Caterpillar has revised its now 98 page Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendation Bulletin SEBU6251 (now Rev. 16), revised only last month. This bulletin covers Caterpillar's most current recommendations and specifications for lubricants, fuels and cooling system fluids for use in Caterpillar commercial diesel engines, specifically all 3500 series, C175 series and smaller commercial diesel engines such as those used in earthmoving and other off-highway applications, as well as marine and natural gas. The lubricant section alone is 26 pages in length.
Caterpillar fluids are described in detail and are recommended for use "to increase the performance of Caterpillar components and to increase the life of Caterpillar components" as stated by Caterpillar in the bulletin, although other commercially available oils meeting Caterpillar's requirements are allowed. The Caterpillar recommended oils and greases listed and described in detail include the following:
Cat DEO-ULS (Multigrade Diesel Engine Oil - Ultra Low Sulfur) (10W-30 and 15W-40)
Cat DEO-ULS SYN (Multigrade Diesel Engine Oil - Ultra Low Sulfur Synthetic) (5W-40)
Cat Cold Weather DEO-ULS (Cold Weather Diesel Engine Oil - Ultra Low Sulfur) (0W-40)
Cat DEO (Multigrade Diesel Engine Oil) (10W-30 and 15W-40)
Cat MAEO Plus (Multi Application Engine Oil) (SAE 10W-40)
Cat SAEO (Special Application Engine Oil) (SAE 30)
Cat DEO (Single Grade Diesel Engine Oil, SAE 40, for 3600 engines only)
Cat PCO (Precombustion Chamber Oil) (SAE 40)
Cat TDTO (Transmission/Drive Train Oil)
Cat Multipurpose Grease
Cat Multipurpose Marine Grease
Cat High Speed Ball Bearing Grease
Cat White Assembly Grease
As stated above, when Caterpillar branded lubricants are not available, commercially available lubricants such as engine oils meeting Caterpillar's Engine Crankcase Fluid (ECF) specifications are allowed, the three current ones being ECF-1-a, ECF-2 and ECF-3. The ECF-3 provides the highest level of performance of the three, is preferred, and is required for use in non-road Tier 4 certified engines that are equipped with aftertreatment devices.
Other subjects covered in this bulletin include the use of synthetic lubricants, use of re-refined oils, TBN recommendations, oil viscosity requirements/recommendations, use of aftermarket oil additives and exhaust aftertreatment fluids, coolants and fuels including a considerable amount of information on the use of Biodiesel in Caterpillar engines, fuel sulfur levels, grease application charts, oil sampling, determining optimum change intervals, among others.
To view the complete SEBU6251-15 in pdf format,
click here,