Refill Capacities & Fluids Recommendations CAT C18 Marine Engine

Operation and Maintenance Manual
C18 Marine Engine

Refill Capacities

For information about the correct fluids for use in your Caterpillar Marine Engine, refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fluids Recommendations".

Lubrication System

Table 1

Approximate Refill Capacities
Compartment or System	Liters	Quarts
Engine Crankcase	49.2	52

Cooling System

Table 2

Approximate Refill Capacities for Coolant
Compartment or System	Liters	Quarts
Engine and Expansion Tank(1)	45.4	48

(1)

The following capacities are for engines that have expansion tanks that are installed in the factory. Cooling systems which are installed by the OEM for the vessel may differ. Refer to the OEM specifications.    Fluid Recommendations SMCS - 1280; 1348; 1395; 7560 Note: Refer to the emissions label on the engine to determine to which emissions regulation the engine is certified. Note: The interval for changing the coolant varies depending on the type of coolant being replaced. Refer to this article, "Coolant Recommendations"for the intervals. Note: For more information, refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Cat Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations". Diesel Engine Oil Cat Diesel Engine Oil (Cat DEO) Cat oils have been developed and tested to provide the full performance and service life that has been designed and built into Cat engines. Cat oils are currently used to fill Cat Diesel Engines at the factory. These oils are offered by Cat dealers for continued use when the engine oil is changed. Consult your Cat dealer for more information on these oils. Due to significant variations in the quality and in the performance of commercially available oils, Caterpillar makes the following recommendations: Note: Cat DEO and Cat DEO-ULS multigrade oils are the preferred oils for use in this Cat Diesel Engine. Table 1 Commercial Lubricants  Cat Lubricants  Viscosity Grade  Diesel Engine Oil-Ultra Low Sulfur (API CJ-4)  Cat DEO - ULS  SAE 15W-40  SAE 10W-30 Cat DEO - ULS SYN SAE 5W-40  Cat DEO Cold Weather SAE 0W-40  Diesel Engine Oil (API CI-4/CI-4 PLUS and API CH-4)  Cat DEO  SAE 15W-40  SAE 10W-30 Engines which are Certified to US Marine Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 3 Regulations NOTICE An engine certified to US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Marine Tier 3 regulations which is installed in a US flagged vessel must use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD fuel) as defined by 40 CFR part 80.510(c). When an engine is not installed in a US flagged vessel, refer to applicable local or International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations for fuel requirements. Caterpillar recommends the use of Cat DEO-ULS for engines that use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD fuel) or sulfur-free diesel fuel. Cat DEO-ULS has the proper amount of lubricity for engines using ULSD. The use of engine oil that meets Cat Engine Crankcase Fluid specifications (Cat ECF-3) specifications is acceptable. Refer to this article "Commercial Oil" for more information. Engines which are Not Certified to US Marine EPA Tier 3 Regulations CatDEO is recommended for engines using fuels of sulfur levels that exceed 0.2 percent (> 2000 ppm (mg/kg) ). Cat DEO-ULS may be used in these applications if an oil analysis program is followed. The oil change interval may be affected by the fuel sulfur level. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Oil Sample - Obtain" for more information about the Cat S·O·S Oil Sampling program. Commercial Oil Note: Non-Cat commercial oils are, as a group, second choice oils. Within this grouping of second choice oils there are tiered levels of performance. NOTICE Caterpillar does not warrant the quality or performance of non-Cat fluids. The three current Caterpillar ECF specifications are: Cat ECF-1-a, Cat ECF-2, and Cat ECF-3. Each higher Cat ECF specification provides increased performance over lower Cat ECF specifications. A commercial oil must meet the following standards to be considered an equivalent of a Cat diesel engine oil: Table 2 Cat Engine Crankcase Fluids (ECF) Definitions  Cat Performance Requirement  API Oil Category  Cat ECF-3  API CJ-4 Oil Category performance requirements  Cat ECF-2  API CI-4 / CI-4 PLUS Oil Category performance requirements and Passing standard Cat C13 engine test per API requirements and Oils of sulfated ash > 1.50 percent are not allowed  Cat ECF-1-a  API CH-4 Oil Category performance requirements and For oils that are between 1.30 percent and 1.50 percent sulfated ash, passing one more Cat 1P SCOTE test ("ASTM D6681") is required and Oils of sulfated ash > 1.50 percent are not allowed  Engines which are Certified to US Marine Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 3 Regulations If an engine which is