Caterpillar Special Application Engine Oil SAE 30 ???

[Girlfriend III]

If you saw I posted a thread regarding a drop in RPM's due to compression gases leaking past the #6 injector. While the Cat Mechanic was putting a site glass on the fuel line to look for bubbles he asked what type of Oil I have been using. I replied Rotella 15W 40. He told me that the 3116/3126 engine(s) required this special oil # 170-5262, and asked me to change my oil to this. Can anyone tell me why this Special Oil at $26 a gallon is so special? The mechanic couldn't, but told me it would create a problem down the road. Was I hearing a sales pitch or is this the truth about these 3116 engines?

 

[ImpulseIII]

3116 and 3126 engines require single grade oil. I use Shell Rotella T1 straight 30 weight in my 3126 engines. I used to use CAT SAEO 30 weight but it just got too damn expensive. The multi grade oil has an additive that causes deposits to form on the trubo aftercoolers ultimatly causing a need to rebuild or worse, catastrophic engine failure.

 

[aquadancer]

I only use Rotella T1 straight 30 grade as well. My CAT mechanic from Ransome CAT told me that Rotella T1 meets SAEO specs. As Frank said, viscosity modifiers used in multi grade oils apparently causes build-up in aftercoolers.

 

[carterchapman]

When I get home tonight, I'll post the CAT bulletin that explains the problem and why straight weight oil is the solution. Frank H and Aquadancer are correct.

What did your CAT mechanic find that was causing your dropping rpm's?

 

[Girlfriend III]

Thanks for the feedback, switching the other engine over to SAE 30 Cat oil this weekend. The Cat Mechanic found exactly what Frank Webster stated. Bad injector seal on the #6 cup. Causing the combustion gases to build. Had all cups 6 ground out and 2 new O rings put on all 6 injectors.

 

[Prosideus]

See this thread.

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php?t=4570



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatal

 

[BillG72340]

Caterpillar SAEO 30 or 40 straight weight is the only oil rated CF-4 available in the US that I have found. I pay $24 per gal from my local Cat dealer which ends up costing $150 more than Rotella from Wal-Mart. I do my own oil changes and figure it's a small price to pay once a year for piece of mind. I still use Rotella T1 30w in the transmissions and generator.

 

[aquadancer]

CAT engine fluids recommendation guide states that straight grade CF or CF-2 rated oils as acceptable substitute to SAEO in 3116/3126 marine engines. I buy Rotella T1 30 in 5-gallon buckets from local wholesaler. Three buckets works nicely for changing two main engines and genny.

 

[tcourtney]

I went to use rotella T1 last year and my oil rep told me is not the same formula as Rotella T and does not meet cat specs. So I ended up using cat oil

 

[OldSkool]

You can usually get the oil specification from the dealer. The new EPA compliant engines require a low ash oil. This would be a class 4 type oil. Older engines will use a class 2 or 3 but 4 can be used in them also.

We recommend that the end user take our spec to the oil distributor and let them validate their oil against our spec. This puts the onus of responsibility on them as they match their oil to our spec.

Rotella has been the go to oil for CAT alternative oil by many non-CAT service shops. Just do your research before switching oil to non-OEM.. I would never stray from the OEM parts or service requirements while under warranty.

 

[fwebster]

If you want to do some deep reading, here are 2 Cat publications re: engine oils. THe first is the bulletin on SAEO for 3116/3126 Marine engines:

http://www.toromontcat.com/pdf/specialapplication.pdf


This is a more general fluid recommendation. This pub. is revised as needed so it isn't one you can print and refer to for ever. Look for changes about every other year as technology and lubricants change.

https://parts.cat.com/wcs-static/pdfs/SEBU6250-19.pdf


Also, the continued effort to stay current and provide even older engine owners up to date information is one of the reasons I love Caterpillar.

 

[carterchapman]

What Frank said!

Here's another link to the CAT Bulletin on Diesel Engine Fluids:

https://parts.cat.com/wcs-static/pdfs/SEBU6251-16.pdf

Page 7 Shows CF oils for SAEO single wt oils, and page 14 explains the issue of the single wt recommendation on the 3116/3126 Marine Engines...

 

[Girlfriend III]

Thanks to all!