Official Caterpillar3116/3126 Thread

[Saverio]

Frank

I actually took a picture of the post and saved so I would purchase the right oil.
So t4 is no good?
Stick to t1 sae30
3126 420 hp

 

[fwebster]

On expensive engines like Caterpillar marine engines I prefer to stick with what the engine maker recommends which is Caterpillar DEO-ULS because it is formulated to meet all Cat lube oil requirements. However, Rotella T4 15w-40 meets the New Cat specs………I use it is 3 tractors, a backhoe , a Bobcat skid steer an air compressor and a Case dozer on my place in Tennessee, and have for about 25 years , so I have no problem with it, since Cat dropped the limitation on multiviscosity oils last year, but Cat DEO-ULS was significantly cheaper than Rotella T4 at walmart and Tractor supply the last time I checked.

As far as Rotella T-1, SAE 30 and SAE 40, we started using it when Cat SAEO became un available……my Cat dealer in Nashville, never stocked it. Back then, Rotella T-1 did meet the SAEO specs but when Shell reformulated Rotella T-1 several years ago it did not meet Cat specs any longer and only met C-2 API specs. I sampled and had my oil analyzed by the Cat SOS lab at every oil change and the oil always tested perfectly and had only normal wear metal content…….but we didn't run the boat hard either. Cruise speed for us was about 2150 rpm. If I had run it at 2400 all the time, I would not have used Rotella T-1 after they lowered the API rating to C-2

 

[Saverio]

On expensive engines like Caterpillar marine engines I prefer to stick with what the engine maker recommends which is Caterpillar DEO-ULS because it is formulated to meet all Cat lube oil requirements. However, Rotella T4 15w-40 meets the New Cat specs………I use it is 3 tractors, a backhoe , a Bobcat skid steer an air compressor and a Case dozer on my place in Tennessee, and have for about 25 years , so I have no problem with it, since Cat dropped the limitation on multiviscosity oils last year, but Cat DEO-ULS was significantly cheaper than Rotella T4 at walmart and Tractor supply the last time I checked.

As far as Rotella T-1, SAE 30 and SAE 40, we started using it when Cat SAEO became un available……my Cat dealer in Nashville, never stocked it. Back then, Rotella T-1 did meet the SAEO specs but when Shell reformulated Rotella T-1 several years ago it did not meet Cat specs any longer and only met C-2 API specs. I sampled and had my oil analyzed by the Cat SOS lab at every oil change and the oil always tested perfectly and had only normal wear metal content…….but we didn't run the boat hard either. Cruise speed for us was about 2150 rpm. If I had run it at 2400 all the time, I would not have used Rotella T-1 after they lowered the API rating to C-2

Thank you for the clarification. i'm going to call the HO Penn by me and see what they charge and if they have in stock. they are the only CAT dealer on Long Island

 

[mrsrobinson]

I called the local CAT dealer. They are recommending 515-3985: CAT® DEO-ULS 10W-30 for marine applications now. $395 for 13 gallons.

I can get 13 gallons of the Rotella T1 40 for $375.

This is not about price really for me, rather what makes sense and what should I use. This will be my first oil change and I don't know what oil is currently in them.

 

[Carver370]

For what its worth, my local CAT dealer is recommending their 15W40 now. There is a bulletin that has been put out by CAT for the 3116 / 3126. When I purchased my boat, I had switched from the 15W40 that the prior owner had in it to Shell Rotella T1 30wt. Thats when an annoying port side idle surge started for me once the engine was warm.

I am putting CAT 15W40 back in it this year, and my CAT tech and I are very curious if that surge goes away. His thought process is the different viscosity oil may effect the governor differently once warm.

 

[mrsrobinson]

Interesting yours is recommending 10W-40 and mine is recommending 10W-30 - there should be a consistent message

 

[mrsrobinson]

Does anyone have a copy of this bulletin stating 10W - 30/40? I've had enough issues with this boat to date, I don't want to change the oil and introduce more issues.

