA is added to pre-charge a new coolant that is not fully formulated and/or to recharge an in-service conventional coolant on a maintenance basis to maintain proper inhibitor levels.