Diesel Engine Oil
For more information, refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Engine Fluids Recommendations".
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 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 DEO-ULS SYN | SAE 5W-40 | |
| Cat Cold Weather DEO-ULS | SAE 0W-40 | |
| Diesel Engine Oil | Cat DEO | SAE 15W-40 |
| SAE 10W-30 | ||
| Cat DEO SYN | SAE 5W-40 | |
Note: Cat DEO and Cat DEO-ULS 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 |
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Caterpillar does not warrant the quality or performance of non-Cat fluids. |
The three current Cat 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 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Type and Performance Requirements | Oil Viscosities | °C | °F | ||
| Min | Max | Min | Max | ||
| 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 | |
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 (1) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Sulfur Level percent (ppm) | Cat Engine Oils | TBN of Commercial Engine Oils |
| ≤0.05 percent (≤500 ppm) | Cat DEO-ULS Cat DEO |
Min 7 |
| 0. 1- 0.05 percent (1000-500 ppm) | Cat DEO-ULS Cat DEO |
Min 7 |
| Above 0.1 percent (above 1000 ppm) (2) | Cat DEO (3) | Min 10 |
| ( 1 ) | When using fuel with 0.10% sulfur (1000 ppm) or higher, refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Severe Service Application" for more information. |
| ( 2 ) | For fuels of sulfur levels that exceed 1.0 percent (10,000 ppm), refer to TBN and engine oil guidelines given in this section. |
| ( 3 ) | Cat DEO-ULS may be used if an oil analysis program is followed. Base the oil change interval on the analysis. |
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 |
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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, "Caterpillar Commercial Engine Fluids Recommendations" in order to obtain additional information about S·O·S Services oil analysis. You can also contact your local Cat dealer.
Refill Capacities (Engine Oil)
The refill capacities for the engine crankcase reflect the approximate capacity of the crankcase or sump plus standard oil filters. Auxiliary oil filter systems will require additional oil. Refer to the OEM specifications for the capacity of the auxiliary oil filter.
| 3406C Engine Approximate Refill Capacities |
||
|---|---|---|
| Compartment or System | Liters | Quarts |
| Crankcase Oil Sump (Standard) (1) | 26.5 | 28 |
| ( 1 ) | These values are the approximate capacities for the crankcase oil sump which include the standard oil filters that are installed at the factory. Engines with auxiliary oil filters will require additional oil. Refer to the specifications for the capacity of the auxiliary oil filter. |
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 |
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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 Caterpillar Diesel Engines that are equipped with unit injected fuel systems. Note that all current Caterpillar Diesel Engines are factory equipped with Caterpillar Advanced Efficiency 4 micron(c) absolute fuel filters. Caterpillar does not warrant the quality or performance of non-Caterpillar fluids and filters. |
Diesel engines can burn a wide variety of fuels. These fuels are divided into two general groups. The two groups are called the preferred fuels and the permissible fuels.
Note: The preferred fuels provide maximum engine service life and performance. The preferred fuels are distillate fuels. These fuels are commonly called diesel fuel, furnace oil, gas oil, or kerosene. The preferred fuels contain 0.1% (1000 ppm) of sulfur or less. An engine which operates on fuel with 0.1% (1000 ppm) of sulfur or more is operating in a severe service application. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Severe Service Application - Check" for information about operating an engine in a severe service application.
Note: The permissible fuels are some crude oils, some blends of crude oil with distillate fuel, some biodiesel, and some marine diesel fuel. These fuels are not suitable for use in all engine applications. The acceptability of these fuels for use is determined on an individual basis. A complete fuel analysis is required.
For more information, refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Engine Fluids Recommendations" or consult your Cat dealer for further information.
