SEBU7901-01 45 Maintenance Section Refill Capacities API CG-4 multigrade oils are acceptable for all Caterpillar commercial diesel engines. When API CG-4 oils are used, do not exceed the standard oil drain interval. Refer to the engine’s Operation and Maintenance Manual for the oil drain interval. Table 4 Note: Do not use API CF-4 oils in Caterpillar diesel engines. NOTICE Failure to follow these oil recommendations can cause shortened engine service life due to deposits and/or excessive wear. Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, “Caterpillar Commercial Engine Fluids Recommendations” for more information about choosing the correct oils for your Caterpillar diesel engine.
(2) SAE 10W-30 is the preferred viscosity grade for the 3116, 3126, C7, and C9 diesel engines when the ambient temperature is above н 18 °C (0 °F) and below 40 °C (104 °F). 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. Note: Supplemental heat is recommended for cold-soaked starts below the minimum ambient temperature. Supplemental heat may be required for cold-soaked starts that are above the minimum temperature that is stated, depending on the parasitic load and other factors.
Cold-soaked starts occur when the engine has not been operated for a period of time and when the cooler ambient temperatures allow the oil to become more viscous. Refer to Table 4 (minimum temperature) in order to determine the required oil viscosity for starting a cold engine. Refer to Table 4(maximum temperature) in order to select the oil viscosity for engine operation at the highest ambient temperature that is anticipated. S·O·S Services Oil Analysis 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: 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 generally preferred over SAE 0W-20 or SAE 0W-30. Component wear rate Note: SAE 10W-30 is the preferred viscosity grade for this engine when the ambient temperature is above н 18 °C (0 °F) and below 40 °C (104 °F).
Contamination of oil Condition of oil Identification of oil Note: Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, “Caterpillar Commercial Diesel Engine Fluid Recommendations” or contact your local Caterpillar dealer for additional information concerning the S·O·S oil analysis program.
Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures Ambient Temperature Viscosity Grade Minimum Maximum SAE 0W-20 í40 °C (í40 °F) 10 °C (50 °F) SAE 0W-30 í40 °C (í40 °F) 30 °C (86 °F) SAE 0W-40 í40 °C (í40 °F) 40 °C (104 °F) SAE 5W-30 í30 °C (í22 °F) 30 °C (86 °F) SAE 5W-40 í30 °C (í22 °F) 50 °C (122 °F) SAE 10W-30(2) í18 °C (0 °F) 40 °C (104 °F) SAE 10W-40 í18 °C (0 °F) 50 °C (122 °F) SAE 15W-40 í9.5 °C (15 °F) 50 °C (122 °F)