certified to US Marine EPA Tier 3 Regulations is installed on a US flagged vessel and is not using Cat DEO-ULS, Caterpillar recommends the use of an oil that meets the following standards: Cat ECF-3 specification and API CJ-4 oil category. Lubricant Viscosity In selecting oil for any engine application, both of the following must be satisfied: the oil viscosity and the category of oil performance or the specification for oil performance . Using only one of these parameters will not sufficiently define oil for an engine application. The proper SAE viscosity grade of oil is determined by the following temperatures: minimum ambient temperature during cold engine start-up and maximum ambient temperature during engine operation. Refer to Table 3 (minimum temperature) to determine the required oil viscosity for starting a cold engine. Refer to Table 3 (maximum temperature) to select the oil viscosity for engine operation at the highest ambient temperature that is anticipated. Note: Generally, use the highest oil viscosity that is available to meet the requirement for the temperature at start-up. Table 3 Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures for Cat Diesel Engines  Oil Type and Performance Requirements  Viscosity Grade  °C  °F  Min Max  Min  Max  Cat Cold-Weather DEO-ULS  SAE 0W-40  −40  40  −40  104  Cat DEO-ULS SYN  SAE 5W-40  −30  50  −22  122  Cat DEO-ULS Cat DEO  SAE 10W-30  −18  40  0  104  SAE 15W-40 −10  50  14  122  Cat ECF-1-a, Cat ECF-2, Cat ECF-3  SAE 0W-30  −40  30  −40  86  SAE 5W-30 −30  30  −22  86  SAE 10W-40 −18  50  0  122  Note: A cold soaked start occurs when the engine has not been operated recently, allowing the oil to become more viscous due to cooler ambient temperatures. Supplemental heat is recommended for cold soaked starts below the minimum ambient temperature. Supplemental heat may be necessary for cold soaked starts that are above the minimum temperature depending on factors such as parasitic load. Total Base Number (TBN) and Fuel Sulfur Levels The use of Cat S·O·S Services oil analysis is recommended strongly for determining oil life. The minimum required Total Base Number (TBN) for oil depends on the fuel sulfur level. The TBN for new oil is typically determined by the "ASTM D2896" procedure. For direct injection engines that use distillate fuel, the following guidelines apply: Table 4 TBN recommendations for applications in Cat engines  Fuel Sulfur Level percent (ppm)  Cat Engine Oils (1)  TBN of Commercial Engine Oils  0.05 percent (500ppm)  Cat DEO-ULS Cat DEO  Min 7  >0.05-0.2 percent (>500- 2000 ppm) (2)  Cat DEO Cat DEO-ULS  Min 10  Above 0.2 percent (above 2000ppm) (3)(4)  Cat DEO (5)  Min 10  (1) Cat DEO-ULS applies to Cat DEO-ULS SAE 15W-40, SAE10W-30, Cat DEO-ULS SYN SAE 5W-40, and Cat DEO Cold-Weather SAE 0W-40. Cat DEO applies to Cat DEO SAE 15W-40 and SAE 10W-30. (2) Use of an oil analysis program to determine oil drain intervals is recommended if fuel sulfur is between 0.05% (500 ppm) and 0.5% (5000 ppm). (3) Use of an oil analysis program to determine oil drain intervals is required if fuel sulfur is above 0.5% (5000 ppm). (4) For fuels of sulfur levels that exceed 1.0 percent (10,000 ppm), refer to TBN and engine oil guidelines given in this section. (5) Cat DEO-ULS may be used if an oil analysis program is followed. High fuel sulfur levels may reduce the oil drain intervals. S·O·S Services Oil Analysis Caterpillar has developed a maintenance tool that evaluates oil degradation. the maintenance management also detects the early signs of wear on internal components. The Cat tool for oil analysis is called S·O·S oil analysis and the tool is part of the S·O·S Services program. S·O·S oil analysis divides oil analysis into four categories: Component wear rate Oil condition Oil contamination Identification of oil These four types of analysis are used to monitor the condition of your equipment. The four types of analysis will also help you identify potential problems. A properly administered S·O·S oil analysis program reduces repair costs and the program will lessen the impact of downtime. The S·O·S Oil Analysis program uses a wide range of tests to determine the condition of the oil and the crankcase. Guidelines that are based on experience and a correlation to failures have been established for these tests. Exceeding one or more of these guidelines could indicate serious fluid degradation or a pending component failure. A trained person at your Cat dealership should make the final analysis. NOTICE Always use a designated pump for oil sampling, and use a separate designated pump for coolant sampling. Using the same pump for both types of samples may contaminate the samples that are being drawn. This contaminate may cause a false analysis and an incorrect interpretation that could lead to concerns by both dealers and customers. Refer to Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Cat Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" to obtain additional information about S·O·S Services oil analysis. You can also contact your local Cat dealer. Fuel Note: Caterpillar strongly recommends the filtration of fuel through a fuel filter with a rating of four microns(c) absolute or less. This filtration should be on the device that dispenses the fuel to the fuel tank for the engine. This filtration should also be on the device that dispenses fuel from the bulk storage tank. Series filtration is recommended. NOTICE In order to meet expected fuel system component life, 4 micron(c) absolute or less secondary fuel filtration is required for all Cat Diesel Engines that are equipped with unit injected fuel systems. All current Cat Diesel Engines are factory equipped with Cat Advanced Efficiency 4 micron(c) absolute fuel filters. Caterpillar does not warrant the quality or performance of non-Cat fluids and filters. Fuel for Cat Marine Diesel Engines which are certified to United States Environmental Protection Agency Tier 3 Standards (US EPA Tier 3 Standards) NOTICE An engine certified to US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Marine Tier 3 regulations which is installed in a US flagged vessel must use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD fuel) as defined by 40 CFR part 80.510(c). When an engine is not installed in a US flagged vessel, refer to applicable local or International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations for fuel requirements. Cat Marine Diesel Engines which are certified to US EPA Tier 3 Standards are designed to operate with the following types of fuel: Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel Fuel (ULSD fuel). ULSD fuel contains ≤0.0015 percent (≤15 ppm (mg/kg) of sulfur. Approved blends of biodiesel fuel. Refer to the "Biodiesel" topic in this article for more information. The use of diesel fuel that contains >0.0050 percent (>50 ppm (mg/kg)) of sulfur may cause the aftercooler to foul. Fouling of the aftercooler may result in engine damage. Note: If the engine operates in an area outside of US EPA jurisdiction and where fuel quality is unknown, refer to EPA regulations for instructions on obtaining a migratory exemption. To operate a Cat Marine Diesel Engine which is certified to US EPA Marine Tier 3 Standards with fuel that contains >50 ppm (mg/kg) of sulfur, modifications to the crankcase ventilation system (CCV system) must be made to prevent fouling of the aftercooler. Crankcase fumes cannot be routed back into the engine air intake when the engine is operating with fuel that contains >50 ppm (mg/kg) of sulfur. Contact your Cat dealer for more information. Specifications for Distillate Diesel Fuel Note: Diesel fuel used to operate a Cat Marine Diesel Engine which is certified to US EPA Tier 3 Standards must also meet the “Cat Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel for Off-Highway Diesel Engines”. The acceptability of these fuels for use is determined on a case by case basis. A complete fuel analysis is required. Consult your Cat dealer for further information. NOTICE The footnotes are a key part of the “Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel for Off-Highway Diesel Engines” Table. Read ALL of the footnotes. Table 5 Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Fuel for Nonroad Diesel Engines  Specifications  Requirements  ASTM Test  ISO Test  Aromatics  35% maximum  "D1319"  "ISO 3837"  Ash  0.01% maximum (weight)  "D482"  "ISO 6245"  Carbon Residue on 10% Bottoms  0.35% maximum (weight)  "D524"  "ISO 4262"  Cetane Number (1)  40 minimum (DI engines)  "D613" or "D6890"  "ISO 5165"  35 minimum (PC engines) Cloud Point  The cloud point must not exceed the lowest expected ambient temperature.  "D2500"  "ISO 3015"  Copper Strip Corrosion  No. 3 maximum  "D130"  "ISO 2160"  Distillation  10% at 282 °C (540 °F) maximum  "D86"  "ISO 3405"  90% at 360 °C (680 °F) maximum Flash Point  legal limit  "D93"  "ISO 2719"  Thermal Stability  Minimum of 80% reflectance after aging for 180 minutes at 150 °C (302 °F)  "D6468"  No equivalent test  API Gravity (2)  30 minimum  "D287"  No equivalent test  45 maximum Pour Point  6 °C (10 °F) minimum below ambient temperature  "D97"  "ISO 3016"  Sulfur  (3)  "D5453" or "D2622"  ISO 20846 or ISO 20884  Kinematic Viscosity  1.4 cSt minimum and 20.0 cSt maximum as delivered to the fuel injection pumps  -  -  1.4 cSt minimum and 4.5 cSt maximum as delivered to the rotary fuel injection pumps Water and Sediment  0.05% maximum  "D1796" or "D2709"  "ISO 3734"  Water  0.05% maximum  "D6304"  No equivalent test  Sediment  0.05% maximum (weight)  "D473"  "ISO 3735"  Gums and Resins (4)  10 mg per 100 mL maximum  "D381"  "ISO 6246"  (1) Alternatively, to ensure a minimum cetane number of 35 (PC engines), and 40 (DI engines), distillate diesel fuel should have a minimum cetane