Considerations for the oil change interval include the type of fuel and the engine application. The establishment of an S·O·S oil analysis program will enable an evaluation of the used oil. The evaluation can be used to determine the oil change interval that is suitable for your specific engine. Change the engine oil when oil analysis determines that the oil has reached the condemning limit.
In the absence of oil analysis, change the engine oil according to the interval that is listed in Table 1.
| Oil Change Interval For the C280-16 Engine | ||
| Engine | Lube Oil Capacity(1) | Oil Change Interval(2) |
| C280-12 | |
1050 Service Hours |
| (1) | The capacity includes the oil sump plus oil filters that are installed at the factory. Engines with auxiliary oil filters will require additional oil. The capacity is approximate. The actual capacity may vary by 5 percent. Caterpillar recommends using the capacity that is listed and then adjusting the oil level according to the oil level gauge (dipstick). |
| (2) | Use this oil change interval in the absence of oil analysis. |
 |
|
Hot oil and components can cause personal injury. Do not allow hot oil or components to contact skin. |
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 method allows the waste particles that are suspended in the oil to drain.
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.
Show/hide table
NOTICE Ensure that the engine is stopped before performing this procedure. Attach a DO NOT OPERATE tag to the starting controls.
Note: Drain the oil into a suitable container. Dispose of fluids according to local regulations.
Show/hide table
Illustration 1 g00130760 (1) Drain valve - Open drain valve (1) in order to drain used oil. After the oil has drained, close drain valve (1).
Note: If a suction device is used in order to remove the oil from the oil pan, ensure that the suction device is clean. This procedure will prevent dirt from entering the oil pan. Be careful not to strike the engine oil suction tubes or the piston cooling jets.
- Clean the oil suction screen.
- Remove cover (2) and seal (3). Discard the used seal. Slide screen assembly (4) from the tube.
- Wash the screen assembly in clean nonflammable solvent. Allow the screen assembly to dry before installation.
Note: Approximately
1 L (1 qt) of oil will remain in the housing after the sump has been drained. This oil will pour out of the housing when the cover for the oil suction screen is removed. Prepare to catch the oil in a suitable container. Clean up any spilled oil with absorbent towels or pillows. DO NOT use absorbent particles to clean up the oil.Show/hide table
Illustration 2 g00540945 (2) Cover
(3) Seal
(4) Screen - Clean the bottom of the sump. Remove side covers in order to gain access to the sump. When the bottom of the sump is clean, install the side covers.
- Install the oil suction screen. Install the cover and a new seal.
- Change the engine oil filters. See this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil Filter - Change" topic (Maintenance Section).
- Clean the centrifugal oil filters.
- Disassemble the centrifugal oil filters according to the instructions in the Service Manual.
- Thoroughly clean all of the parts of the centrifugal oil filter. Carefully inspect all of the parts.
Show/hide table
NOTICE Ensure that all of the rotor components are thoroughly clean before assembling the rotor. Failure to do so can cause an out of balance condition that can cause rapid wear to the bearings and the spindle.
Note: Install a new paper liner when the centrifugal oil filter is assembled.
- Assemble the centrifugal oil filters according to the instructions in the Service Manual.
Show/hide tableNOTICE Only use oils that are recommended by Caterpillar. For the proper oil to use, refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" topic (Maintenance Section).
Show/hide tableNOTICE Engine damage can occur if the crankcase is filled above the "FULL" mark on the oil level gauge (dipstick).
An overfull crankcase can cause the crankshaft to dip into the oil. This will reduce the power that is developed and also force air bubbles into the oil. These bubbles (foam) can cause the following problems: reduction of the oil's ability to lubricate, reduction of oil pressure, inadequate cooling, oil blowing out of the crankcase breathers and excessive oil consumption.
Excessive oil consumption will cause deposits to form on the pistons and in the combustion chamber. Deposits in the combustion chamber lead to the following problems: guttering of the valves, packing of carbon under the piston rings and wear of the cylinder liner.
If the oil level is above the "FULL" mark on the oil level gauge, drain some of the oil immediately.
- Remove the oil filler cap. Fill the crankcase through the oil filler tube only. Clean the oil filler cap. Install the oil filler cap.
- Start the engine according to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Starting" topic (Operation Section).
- Operate the engine at low idle for 2 minutes. Inspect the engine for oil leaks.
- Ensure that the oil level is at the "FULL" mark on the "LOW IDLE" side of the oil level gauge.
- Stop the engine and allow the oil to drain back into the sump for a minimum of 10 minutes.
- Remove the oil level gauge and check the oil level. Maintain the oil level to the "FULL" mark on the "ENGINE STOPPED" side of the oil level gauge.
