NOTICE |
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These recommendations are subject to change without notice. Contact your local Caterpillar dealer for the most up to date fluids recommendations. |
The Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System by the American Petroleum Institute (API) is recognized by Caterpillar. For detailed information about this system, see the latest edition of the "API publication No. 1509". Engine oils that bear the API symbol are authorized by API.
Illustration 1 | g00546535 |
Typical API symbol |
Diesel engine oils CC, CD, CD-2, and CE have not been API authorized classifications since 1 January 1996. Table 1 summarizes the status of the classifications.
API Classifications | |
Current | Obsolete |
CI-4(1), CH-4(1), CG-4(2), CF-4(3) | CE |
CF (4) | CC, CD |
CF-2(5) | CD-2(5) |
(1) | API CH-4 and CI-4 oils are acceptable if the requirements of Caterpillar's ECF-1 (Engine Crankcase Fluid specification-1) are met. CH-4 and CI-4 oils that have not met the requirements of Caterpillar's ECF-1 Specification may cause reduced engine life. |
(2) | API CG-4 oils are acceptable for all Caterpillar diesel engines. When the API CG-4 oils are used, the oil drain interval should not exceed 75 Percent of the standard oil drain interval for your engine. |
(3) | API CF-4 oils are not recommended for Caterpillar 3500 series diesel engines. For all other commercial diesel engines, the oil drain interval should not exceed 50 percent of the standard oil drain interval for your engine. |
(4) | API CF oils are not recommended for Caterpillar 3500 Series and smaller Direct Injection (DI) diesel engines. |
(5) | API CF-2 and CD-2 oils are classifications for two-cycle diesel engines. Caterpillar does not sell engines that utilize the CD-2 and the API CF-2 oils. |
Note: When oil meets more than one API classification, the applicable footnote is determined by the highest API classification that is met.
Example - An oil meets both the API CH-4 and the API CF oil classifications. In this case, the API CH-4 applies.
Caterpillar Oils have been developed and tested in order to provide the full performance and service life that has been designed and built into Caterpillar Engines. Caterpillar Oils are currently used to fill diesel engines at the factory. These oils are offered by Caterpillar dealers for continued use when the engine oil is changed. Consult your Caterpillar 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 DEO (Diesel Engine Oil) (10W-30)
- Cat DEO (Diesel Engine Oil) (15W-40)
Caterpillar multigrade DEO is formulated with the correct amounts of detergents, dispersants, and alkalinity in order to provide superior performance in Caterpillar Diesel Engines.
Caterpillar multigrade DEO is available in various viscosity grades that include SAE 10W-30 and SAE 15W-40. To choose the correct viscosity grade for the ambient temperature, see Table 2. Multigrade oils provide the correct viscosity for a broad range of operating temperatures.
Multigrade oils are effective in maintaining low oil consumption and low levels of piston deposits.
Caterpillar multigrade DEO can be used in other diesel engines and in gasoline engines. See the engine manufacturer's guide for the recommended specifications. Compare the specifications to the specifications of Caterpillar multigrade DEO. The current industry standards for Caterpillar DEO are listed on the product label and on the data sheets for the product.
Consult your Caterpillar dealer for part numbers and for available sizes of containers.
Note: Caterpillar SAE 15W-40 multigrade DEO exceeds the performance requirements for the following API classifications: CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF-4 and CF. The Caterpillar multigrade DEO exceeds the requirements of the Caterpillar specification that is ECF-1 (Engine Crankcase Fluid-1). The Caterpillar SAE 15W-40 multigrade DEO passes the following proprietary tests: sticking of the piston ring, oil control tests, wear tests and soot tests. Proprietary tests help ensure that Caterpillar multigrade oil provides superior performance in Caterpillar Diesel Engines. In addition, Caterpillar multigrade oil exceeds many of the performance requirements of other manufacturers of diesel engines. Therefore, this oil is an excellent choice for many mixed fleets. True high performance oil is produced with a combination of the following factors: industry standard tests, proprietary tests, field tests and prior experience with similar formulations. The design and the development of Caterpillar lubricants that are both high performance and high quality are based on these factors.
Note: Non-Caterpillar commercial oils are second choice oils.
Engine Crankcase Fluid Recommendations for all Caterpillar 3500 Series and smaller direct injection (DI) diesel engines
Exceptions to this recommendation are the 3116 marine engines and the 3126 marine engines with mechanical unit injection (MUI).
Note: If Caterpillar Multigrade DEO is not used, use only commercial oils that meet the following classifications.
