Group 177 Specifications Specifications Engine General of the combustion by-products that contaminate the oil. These contaminates will make the change intervals the same as for regular oil. However, in extreme driving con- ditions, a synthetic oil may be the only choice for the application. For further information concerning component specifica- tions see service information in Group 1, “Oil and Filter Change Intervals for Volvo Components,” Publication Number 175–001, and any appropriate vendor literature. In a modern diesel engine it is very important to have regular oil changes.
The demands of pulling high loads, pulling at high elevations, extreme high or low tempera- tures and longer service intervals, make the choice of correct oil a hard task. The Volvo dealer, the engine manufacturer or the oil manufacturer has the expertise to analyze driving conditions and to recommend what oil gives the best protection and economy. Note: It is not recommended to mix synthetic oils with petroleum-based oils. Coolant The engine coolant protects the cooling system from freezing or boil over problems. It also protects against corrosion and cylinder liner pitting. Coolant requirements are based on the additive levels present in the cooling system.
To be able to run the cooling system as long as 2 years between coolant changes, there must be a re- plenishment of additives as they are used up. Testing should be done regularly to be sure the additive levels are within recommended levels. Oil The engine oil has the task of lubricating, sealing, cool- ing and cleaning the engine. Filtering the intake air and using a low sulfur fuel helps the oil protect the engine parts. With better engine designs and improved oils, the service intervals have steadily increased. The interval choice depends on the engine manufacturer specifica- tions. Make sure the correct oil type and also the correct viscosity are chosen for the mileage interval driven.
Never run the engine with only water in the cooling system. Always use a mixture of clean water and a rec- ommended antifreeze. The mixture should never be less than 40% antifreeze and 60% clean water or more than 60% antifreeze and 40% clean water. Periodic oil testing is recommended. The test results give a continuous picture of the health of the engine and can warn well in advance of a problem developing. Note: For further information on Long life coolant refer to Service Bulletin 260–002, “Texaco Extended Life Coolant.” The intervals will not cover all applications.
In on/off highway driving, severe off highway, continuous stop- and-go city driving and extremely high mileage, the oil change interval and preventive maintenance schedule need to be customized for the best protection and econ- omy. The intervals listed in these specifications are guidelines that should be used in establishing a correct maintenance program. CAUTION Long life coolant is colored red for identification pur- poses, so as not to mistake it for conventional, green coolant. Long life coolant will test as out of additives (SCA), but SCA should not be added. CAUTION Adding unknown additives may put the engine at risk of failure.
There are many aftermarket oil additives that claim improved performance if added to the en- gine oil. Each oil type recommended already contains additives that have been tested by a collaboration with engine and oil manufacturers. Fuel The sulfur content in low-sulfur fuel has been regulated to a maximum of 0.05% per weight for No.2–D diesel fuel. For fuels that have a sulfur content of 0.5% by weight and above, most engine manufacturers are re- quiring that oil is changed at shorter intervals. Sulfur creates highly acidic pollutants in the oil that break down the additives at a higher rate.
If fuel with a higher sulfur content is used, the engine manufacturers recommend that the oil change intervals be reduced. Synthetic oil is offered as an alternative to the traditional petroleum based oil for the engines. The ability of syn- thetic oil to protect the engine is better than regular oil but its life is the same as for regular oil. This is because 9