C175-20 Locomotive Engine Caterpillar

Maintenance Recommendations

Usage:

Overhaul Intervals

Some factors that are important for determining the overhaul intervals include the following considerations:

Performance of preventive maintenance
Use of recommended lubricants
Use of recommended coolants
Use of recommended fuels
Proper installation
Operating conditions
Operation within acceptable limits
Engine load
Engine speed

Generally, engines that are operated at a reduced load and/or speed achieve more service life before an overhaul. However, this service life is for engines that are properly operated and maintained.

Other factors must also be considered for determining a major overhaul:

The total amount of fuel consumption
The service hours of the engine
An increase of oil consumption
An increase of crankcase blowby
The wear metal analysis of the lube oil
An increase in the levels of noise and vibration

An increase of wear metals in the lube oil indicates that the bearings and the surfaces that wear may need servicing. An increase in the levels of noise and vibration indicates that rotating parts require service.

Note: Oil analysis may indicate a decrease of wear metals in the lube oil. The cylinder liners may be worn so that polishing of the bore occurs. Also, the increased use of lube oil will dilute the wear metals.

Monitor the engine as the engine accumulates service hours. Consult your Cat dealer about scheduling a major overhaul.

Note: The driven equipment may also require service when the engine is overhauled. Refer to the literature that is provided by the OEM of the driven equipment.

Service Hours and Fuel Consumption

Experience has shown that maintenance intervals are most accurately based on fuel consumption. Fuel consumption corresponds more accurately to the engine load. Table 1 lists fuel consumption and service hours for a load factor of approximately 35 percent. Use fuel consumption or service hours, whichever comes first to determine overhaul intervals.

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Table 1
Overhaul Interval Schedule Service Hours and Fuel Consumption for the C175 Locomotive Engine⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾
Interval	Rated 1501 RPM to 1800 RPM
Overhaul (Intermediate)	18000 Service Hours
	4921033 L (1300000 US gal)
Overhaul (Major)	36000 Service Hours
	9842066 L (2600000 US gal)

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⁽¹⁾	Fuel consumption is based on a load factor of approximately 35 percent. If average load factor exceeds 35 percent, life to overhaul will be shortened proportionately.
⁽²⁾	Maximum Intermediate or Major Overhaul limit is restricted to 24000 Service Hours.

Use the actual records of fuel consumption, when possible. If the actual records are not available, use the following procedure to estimate the fuel consumption.

Estimate the average percent of the load for the operation of the engine.
Refer to the fuel consumption data in the Technical Marketing Information (TMI) for your engine. Use this figure as variable "F" for the equation in Table 2. For more information about the Technical Marketing Information (TMI) for your engine, consult your Cat dealer.

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Table 2
Equation For Calculating Overhaul Intervals
F/R = H
“F” is the estimated total amount of fuel consumption of the engine.
“R” is the rate of fuel consumption in liters per hour or gallons per hour.
“H” is the number of estimated hours until the overhaul interval.

Oil Consumption as an Overhaul Indicator

Oil consumption, fuel consumption, and maintenance information can be used to estimate the total operating cost for your Cat engine. Oil consumption can also be used to estimate the required capacity of a makeup oil tank that is suitable for the maintenance intervals.

Oil consumption is in proportion to the percentage of the rated engine load. As the percentage of the engine load is increased, the amount of oil that is consumed per hour also increases.

The oil consumption rate (brake-specific oil consumption) is measured in grams per kW/h (lb per bhp). The brake-specific oil consumption (BSOC) depends on the engine load. Consult your Cat dealer for assistance in determining the typical oil consumption rate for your engine.

When an engine oil consumption has risen to three times the original oil consumption rate due to normal wear, an engine overhaul should be scheduled. There may be a corresponding increase in blowby and a slight increase in fuel consumption.

Severe Operation

Severe operation is the use of an engine that exceeds current published standards for that engine. Caterpillar maintains standards for the following engine parameters:

Horsepower
Range of rpm
Fuel consumption
Fuel quality
Altitude
Maintenance intervals
Selection of oil
Selection of coolant
Environmental qualities
Installation

Refer to the standards for your engine or consult your Cat dealer to determine if your engine is operating within the defined parameters.

Severe operation can accelerate component wear. Engines that are operating under severe conditions may need more frequent maintenance intervals for the following reasons:

Maximum reliability
Retention of full service life

Because of individual applications, identifying all the factors which can contribute to severe operation may not be possible. Consult your Cat dealer about the maintenance that is needed for your specific engine.

The following factors can contribute to severe operation: environment, improper operating procedures, and improper maintenance practices.

Environmental Factors

Extreme Ambient Temperatures

Extended operation in environments that are cold or hot can damage components. Valve components can be damaged by carbon buildup if the engine is frequently started and stopped in cold temperatures. Hot inlet air reduces the performance capabilities of the engine.

Note: See this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Cold-Weather Operation" topic (Operation Section), or see Special Publication, SEBU5898, "Cold-Weather Recommendations".

Cleanliness

Unless the equipment is cleaned regularly, extended operation in a dirty environment and in a dusty environment can damage components. Built up mud, dirt, and dust can encase components. These conditions can make maintenance difficult. The buildup can contain corrosive chemicals. Corrosive chemicals and salt can damage some components.

The high-pressure fuel system is sensitive to debris. The debris can lead to early erosion and replacement for many of the high-pressure fuel system components and lack of performance. Caution should be taken by covering any fuel system opening during maintenance with a CLEAN cover. Refer to Special Instruction, SEBF9107, "CR1100 Fuel System Flushing Procedure" and Special Instruction, SEBF9109, "CR1100 Fuel System Assembly and Handling Guidelines" for information on handling and assembling fuel system components.