- API CH-4 multigrade oils and API CI-4 multigrade oils are acceptable if the requirements of Caterpillar's ECF-1 (Engine Crankcase Fluid specification-1) are met. CH-4 oils and CI-4 oils that have not met the requirements of Caterpillar's ECF-1 Specification may cause reduced engine life.
- API CG-4 multigrade oils are acceptable for all Caterpillar diesel engines. When the API CG-4 oils are used, the oil drain interval should not exceed the standard oil drain interval for your engine.
- API CF-4 multigrade oils are not recommended for Caterpillar 3500 series diesel engines. For all other smaller commercial diesel engines, the oil drain interval should not exceed 50 percent of the standard oil drain interval for your engine.
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In selecting oil for any engine application, both the oil viscosity and oil performance classification/specification as specified by the engine manufacturer must be defined and satisfied. Using only one of these parameters will not sufficiently define oil for an engine application. |
In order to make the proper choice of a commercial oil, refer to the following explanations:
API CI-4 - API CI-4 oils were developed in order to meet the requirements of high performance diesel engines that use cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR). API CI-4 oils are acceptable if the requirements of Caterpillar's ECF-1 (Engine Crankcase Fluid specification-1) are met.
API CH-4 - API CH-4 oils were developed in order to protect low emissions diesel engines that use a 0.05 percent level of fuel sulfur. However, API CH-4 oils may be used with higher sulfur fuels. API CH-4 oils are acceptable if the requirements of Caterpillar's ECF-1 (Engine Crankcase Fluid specification-1) are met.
Note: CH-4 oils and CI-4 oils that have not met the requirements of Caterpillar's ECF-1 Specification may cause reduced engine life.
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Failure to follow these oil recommendations can cause shortened engine service life due to deposits and/or excessive wear. |
Note: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information that relates to lubrication for your engine.
Lubricant Viscosity Recommendations
The proper SAE viscosity grade of oil is determined by the minimum ambient temperature during cold engine start-up, and the maximum ambient temperature during engine operation.
Refer to Table 2 (minimum temperature) in order to determine the required oil viscosity for starting a cold engine.
Refer to Table 2 (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.
If ambient temperature conditions at engine start-up require the use of multigrade SAE 0W oil, SAE 0W-40 viscosity grade is preferred over SAE 0W-20 or SAE 0W-30.
Engine Oil Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures(1) | ||
Ambient Temperature | ||
Viscosity Grade | Minimum | Maximum |
SAE 0W-20 | |
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SAE 0W-30 | |
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SAE 0W-40 | |
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SAE 5W-30 | |
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SAE 5W-40 | |
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SAE 10W-30 | |
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SAE 10W-40 | |
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SAE 15W-40 | |
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(1) | Refer to this publication, "Engine Oil" for recommendations of diesel engine oil type. |
Note: Supplemental heat is recommended below the minimum recommended ambient temperature.
Caterpillar has developed a tool for maintenance management that evaluates oil degradation and the tool 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 three categories:
- Wear Analysis
- Oil condition
- Additional tests
The wear analysis monitors metal particles, some oil additives, and some contaminants.
Oil condition uses infrared (IR) analysis to evaluate the chemistry of the oil. Infrared analysis is also used to detect certain types of contamination.
Additional tests are used to measure contamination levels from water, fuel, or coolant. Oil viscosity and corrosion protection can be evaluated, as needed.
Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" or contact your local Caterpillar dealer for additional information concerning the S·O·S Oil Analysis program.
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.
Approximate Refill Capacities for 3512B Engine Lubrication Systems | ||
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Compartment or System | Liters | US Gallons |
Shallow sump | |
40 US gal |
Standard sump | |
84 US gal |
Deep sump | |
165 US gal |
Before selecting a grease product for any application, the performance requirements must be determined. Consult the grease recommendations that are made by the OEM for the equipment when the equipment is operated in the expected conditions. Then, consult with your Caterpillar dealer for a list of greases and the following related characteristics.
- Performance specifications
- Available sizes of containers
- Part numbers
Using grease that was purchased on the basis of the lowest cost per pound is false economy. Instead, use the grease that yields the lowest total operating cost that is based on an analysis that includes the cost of the parts, the cost of the labor, the cost of the downtime that is incurred, and the cost of the amount of grease that is actually used.
Note: Some greases are not chemically compatible, it is generally recommended to purge all of the old grease from the joint when switching from one type of grease to another. , This purge should also occur if the grease that is being used is from a different supplier. Consult your supplier in order to determine if the greases are compatible.
Note: All Caterpillar brand name greases are compatible with each other.
Note: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information that relates to lubrication for your engine.
