9 Maintenance Section Lubricant Specifications

Commercial Oils (3116 and 3126 Marine Engines)

The performance of commercial diesel engine oil is based on American Petroleum Institute (API) classifications. These API classifications are developed in order to provide commercial lubricants for a broad range of diesel engines that operate at various conditions.

When a Caterpillar Special Application Engine Oil (SAEO) is not used, use the following commercial oils:

Single grade oil with a viscosity of SAE 30 or SAE 40 with an API CF-4 classification is preferred.

Single grade oil with a viscosity of SAE 30 or SAE 40 with a CF-4 or CG-4 additive package that does NOT contain viscosity improvers is an acceptable oil.

For an acceptable commercial single grade oil, contact your oil supplier or Caterpillar Customer Service:

1-800-447-4986

The following explanation of the API CF-4 classification can be used to make the proper choice when a commercial single grade oil with API CF-4 classification is chosen.

API CF-4 – These oils service a wide variety of modern diesel engines. API CF-4 oils provide more stable oil control and reduced piston deposits in comparison to API CF and the obsolete CE and CD classifications of oil. API CF-4 oils provide improved soot dispersancy in comparison to API CF and obsolete CD oils. The API CF-4 classification was developed with a 0.40 percent sulfur diesel fuel. This represents the type of diesel fuels that are commonly available worldwide.

Some commercial oils that meet the API CF-4 classifications may require reduced oil change intervals. To determine the oil change interval, closely monitor the condition of the oil and perform a wear metal analysis. Caterpillar’s S·O·S oil analysis program is the preferred method.

NOTICE

Failure to follow these oil recommendations can cause shortened engine service life due to deposits and/or excessive wear.

Total Base Number (TBN) and Fuel Sulfur Levels for Direct Injection (DI) Diesel Engines (3116 and 3126 Marine Engines)

The Total Base Number (TBN) for an oil depends on the fuel sulfur level. For direct injection engines that use distillate fuel, the minimum TBN must be 10 times the fuel sulfur level. The TBN is determined by the “ASTM D2896” procedure. The minimum TBN of the oil is 5 regardless of a low fuel sulfur level. Illustration 3 demonstrates the TBN.

Illustration 3

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(Y) TBN by “ASTM D2896”

(X)Percentage of fuel sulfur by weight

(1) TBN of new oil

(2) Change the used oil when the TBN reaches this level.

Use the following guidelines for fuel sulfur levels that exceed 1.5 percent:

Choose an oil with the highest TBN within the API CF-4 classification.

Reduce the oil change interval. Base the oil change interval on the oil analysis. Ensure that the oil analysis includes the condition of the oil and a wear metal analysis.

Excessive piston deposits can be produced by an oil with a high TBN. These deposits can lead to a loss of control of the oil consumption and to the polishing of the cylinder bore.

NOTICE

Operating Direct Injected (DI) diesel engines with fuel sulfur levels over 1.0 percent may require shortened oil change intervals in order to help maintain adequate wear protection.