Usage:
Regular service intervals, along with close daily visual inspection and the adherence to the instructions and schedules, will assure many hours of trouble-free service. If correction steps are taken immediately on discovery of any abnormal condition, fewer forced stops and more economical operation will result.
The Lubrication and Maintenance Chart is intended as a guide and adjustments in the schedule may be necessary, depending on conditions under which the engine is operating. A thorough analysis should be made before adjusting the maintenance schedule.
Some items to consider in establishing a new schedule are: Severe dust or dirty conditions, fuel consumption (a good measurement to establish intervals as it indicates the amount of work performed). As a guideline, the 3408 Engine with a 12 gal. (45 litre) (10 imp. gal.) capacity crankcase will use approximately 4000 gal. (15,000 litre) (3332 imp. gal.) between oil changes.* The 3412 Engine with a 16 gal. (60.5 litre) (13 imp. gal.) capacity crankcase will use approximately 5100 gal. (19,200 litre) (4248 imp. gal.) between oil changes. *
Reducing or extending the maintenance intervals should be done only after complete study and enough time to gain adequate experience to meet specific operations.
*With 0.5% or less fuel sulphur content.
Caterpillar scheduled oil sampling: Scheduled oil sampling is a program which analyzes oil samples taken from an engine at regular intervals (usually at oil change periods). This oil analysis does not indicate the condition of the oil; but rather, it is a scheduled procedure to determine engine condition at regular intervals by analyzing lubricating oil for foreign and wear particles.
The scheduled oil sampling will give the following benefits:
It assures the owner that maintenance has been performed.
It will show the first signs of excessive wear, meaning a possible upcoming failure, allowing time for a scheduled repair.
It will warm maintenance personnel of improper or lack of maintenance and presence of fuel dilution or antifreeze in oil.
It is particularly helpful in preventing wear due to dirt entry from air cleaner or inlet piping.
Regular sampling is especially advantageous for new engines to establish wear trends from the beginning. The results of the oil analysis are interpreted by experienced, highly trained personnel. Contact your Caterpillar dealer for detailed information.