Diesel Distillate Fuel
| NOTICE |
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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 Off-Highway 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) (4) | "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" | "ISO 3734" |
| Water | 0.05% maximum | "D1744" | No equivalent test |
| Sediment | 0.05% maximum (weight) | "D473" | "ISO 3735" |
| Gums and Resins (5) | 10 mg per 100 mL maximum | "D381" | "ISO 6246" |
| Lubricity | 0.52 mm (0.0205 inch) maximum at 60 °C (140 °F) |
"D6079" | No equivalent test |
| ( 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 ) | ULSD 0.0015% (<15 ppm S) is required by law for Tier 4 engines and engines with aftertreatment devices. |
| ( 4 ) | An engine which operates on fuel with 0.1% (1000 ppm) of sulfur or more is operating in a severe service application. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Severe Service Application - Check" for information about operating an engine in a severe service application. Certain Caterpillar 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%. |
| ( 5 ) | 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 7 and meets the recommendations in Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Biodiesel".
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 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 most current 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, "Caterpillar 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, "Caterpillar 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
Coolant Recommendations
| NOTICE |
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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. |
| NOTICE |
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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. |
The following two types of coolants may be used in Cat Diesel Engines:
Preferred - Cat ELC (Extended Life Coolant) or a commercial extended life coolant that meets the Caterpillar EC-1 (Engine Coolant -1) specification
Acceptable - Cat DEAC (Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant) or a commercial heavy-duty antifreeze/coolant that meets "ASTM D4985" or "ASTM D6210" specifications
Coolants which only meet the requirements of "ASTM D4985" requirement a treatment of a supplemental coolant additive (SCA) at the initial fill.
The following coolants require treatment with SCA on a maintenance basis: Cat DEAC, Coolants which only meet the requirements of "ASTM D4985" and Coolants which only meet the requirements of "ASTM D6210".
| NOTICE |
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Use Only Approved SCAs and Extenders Conventional coolants require the maintenance addition of SCA throughout their expected life. 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. |
| 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 |
| Cat SCA (6) and water (7) (8) | 3000 Service Hours or Two Years |
| Commercial supplemental coolant additive (9) and water (7) (8) | 3000 Service Hours or One Year |
| ( 1 ) | Use the interval that occurs first. |
| ( 2 ) | Refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "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 Cat diesel engines in accordance with this interval, commercial EC-1 coolants must also pass/conform to the additional requirements for EC-1 specification coolants as stated in Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Cooling System Specifications". |
| ( 6 ) | The concentration of Cat SCA in a cooling system that uses Cat SCA and water should be from 6% to 8% by volume. |
| ( 7 ) | Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "General Coolant Information" for the requirements for water. |
| ( 8 ) | Caterpillar does not recommend the use of SCA and water in this engine. |
| ( 9 ) | Consult the supplier for the commercial SCA for instructions on usage. Also, refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Water/Supplemental Coolant Additive" for additional information. |
Note: These coolant change intervals are only achievable with annual S·O·S Services Level 2 coolant sampling and analysis.
Cat ELC can be recycled into conventional coolants.
For more information, refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial 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 or conventional heavy duty-coolant | Every 250 service hours | Every year (2) |
| Cat ELC or conventional EC-1 coolant | Optional | Every year (1) |
| ( 2 ) | The Level 2 Coolant Analysis should be performed sooner if a problem is suspected or identified. |
| ( 1 ) |
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.
Coolant Capacity
To maintain the cooling system, the total cooling system capacity must be known. The approximate capacity for the engine cooling system is listed. External system capacities will vary among applications. Refer to the OEM specifications for the external system capacity. This capacity information will be needed in order to determine the amount of coolant/antifreeze that is required for the total cooling system.
| 3406C Engine Approximate Refill Capacities |
||
|---|---|---|
| Compartment or System | Liters | Quarts |
| Engine Only | (14) | (15) |
| External System (1) | 34 | 36 |
| Total Cooling System (2) | 48 | 51 |
| ( 1 ) | The external system includes a standard factory installed radiator and piping. |
| ( 2 ) | The total cooling system includes the capacity for the engine only plus the capacity for the external system. |
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, "Caterpillar Commercial Engine Fluids Recommendations".