Selection of the Oil Change Interval
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A 500 hour engine oil change interval is achievable if normal operating conditions are met, recommended multigrade oil types are used, and an S·O·S oil sampling analysis program is utilized. Normal operating conditions include load factors below 40%, idle time below 40%, fuel sulfur levels below 0.3%, and altitude below 1830 m (6000 ft). When these requirements are not met, shorten the oil change interval and use an S·O·S Services oil sampling and analysis program to determine an acceptable change interval. For assistance with optimizing oil change intervals, contact your local Cat dealer. For sulfur content above 0.1 % refer to Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations". |
The normal engine oil change interval is listed in this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Maintenance Interval Schedule".
Abnormally harsh operating cycles or harsh environments can shorten the service life of the engine oil. Arctic temperatures, corrosive environments, or extremely dusty conditions may require a reduction in engine oil change intervals. Also refer to Special Publication, SEBU5898, "Cold Weather Recommendations for All Caterpillar Machines". Poor maintenance of air filters or of fuel filters requires reduced oil change intervals. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for more information if this product will experience abnormally harsh operating cycles or harsh environments.
| Engine Oil Change Interval | ||||||
| Multigrade Oil Type | Operating Conditions | |||||
| Initial | Normal | Severe | ||||
| Load Factor above 40% | Idle Time above 40% | Fuel Sulfur above 0.3% | Altitude above 1830 m (6000 ft) |
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| Cat DEO Preferred |
250 hr | 500 hr | 250 hr | 250 hr | 250 hr | 250 hr |
| ECF-2 Preferred |
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| ECF-1-a | 250 hr | 250 hr | 125 hr | 125 hr | 125 hr | 125 hr |
Adjustment of the Oil Change Interval
Note: Your Caterpillar dealer has additional information on these programs.
Cat oil filters are recommended.
Program A
Verification for an Oil Change Interval of 500 Hours
This program consists of three oil change intervals of 500 hours. Oil sampling and analysis are done at 250 hours and 500 hours for each of the three intervals for a total of six oil samples. The analysis includes oil viscosity and infrared (IR) analysis of the oil. If all of the results are satisfactory, the 500 hour oil change interval is acceptable for the machine in that application. Repeat Program A if you change the application of the machine.
If a sample does not pass the oil analysis, take one of these actions:
- Shorten the oil change interval to 250 hours.
- Proceed to Program B.
- Change to a preferred oil type in the "Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures" Table in this Operation and Maintenance Manual
Program B
Optimizing Oil Change Intervals
Begin with a 250 hour oil change interval. The oil change intervals are adjusted by increments. Each increment is an additional 50 hours. Periodic oil sampling and analysis are done during each interval. The analysis includes oil viscosity and infrared (IR) analysis of the oil. Repeat Program B if you change the application of the machine.
If an oil sample does not pass the analysis, shorten the oil change interval, or change to a preferred multigrade oil type.
References
ReferenceSpecial Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations"
ReferenceSpecial Publication, SEBU5898, "Cold Weather Recommendations for All Caterpillar Machines"
ReferenceSpecial Publication, PEDP7035, "Optimizing Oil Change Intervals"
ReferenceSpecial Publication, PEDP7036, "S·O·S Fluid Analysis"
ReferenceSpecial Publication, PEDP7076, "Understanding the S·O·S Oil Analysis Tests"
Procedure for Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
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Hot oil and hot components can cause personal injury. Do not allow hot oil or hot components to contact skin. |
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Care must be taken to ensure that all fluids are contained during performance of inspection, maintenance, testing, adjusting and the repair of the product. Be prepared to collect the fluid with suitable containers before opening any compartment or disassembling any component containing fluids. Dispose of all fluids according to local regulations and mandates. |
Note: Be sure that you obtain a S·O·S engine oil sample before you drain the engine oil.
- Park the machine on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Stop the engine.
- The drain valve (1) for the engine oil is located underneath the engine compartment toward the rear of the machine. Open the drain valve and allow the oil to drain into a suitable container.
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| Illustration 1 | g01239090 |
- Close the drain valve and clean the area around the drain valve.
- The engine oil filters (2) are located underneath the engine compartment toward the rear of the machine.
- Remove the oil filter elements and discard the filters properly. Make sure that the old seal is removed from the filter base.
- Install new filters.
- Apply a thin coat of oil to the seals on the new filters.
- Install the new engine oil filters hand tight until the seal of the engine oil filter contacts the base. Note the position of the index marks on the filter in relation to a fixed point on the filter base.
Note: There are rotation index marks on the engine oil filter that are spaced 90 degrees or 1/4 of a turn away from each other. When you tighten the engine oil filter, use the rotation index marks as a guide.
- Tighten the filter according to the instructions that are printed on the filter. Use the index marks as a guide. For non-Caterpillar filters, use the instructions that are provided with the filter.
Note: You may want to use a Caterpillar strap wrench, or another suitable tool in order to turn the filter to the amount that is required for final installation. Make sure that the installation tool does not damage the filter.
- The oil filler cap (3) is located inside the access door on the left side of the machine. Open the access door and remove the filler cap.
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| Illustration 2 | g01289777 |
- Fill the engine crankcase with 126 L (33 US gal) of clean oil.
- Clean the filler cap and install the filler cap.
- Start the engine and allow the oil to warm. Check the engine for leaks.
- The engine oil level gauge is located above the filler tube. Maintain the engine oil level in the shaded area (A) of the oil level gauge. If necessary, add oil.
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| Illustration 3 | g01239233 |
- Close the access door and stop the engine.
Fast Fill
If your machine is equipped with a deluxe service center, you may drain the engine oil through the fast fill port or you may add the engine oil through a fast fill port.
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| Illustration 4 | g01289781 |
- Remove the dust cover (4) .
- Attach the hose to the male coupling. Use a 126-7539 Nozzle for this port.
- Drain the oil or add the oil, as needed.
ReferenceFor additional information, please refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Service Center"