C3.4B Industrial Engine Caterpillar

An engine which operates outside of normal conditions is operating in a severe service application.

An engine that operates in a severe service application may need more frequent maintenance intervals in order to maximize the following conditions:

• Reliability

• Service life

The number of individual applications cause the impossibility of identifying all of the factors which may contribute to severe service operation. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for the unique maintenance that may be necessary for your engine.

An application is a severe service application if any of the following conditions apply:

Severe Environmental Factors

• Frequent operation in dirty air

• Frequent operation at an altitude which is above 1525 m (5000 ft)

• Frequent operation in ambient temperatures which are above 32° C (90° F)

• Frequent operation in ambient temperatures which are below 0° C (32° F)

Severe Operating Conditions

• Frequent operation with inlet air which has a corrosive content

• Operation with inlet air which has a combustible content

• Operation which is outside of the intended application

• Operation with a plugged fuel filter

• Extended operation at low idle (more than 20% of hours)

• Continuous operation at idle or elevated idle

• Frequent cold starts at temperatures below 0° C (32° F)

• Frequent cold starts at high altitudes which are above 1525 m (5000. ft)

• Frequent dry starts (starting after more than 72 hours of shutdown)

• Frequent hot shutdowns (shutting down the engine without the minimum of 2 minutes to 5 minutes of cool down time)

• Operation above the engine rated speed

• Operation below the peak torque speed

• Operation of the engine above a load factor that exceeds the rating of the engine

• Operation at light loads for extended periods

• Operating with fuel which does not meet the standards for distillate diesel fuel as stated in Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations", "Distillate Diesel Fuel"

• Operating with a blend of distillate fuel which contains more than 20 percent biodiesel

Improper Maintenance Procedures (Maintenance Procedures Which May Contribute to a Severe Service Application)

• Inadequate maintenance of fuel storage tanks from causes such as excessive water, sediment, and microorganism growth.

• Extending maintenance intervals beyond the recommended intervals

• Using fluids which are not recommended in Special Publication, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations"

• Extending maintenance intervals for changing the engine oil and engine coolant without S·O·S validation

• Extending maintenance intervals for changing air filters, oil filters, and fuel filters

• Failure to use a water separator

• Using filters which are not recommended by Special Publication, PEWJ0074, "2008 Cat Filter and Fluid Application Guide"

• Storing the engine for more than 3 months but less than 1 yr (For information about engine storage, refer to Special Publication, SEHS9031, "Storage Procedure for Caterpillar Products")