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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ON-HIGHWAY ENGINES |
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What is normal oil pressure?
Typical oil pressure range for engines running at rated speed and operating temperature with SAE 10w30 or 15w40 oil is: (207 to 310 kpa) 30-45 psi for 3176B, C-10, C-12, 40-88 for 3406E.
What is the operating range for water temperature?
Temperature range is typically (87 to 98 degrees C) 189 to 208 degrees F. Maximum allowable temperature is 216 degrees F. With the cooling system pressurized cap, higher temperatures may occur under certain conditions. |
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The check engine light is blinking on the dashboard, what does it mean?
Caterpillar engines have built-in diagnostics to assure all components are functioning and operating properly. In the event of a system problem, the operator will be alerted to the condition by the dashboard-mounted check engine/diagnostic lamp. A Caterpillar service tool or the cruise control switches may be used to read the numerical code of the diagnostic flash code. |
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What viscosity of oil should I use in my Caterpillar engine?
Caterpillar recommends the use of a multi-grade oil in all of its on-highway truck engines. Multi-grade oils are blended in two viscosity grades: SAE 10w30 and SAE 15w40. Use of these oils provide the correct viscosity for a broad range of operating temperatures and for cold engine starts. Find out more about Caterpillar lubricants. |
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Should I be using a specific API rated oil?
Yes, API CG-4 rated oils are preferred for Caterpillar on-highway truck engines because of the fuel sulfur level. API CI-4 oils are also allowed. |
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Is there anything special I need to know about the cold mode operation of my electronic engine?
After starting, a load can be applied to the engine after normal oil pressure is achieved and the coolant water temperature gauge begins to rise. These engines use a cold start strategy that limits power until the coolant temperature reaches 18 degrees C.(64 degrees F) or until the engine has been running for twelve minutes. The electronic system automatically sets the idle at 600 rpm for a 3406E and 800 rpm for 3176B, Cat C-10 and Cat C-12 during cold mode operation. |
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My dealer suggests I use progressive shifting to improve my fuel economy ... what is it?
When shifting, keep rpms to a minimum and use only enough rpm to pick up the next gear. Progressive shifting also reduces acceleration time, and top gear is reached sooner because it takes less time to synchronize gears during shifting and the engine is operating at its highest torque range. |
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What are the benefits of scheduled oil sampling?
Scheduled oil sampling is the best indicator for determining what is happening inside your engine. S-O-S analysis is a diagnostic tool used to determine oil performance and component wear rates with a series of tests designed to identify and measure contamination such as soot, sulfur, etc; and the presence of fuel, water, and antifreeze in a sample of oil. It can also determine the amount of wear metals present in the sample which can be compared to Caterpillar standards for acceptability. Find out more about our S-O-S lab. |
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What are the advantages of Caterpillar extended life coolant (ELC)?
The primary advantage of ELC coolant is the coolant life is extended to 600,000 miles or six years. Long life coolant does not require supplemental coolant additives. A "one time only" coolant extender is the only maintenance addition required. The extender should be added to the cooling system at 300,000 miles or three years. |
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When should I perform my valve lash adjustments?
On new, rebuilt, or remanufactured engines, the initial valve lash adjustment is required due to initial wear and seating of valve train components. After the initial valve lash adjustment, future adjustments are required at an extended interval. If downtime is an issue for you, contact our field service advisor to have a technician come to your facility on your schedule. |
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Depending on engine model the maintenance intervals are as follows: |
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C-10, C-12, 3406E, C-15, and C-16 On-Highway Engines:
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Initial - Between 24,000 and 96,000 km (15,000 and 60,000 miles) which is between the first and fourth oil change.
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After Initial - Every 483,000 km (300,000 miles) or 190,000 L (50,000 US gal) of fuel or 6,000 Service Hours or 3 years (which ever comes first). |
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3126B and 3126E On-Highway Engines:
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Engines with "Shallow Oil Sump" (See Operation and Maintenance manual to determine oil sump size)
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Initial - At 17,700 km (11,000 miles) or 4,150 L (1,100 US gal) of fuel or 250 Service Hours or 6 Months (which ever comes first).
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After Initial - Every 161,000 km (100,000 miles) or 56,850 L (15,000 US gal) of fuel or 2,000 Service Hours or 2 years (which ever comes first).
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Engines with "Deep Oil Sump" (See Operation and Maintenance manual to determine oil sump size)
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Initial - At 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 5,700 L (1,500 US gal) of fuel or 400 Service Hours or 6 Months (which ever comes first).
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After Initial - Every 161,000 km (100,000 miles) or 56,850 L (15,000 US gal) of fuel or 2,000 Service Hours or 2 years (which ever comes first). |
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What is "multi-torque" and what are the benefits?
Multi-torque ratings provide for additional torque as the engine load increases. This feature provides higher torque levels and better drivability while in the top gears only. The engine electronics are able to determine when the vehicle is in top gears by calculating the engine rpm/vehicle speed ratio. |
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The benefits of multi-torque are:
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Driver feel
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Less shifting in rolling terrain
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Less wear on drive line components
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More responsive, better engine performance |
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Is it acceptable to use NO.1 grade diesel fuel in my Caterpillar engine?
Yes, however Caterpillar recommends NO.2 diesel fuel with low sulfur ( 0.05 % maximum) for use in their electronic diesel engines for optimum performance. |
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Do I need any fuel additives?
Fuel additives are generally not recommended. Cetane improvers can be used as necessary for direct injection engines. Biocides may be needed to eliminate microorganism growth in storage tanks. In cold conditions, treatment for entrained water may also be necessary. |
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