index of 37.5 (PC engines), and 44.2 (DI engines) when the "ASTM D4737-96a" test method is used. A fuel with a higher cetane number may be required for operation at a higher altitude or in cold weather. (2) Via standards tables, the equivalent kg/m3 (kilograms per cubic meter) using the "ASTM D287" test method temperature of 15.56° C (60° F) for the minimum API gravity of 30 is 875.7 kg/m3, and for the maximum API gravity of 45 is 801.3 kg/m3. (3) Certain Cat fuel systems and engine components can operate on fuel with a maximum sulfur content of 3%. Contact your Cat dealer for guidance about appropriate maintenance intervals and fluids for engines operating on fuel with sulfur levels between 0.1% and 3%. (4) Follow the test conditions and procedures for gasoline (motor). Note: Vessels that are traveling internationally and that have on/off NOx controls must enable these controls prior to entering a NECA. For US flagged vessels, on/off controls are not allowed without an exemption during international travel. The controls must always be on. Foreign destinations should be reviewed for supply of ULSD fuel and DEF prior to departure. Exemptions for ULSD or DEF use by US flagged vessels may be requested from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA can be contacted at the following address: complianceinfo@epa.gov Physical address: Designated Compliance Officer Heavy-Duty and Nonroad Engine Group 6403-J U.S. AVE. NW Washington, DC 20460 Biodiesel A biodiesel blend of up to 20 percent may be used in the engine when the fuel blend meets the recommendations in table 6 and meets the recommendations in Special Publication, SEBU6251, "Biodiesel". A blend of greater than 20 percent biodiesel may be acceptable sometimes. See your Cat dealer for more information. Note: A complete Cat S·O·S Services oil analysis program is recommended strongly when using biodiesel blends above 5 percent. Table 6 Biodiesel Blends for Cat Commercial Diesel Engines  Biodiesel blend stock  Final blend  Distillate diesel fuel used for blend  Caterpillar biodiesel specification, "ASTM D6751" or "EN14214"  B20: "ASTM D7467" and "API" gravity 30-45  Caterpillar distillate diesel fuel specification, "ASTM D975" or "EN590"  Cooling System The cooling system operates under pressure which is controlled by the radiator pressure cap. Removing the cap while the system is hot may allow the escape of hot coolant and steam, causing serious burns. Before you remove the radiator cap, allow the system to cool. Use a thick cloth and turn the radiator cap slowly to the first stop to allow pressure to escape before fully removing the cap. Avoid contact with coolant. NOTICE Never add coolant to an overheated engine. Engine damage could result. Allow the engine to cool first. NOTICE If the engine is to be stored in, or shipped to an area with below freezing temperatures, the cooling system must be either protected to the lowest outside temperature or drained completely in order to prevent damage caused by freezing coolant. Never operate an engine without water temperature regulators in the cooling system. Water temperature regulators help to maintain the engine coolant at the proper operating temperature. Cooling system problems can develop without water temperature regulators. Removing the regulators allows some coolant to bypass the radiator, potentially causing overheating. Coolant Recommendations Note: Water alone and/or water mixed with supplemental coolant additive (SCA) are not approved coolants for C7 - C32 Marine Engines which are heat exchanger cooled. C7 - C32 Sea Water Aftercooled (SWAC) Marine Engines which are heat exchanger cooled require a minimum of 30% glycol to prevent cavitation of cooling system components. A minimum of 50 % glycol is recommended. Table 7 Coolant Recommendations for use in Cat Diesel Engines  Recommendations  Product  Service Hours(1)(2)(3)  Required Maintenance  Preferred  Cat ELC (Cat Extended Life Coolant)  12000 hours or 6 years  Add Cat ELC Extender at 6000 service hours or one half of service life  Cat ELI (Cat Extended Life Inhibitor) 12000 hours or 6 years  Add Cat ELC Extender at 6000 service hours or one half of service life  Min requirements  Cat EC-1 specification and "ASTM D6210" and Organic Additive Technology (OAT) based on a combination of a monocarboxylic acid and a dicarboxylic acid Phosphate, borate, and silicate free Tolyltriazole: minimum typical concentration of 900 ppm (mg/kg) Nitrite: minimum typical concentration of 500 ppm (mg/kg) in new coolants  6000 hours or 6 years  Add Extender at 3000 service hours or one half of service life  Acceptable  Cat DEAC (Cat Diesel Engine Antifreeze/Coolant)  3000 hours or 3 years  SCA (Supplemental coolant additive) at maintenance intervals  Min requirements for fully formulated Heavy-Duty Commercial coolants  "ASTM D6210" and Nitrite (as NO2) concentration: Minimum of 1200 ppm (70 grains/US gal) and maximum of 2400 ppm (140 grains/US gal) Silicon concentration: minimum of 100 ppm (mg/kg) and maximum of 275 ppm (mg/kg)  3000 hours or 2 years  SCA at maintenance intervals  Min requirements for Commercial coolants requiring SCA precharge  "ASTM D4985" and(1) Nitrite (as NO2) concentration: Minimum of 1200 ppm (70 grains/US gal) and maximum of 2400 ppm (140 grains/US gal) Silicon concentration: minimum of 100 ppm (mg/kg) and maximum of 275 ppm (mg/kg)  3000 hours or 1 year  SCA at initial fill and SCA at maintenance intervals  (1) New Coolants at 50 volume percent diluted. Coolants that are prediluted at the coolant manufacturer must be diluted with water that meets Reagent 4 "ASTM D1193" requirements. (2) Maintain the in-service coolant at the given limits. (3) When referring to the service hours, use the interval that occurs first. These coolant change intervals are only achievable with annual S·O·S Services Level 2 coolant sampling analysis. Table 8 Special Requirements for Marine Engines which are US EPA Marine Tier 3 Capable  Cat C7 through C32 Sea Water Aftercooled (SWAC) Marine Engines with heat exchangers  Minimum of 30% glycol is required. 50% glycol is recommended.  NOTICE Use Only Approved SCAs and Extenders Conventional coolants require the maintenance addition of SCA throughout the expected life of the coolants. Do NOT use an SCA with a coolant unless approved specifically by the coolant supplier. The coolant manufacturer is responsible for ensuring compatibility and acceptable performance. To help ensure expected performance, EC-1 coolants require the one time maintenance addition of an extender at coolant service mid-life. Do not use an extender with a coolant unless the extender has been approved specifically for use by the coolant manufacturer. The coolant manufacturer is responsible for ensuring compatibility and acceptable performance. Failure to follow these recommendations can result in shortened cooling system component life. Note: Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Cat Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations" SEBU6251 for an example of the amount of ELI to add when diluting ELC. Cat ELC can be recycled into conventional coolants. S·O·S Services Coolant Analysis Testing the engine coolant is important to ensure that the engine is protected from internal cavitation and corrosion. The analysis also tests the ability of the coolant to protect the engine from boiling and freezing. S·O·S coolant analysis can be done at your Cat dealer. Cat S·O·S coolant analysis is the best way to monitor the condition of your coolant and your cooling system. S·O·S coolant analysis is a program that is based on periodic samples. Table 9 Recommended Interval  Type of Coolant  Level 1  Level 2  Cat DEAC Conventional Heavy-Duty Coolants  Every 250 hours  Yearly(1)  Cat ELC Cat ELI Commercial EC-1 Coolants  Optional  Yearly(1)  (1) The Level 2 Coolant Analysis should be performed sooner if a problem is suspected or identified. Note: Check the SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive) of the conventional coolant at every oil change or at every 250 hours. Perform this check at the interval that occurs first. S·O·S Services Coolant Analysis (Level 1) A coolant analysis (Level 1) is a test of the properties of the coolant. The following properties of the coolant are tested: Glycol concentration for freeze protection and boil protection Ability to protect from erosion and corrosion pH Conductivity Visual analysis Odor analysis The results are reported, and appropriate recommendations are made. S·O·S Services Coolant Analysis (Level 2) A coolant analysis (Level 2) is a comprehensive chemical evaluation of the coolant. This analysis is also a check of the overall condition of the cooling system. The S·O·S coolant analysis (Level 2) has the following features: Full coolant analysis (Level 1) Identification of metal corrosion and of contaminants Identification of buildup of the impurities that cause corrosion Identification of buildup of the impurities that cause scaling Determination of the possibility of electrolysis within the cooling system of the engine The results are reported, and appropriate recommendations are made. For more information on S·O·S coolant analysis, consult your Cat dealer. Greases If it is necessary to choose a single grease, always choose a grease that meets or exceeds the requirements of the most demanding application. Remember that the products which barely meet the minimum performance requirements can be expected to barely produce the minimum lives of your parts. False economy is being used if a grease is purchased with the lowest cost as the only consideration. Instead, use the grease that yields the lowest total operating cost. The cost should be based on an analysis that includes the costs of parts, labor, downtime, and the cost of the grease