 

[Strecker25]

For what its worth, my local CAT dealer is recommending their 15W40 now. There is a bulletin that has been put out by CAT for the 3116 / 3126. When I purchased my boat, I had switched from the 15W40 that the prior owner had in it to Shell Rotella T1 30wt. Thats when an annoying port side idle surge started for me once the engine was warm.

I am putting CAT 15W40 back in it this year, and my CAT tech and I are very curious if that surge goes away. His thought process is the different viscosity oil may effect the governor differently once warm.

intwresting you say that, I went for a ride on the T1 30w today after running saeo 40 for 2 years and the starboard engine is idling 30rpm higher. Didn’t think much of it but maybe it’s a different weight oil

 

[fwebster]

Greg,

If you will read the current fluid recommendation …..this is a document that Cat updates periodically……you should find the answer to the viscosity question.

I posted the link to the 2/22 revisited fluid recommendation from Cat on 9/2/22. Look for SEBU 6250-30. Look at the Table #7 on page 27. Generally, the heavier viscosity oil recommendations are for the hotter ambient temperatures the engine is expected to operate in.


Frank

 

[The Bill Collector]

30w in my area...

 

[kvduff]

I am still running rotella t-1 30w here on Long Island. I called the local caterpillar dealer. They don’t stock deo-uls. Recommended I use rotella t-1 30w. I explained that the rotella is no longer cf-4 rated and that it is reformulated and rated cf-2…. I wish I had some paper “proof” to offer them when I go to purchase filters. As an aside, I also read elsewhere that the cat recommendation for the change to multi-weight was based on their assumption that these after-coolers have been replaced, rather than inspected and maintained….

 

[Saverio]

I am still running rotella t-1 30w here on Long Island. I called the local caterpillar dealer. They don’t stock deo-uls. Recommended I use rotella t-1 30w. I explained that the rotella is no longer cf-4 rated and that it is reformulated and rated cf-2…. I wish I had some paper “proof” to offer them when I go to purchase filters. As an aside, I also read elsewhere that the cat recommendation for the change to multi-weight was based on their assumption that these after-coolers have been replaced, rather than inspected and maintained….

Are you going to same place I'm going too?

 

[kvduff]

yes holtsville h.o.penn. I didnt really trust the word of the guy on the phone...

Are you going to same place I'm going too?

 

[Njlarry]

How much difference is cf2 vs cf4 I wonder? For now I am using T1 as CAT made it very clear ratings aside that multiweight oil would harm the aftercoolers. Only after they no longer carried single wt was multi wt ok? How did multi wt no longer pose a threat to the aftercoolers?
Want to do the right oil, cost is secondary but T1 is more locally accesable. Only run 50 hrs per year and wonder sometimes if I am wasting oil changing it. I get the oil CAT tested every year.

 

[kvduff]

Greg,

If you will read the current fluid recommendation …..this is a document that Cat updates periodically……you should find the answer to the viscosity question.

I posted the link to the 2/22 revisited fluid recommendation from Cat on 9/2/22. Look for SEBU 6250-30. Look at the Table #7 on page 27. Generally, the heavier viscosity oil recommendations are for the hotter ambient temperatures the engine is expected to operate in.


Frank

Hi Frank,
I trust your expertise and don't want to appear argumentative, I just want to make sure I understand things clearly.
After a less than convincing phone call with the local cat dealer, and conflicting information I began to read over the SEBU you posted. Can you help me understand if I am interpreting these footnotes correctly?
(page 27) "Cat Special Application Engine Oil (SAEO), API CF oil of SAE 30 and SAE 40 viscosity grades is recommended for use in 3116 and 3126 marines engines"
Page 7 Note: Cat offers Special Application Engine Oil (SAEO), of SAE 30 and SAE 40 viscosity grades that fullfills all the requirements of API CF category oil. These oils are recommended for use in 3116 and 3126 marine engines only.
Page 11 Note: API oil category CF is obsolete. The API (American Petroleum Institute) does not license this category effective end of 2010. API does not validate the quality of API CF oils and does not allow the display of API symbol (also called API doughnut) with CF as highest claim on the oil container. Oils that claim the requirements of API CF can be used ONLY in Cat Series 3112 and Cat Series 3126 Marine Engines and in 3600 engine models per the OMM of these engines. Refer to the details given in the Marine engine section in this Special Publication.

