Oil Change Interval
The oil change interval is primarily determined by the results of oil analysis. Other considerations include the type of fuel, the lubrication oil, and the engine application. When you establish an S·O·S oil analysis program, you will be able to evaluate the used oil. The evaluation can be used to determine if this oil change interval is suitable for your specific engine.
Replace the lubrication oil when oil analysis determines that the oil has reached the condemning limit.
In the absence of oil analysis, change the oil after every 500 hours of operation.
Drain the Engine Oil
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Hot oil and components can cause personal injury. Do not allow hot oil or components to contact skin. |
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| NOTICE |
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Ensure that the engine is stopped before performing this procedure. Attach a DO NOT OPERATE tag to the starting controls. |
Do not drain the oil when the engine is cold. As the oil cools, suspended waste particles settle on the bottom of the oil pan. The waste particles are not removed when the cold oil is drained. Drain the crankcase with the oil warm. This draining method allows the waste particles that are suspended in the oil to be drained properly.
Failure to follow this recommended procedure will allow the waste particles to be recirculated through the engine lubrication system with the new oil.
- After the engine has been operated at normal operating temperature, STOP the engine.
- Open drain valve (1) in order to drain used oil. After the oil has drained, close drain valve (1) .
If a suction device is used to drain the oil, ensure that the suction device is clean in order to prevent dirt from entering the oil pan. Be careful not to strike the engine oil suction tubes or the piston cooling jets.
Note: After the used oil has been drained and before the new oil is added, clean the oil suction screen. Replace the engine oil filter elements.
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Care must be taken to ensure that fluids are contained during performance of inspection, maintenance, testing, adjusting and repair of the product. Be prepared to collect the fluid with suitable containers before opening any compartment or disassembling any component containing fluids. Refer to Special Publication, NENG2500, "Caterpillar Dealer Service Tool Catalog" for tools and supplies suitable to collect and contain fluids on Caterpillar products. Dispose of all fluids according to local regulations and mandates. |
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| Illustration 1 | g00745694 |
Clean the Oil Suction Screen
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Hot oil and components can cause personal injury. Do not allow hot oil or components to contact skin. |
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Clean the oil suction screen at every oil change. Clean the oil suction screen after the oil sump has been drained.
- Remove the bolts and washers from cover (1). Remove cover (1) and the O-ring seal. Inspect the seal for good condition. If the seal is cut, scratched, or cracked, obtain a new seal for assembly.
Note: Approximately 1 L (1 qt) of oil will remain in the housing after the sump has been completely drained. This oil will pour out of the housing when cover (1) is removed. Catch the oil with a pan. Clean up any spilled oil with absorbent pillows or towels. DO NOT use absorbent particles to clean up the oil.
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| Illustration 2 | g00701472 |
- Slide screen assembly (2) from the tube.
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| Illustration 3 | g00745695 |
- Wash screen assembly (2) in clean nonflammable solvent. Allow the screen assembly to dry before installation.
- Install screen assembly (2). Install cover (1) and the O-ring seal. Secure the cover with the bolts and washers.
Replace the Engine Oil filters
Replace the engine oil filters for any of the following occurrences:
- Every oil change
- The engine oil filter differential pressure reaches 100 kPa (15 psi).
Service tools are available to aid in the service of oil filters and fuel filters. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for the part names and the part numbers. Follow the instructions that are supplied with the service tools. If the service tools are not used, perform the following procedure.
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Hot oil and components can cause personal injury. Do not allow hot oil or components to contact skin. |
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Perform the following procedure after the oil sump has been drained.
- Connect a hose from each drain valve (1) to a suitable container in order to catch the oil.
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| Illustration 4 | g00745696 |
- Open both drain valves (1). Allow the oil to drain.
- Be alert to the spring force. Cover (2) has a spring force up to 240 N (54 lb). Gradually loosen but do not remove the last two bolts or nuts that are located at opposite corners of the cover. Before removing the last two bolts or nuts, pry the cover loose in order to relieve any spring pressure.
Note: Some oil will remain in the housing after the oil has been drained. This oil will pour out of the housing when cover (2) is removed. Catch the oil with a pan. Clean up any spilled oil with absorbent pillows or towels. DO NOT use absorbent particles to clean up the oil.
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Personal injury can result from parts and/or covers under spring pressure. Spring force will be released when covers are removed. Be prepared to hold spring loaded covers as the bolts are loosened. |
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- Remove cover (2). Inspect O-ring seals (3), (6), and (7) for good condition. If a seal is cut, scratched, or cracked, obtain a new seal for assembly.
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| Illustration 5 | g00745697 |
(2) Cover (3) O-ring seal (4) Spring (5) Retainer (6) O-ring seal (7) O-ring seal (8) Filter | |
- Remove spring (4) and retainer (5) .
- Use a pan to catch the oil that drips when the filters are removed. Remove the four used filters. Clean up any oil that is spilled.
- Clean cover (2), spring (4), and retainer (5) .
- Inspect four new filters for each housing for good condition. Coat the sealing surfaces of the new filters with clean engine oil. Install the filters into the housing.
- Install new O-ring seal (3) in the cover. Install new O-ring seals (6) and/or (7) in the lower tube. Install the lower tube into the cover. Cover the bores and cover the seals with clean engine oil. Check the location of O-ring seal (7) during installation of the cover.
- Install retainer (5), spring (4), and cover (2). Ensure that the retainer and the spring are seated properly against the filter and the cover. Secure the cover with the bolts.
Note: The use of 2 guide pins will make installation of the cover easier.
- Make sure that the drain valves on the covers are closed.
Fill the Engine with Oil
- Remove the oil filler cap. Fill the crankcase through the oil filler tube only. Clean the oil filler cap. Install the oil filler cap.
For the correct oil to use, see this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" topic (Maintenance Section).
For the amount of oil to use, see this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" topic (Maintenance Section).
- Operate the prelube pump in order to fill both of the oil filter housings with oil. Check the oil level while the prelube pump is still running. Maintain the oil level between the "ADD" and "FULL" marks on the oil level gauge.
- Shut off the prelube pump. Start the engine. Operate the engine at low idle rpm. Check the oil level. Check for oil leaks.
Inspect the Used Oil Filters
Cut the used oil filter open with a utility knife. Remove the metal wrap. Cut the filter element free from the end caps. Spread apart the pleats and inspect the element for metal debris. An excessive amount of debris in the element may indicate early wear or a pending failure.
Use a magnet to differentiate between the ferrous metals and the nonferrous metals that are found in the element. Ferrous metals may indicate wear on the steel and cast iron parts of the engine. Nonferrous metals may indicate wear on the aluminum parts, brass parts or bronze parts of the engine. Parts that may be affected include the following components: main bearings, rod bearings, turbocharger bearings and cylinder heads.
Due to normal wear and friction, it is not uncommon to find small amounts of debris in the oil filter element. If an excessive amount of debris is found in the oil filter element, consult your Caterpillar dealer in order to arrange for further oil analysis.