Diesel fuels that meet the Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel are recommended. These fuels will help to provide maximum engine service life and performance. In North America, diesel fuel that is identified as No. 1-D or No. 2-D in "ASTM D975" generally meet the specifications. Diesel fuels from other sources could exhibit detrimental properties that are not defined or controlled by this specification.
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Operating with fuels that do not meet Caterpillar's recommendations can cause the following effects: starting difficulty, poor combustion, deposits in the fuel injectors, reduced service life of the fuel system, deposits in the combustion chamber and reduced service life of the engine. |
Note: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for the Caterpillar Specification for distillate fuel and for additional information that relates to fuel for your engine.
Refill Capacities (Fuel System)
Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual that is provided by the OEM for capacities of the fuel system.
The following two coolants are used in Caterpillar diesel engines:
Preferred - Caterpillar Extended Life Coolant (ELC) or a commercial extended life coolant that meets the Caterpillar EC-1 specification
Acceptable - A Caterpillar Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant (DEAC) or a commercial heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze that meets "ASTM D4985" or "ASTM D5345" specifications
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Do not use a commercial coolant/antifreeze that only meets the ASTM D3306 or D4656 specification. This type of coolant/antifreeze is made for light duty automotive applications. |
Caterpillar recommends a 1:1 mixture of water and glycol. This mixture of water and glycol will provide optimum heavy-duty performance as a coolant/antifreeze.
Note: Caterpillar DEAC DOES NOT require a treatment with an SCA at the initial fill. Commercial heavy-duty coolant/antifreeze that meets "ASTM D4985" or "ASTM D5345" specifications MAY require a treatment with an SCA at the initial fill. Read the label or the instructions that are provided by the OEM of the product.
In stationary engine applications and marine engine applications that do not require anti-boil protection or freeze protection, a mixture of SCA and water is acceptable. Caterpillar recommends a six percent to eight percent concentration of SCA in those cooling systems. Distilled water or deionized water is preferred. Water which has the recommended properties may be used.
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All Caterpillar diesel engines equipped with air-to-air aftercooling (ATAAC) require a minimum of 30 percent glycol to prevent water pump cavitation. |
Coolant Service Life | |
Coolant Type | Service Life |
Caterpillar ELC | 6000 Service Hours or Six Years |
Caterpillar DEAC | 3000 Service Hours or Three Years |
Commercial Heavy-Duty Coolant/Antifreeze that meets "ASTM D5345" | 3000 Service Hours or Two Years |
Commercial Heavy-Duty Coolant/Antifreeze that meets "ASTM D4985" | 3000 Service Hours or One Year |
Caterpillar SCA and Water | 3000 Service Hours or Two Years |
Commercial SCA and Water | 3000 Service Hours or One Year |
Note: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information that relates to coolant for your engine.
Recommended Interval | ||
Type of Coolant | Level 1 | Level 2 |
DEAC | Every 250 Hours | Yearly(1) |
ELC | Not Required | Yearly |
(1) | The Level 2 Coolant Analysis should be performed sooner if a problem is identified by a Level 1 Coolant Analysis. |
S·O·S 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.
Refer to the Maintenance Interval Schedule in this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 1) - Obtain" for a sampling location and the maintenance interval for collecting the coolant samples.
S·O·S 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 inside of the cooling system.
The S·O·S Coolant Analysis has the following features:
- Full coolant analysis (Level 1)
- Identification of the source of metal corrosion and of contaminants
- Water hardness
- Identification of buildup of the impurities that cause corrosion
- Identification of buildup of the impurities that cause scaling
The results are reported, and appropriate recommendations are made.
Refer to the Maintenance Interval Schedule in this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Cooling System Coolant Sample (Level 2) - Obtain" for a sampling location and the maintenance interval for collecting the coolant samples.
Testing the engine coolant is important to ensure that the engine is protected from internal cavitation and from corrosion. The analysis also tests the ability of the coolant to protect the engine from boiling and from freezing. The S·O·S Coolant Analysis can be done at your Caterpillar dealer. Caterpillar 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.
Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" for additional information.
Refill Capacity for the Cooling System
Engines with Separate Circuit Aftercooling
Approximate Refill Capacities for the 3512B Engine Cooling System with Separate Circuit Aftercooling | ||
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Compartment or System | Liters | US Gallons |
Jacket water system | 134.2 L | 35.4 US gal |
Separate circuit aftercooler | 22.8 L | 6 US gal |
External system | ||
Total cooling system |
Engines with Jacket Water Aftercooling
Approximate Refill Capacities for the 3512B Engine Cooling System with Jacket Water Aftercooling | ||
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Compartment or System | Liters | US Gallons |
Engine only | 160 L | 42.3 US gal |
External system | ||
Total cooling system |