 

[Saverio]

I hope I'm not the only one so confused by all this.
Spending a few hundred bucks more for the right oil isn't an issue.

 

[yobub]

I already have my Rotella for my fall oil change. Is this a big enough deal to return it and get the Cat oil, or is it a situation where the Rotella is fine but the Cat is better?

I called my cat dealer, and their response was "I don't really know marine, we usually do dirt."

 

[mrsrobinson]

Haha, glad I am not the only one confused at this point. And agreed, this is not about saving $50~, it's about getting it right.

My local CAT guy said "Our marine guy just told us "10W-30" is the best - whatever that means.

Right now I am leaning toward Rotella T1 30 or 40 given many here have used it for years w/no issues. My boat is used in 65-95 degree ambient temp in the Spring, Summer and Fall.

 

[douglee25]

You guys put way too much thought into your diesel oil!

It says right in the CAT publication that 10w30 goes up to 104 deg f. Even in Florida, Texas, or Arizona, etc your temps are going to max out there. Everywhere else is going to be significantly under that temp range.

 

[fwebster]

I am still running rotella t-1 30w here on Long Island. I called the local caterpillar dealer. They don’t stock deo-uls. Recommended I use rotella t-1 30w. I explained that the rotella is no longer cf-4 rated and that it is reformulated and rated cf-2…. "I wish I had some paper “proof” to offer them when I go. to purchase filters."

As an aside, I also read elsewhere that the cat recommendation for the change to multi-weight was based on their assumption that these after-coolers have been replaced, rather than inspected and maintained….

Caterpillar owners are fortunate that Cat periodically reviews fluid recommendations and re-publishes them so their engine customers are always up dated on what fluids to use. Cat published an (IRM) Internal Release Memorandum that I was shown at the Cat store in Nashville that stated that aditive packages had improved so they were changing their recommendation on 3116 and 3126 lube oil and that the prohibition on multiviscosity oils was removed. That document was sent only to dealers, not to customers. I'll try to get a copy the next time I go to the Cat store in Nashville.

As far as the actual lube oil recommendation, That is clearly stated in Cat publication "SEBU 6250-31". If your Cat dealer doesn't read his mail or keep his data up to date, he can google this publication number and read it online.

Here is the API (American Petroleum Institute) table of ratings:
https://dieselnet.com/tech/lube_classifications.php#api-cats

but, here are the ones Cat 3116 and 3126 owners need to know:

CF, 1994
Intended for off-road engines which use fuel containing more than 0.5% sulfur. Provides control of:

• piston deposits
• piston, ring and liner scuffing
• wear and corrosion of copper containing bearings

This service category was discontinued on December 30, 2010.

CD
CF-2 1994


Intended for 2-stroke diesel engines. (Detroit Diesel, Duetch, etc).Provides control of:

• piston deposits
• cylinder and ring-face scuffing
• wear and corrosion of copper containing bearings

This service category was discontinued on August 31, 2009.


CF and CF-2 oils are clearely no longer suitable for after cooled 3116 and 3126 Cat engines.




CD-II
Does not necessarily meet the requirements of CF or CF-4 oils.
CF-4 1991
Intended for high speed, 4-stroke, on-highway heavy-duty diesel engines meeting 1991 emission standards. Provides control of:

• piston deposits
• piston, ring and liner scuffing
• corrosion and wear of copper containing bearings
• oil consumption
• ring and liner wear
• oil thickening due to soot

This service category was discontinued on June 30, 2008.

However, CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4, CH-4, CI-4, CI-4plus, CJ-4, CK-4 are all backwards compatible to CF-4.