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moisheh · 01-19-2014, 09:45 PM

I garnered this from another forum. It came from Cat.

Test step 10 in CAT’s Actuation pressure Test Procedures to calculate the ideal oil change interval

. It recommends that the data required be collected from the “electronic service tool.

However, if you know what your overall mpg is, you
should be very close:
a. Total distance in miles ÷ total fuel in gallons =
overall mpg.
b. Overall mpg × 50 × oil pan capacity in quarts =
recommended interval in miles.
c. For example: 7.0 mpg × 50 × 19 qts = 6,650
miles.

jesilvas · 01-20-2014, 11:17 AM

Cool formula. Wonder if it's only for Cat's or just bigger HEUI motors.

Did the math on my International T444E and it came to 11k miles. That's too far by 5000 miles.

wb7auk · 01-20-2014, 12:53 PM

This is just another way so you change oil every 1,000 gallons of fuel

wb7auk · 01-20-2014, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesilvas

Cool formula. Wonder if it's only for Cat's or just bigger HEUI motors.

Did the math on my International T444E and it came to 11k miles. That's too far by 5000 miles.

Just another way of changing oil at 1,000 gallons of fuel

Tha_Rooster · 01-20-2014, 04:39 PM

Or like me yearly.

wb7auk · 01-20-2014, 04:56 PM

A friend of mine with over 40 years in repairing Cat diesels advises to change the
oil and oil filter often.
He states the filter and oil should be changed ever 5,000 to 6,000 miles if you want
to get the max engine life.

def · 01-20-2014, 05:18 PM

Engine OCIs are not determined by the amount of fuel used. They are dependent on the condition of the oil. And while fuel use has some impact on engine oil condition, it is well down on the list. TBN and viscosity would be close to the top. TBN is an indicator of the additive package remaining in the oil. Viscosity indicates how well the oil has resisted shearing down. Noack score would also be up there with viscosity.

Quality HDEOs can often be used for 15,000 miles before the oil is worn out. For many of us, that translates to annual mileage.

The list of oils I would consider as top-of-the-line oils would be as follows;

Mobil Delvac 1300, Chevron Delo 400 and Shell Rotella not necessarily in that order.

These are non-synthetic oils and are approved for use in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged diesel engines. Some use these oils in automobiles due to their excellent additives and price. Also, there is no need to carry extra oil inasmuch as these oils are available at any truck stop.

Some of you may choose synthetic engine oils for your diesel power plant. I would say this about that, unless you run high exhaust gas temperatures consistently, or you operate your engine at sustained high loads, skip the synthetic and stay with a good non-synthetic oil. The Cost/Benefit ratio for synthetics just doesn't work out for most of us.

Usually the non-synthetic oils can be purchased for $13.00/gallon meaning that most of us can change oil for about $65.00, filter extra. For my Cat 3126, the OE filter is under $20.00. Therefore, an oil change (20 quarts) for me is well under $100.00. If you are being charged more, I would change service centers or negotiate.

Ask a trucker next time you're at the truck stop fueling, how much he pays for an oil change. You'll be surprised. Then ask, how many miles he drives before changing oil...you won't believe the number.

moisheh · 01-20-2014, 05:35 PM

def: Your comments would apply to say a Cummins. But this post is about Cat's with the infamous HEUI system that fails prematurely. Because the engine oil is used to "drive" the injectors cleanliness is very important. Additive packages do not come into play for that function. The more I think about it using oil from your engine in an application that needs super clean oil is just plain stupid? What were those engineers thinking?

wb7auk · 01-20-2014, 05:43 PM

As per Cat:
Oil and oil filter
6,000 miles or 6 months or 250 hours of operation which ever comes first.

I have also seen it stated 1,000 gallons of fuel which works out very close to the above.

EDALLSAILS · 01-20-2014, 05:46 PM

Thanks for the formula. I'm missing something. 7.0 mpg × 50 × 19 qts = 6,650

What does the 6650 mean?

I'm getting 9.0 MPG X 50 X 19 qts =8850 in this case what does 8850 mean?

Thanks, ...safe travels... ed

wb7auk · 01-20-2014, 05:54 PM

Ed,

That is the miles driven before oil change.
I will stay with the lower fig with over 55 years operating and repairing these
engines and knowing the cost of parts.

1ciderdog · 01-20-2014, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EDALLSAILS

Thanks for the formula. I'm missing something. 7.0 mpg × 50 × 19 qts = 6,650

What does the 6650 mean?

I'm getting 9.0 MPG X 50 X 19 qts =8850 in this case what does 8850 mean?

Thanks, ...safe travels... ed

That would be the miles driven between oil & filter changes

Cat · 01-20-2014, 07:57 PM

My C7 ECM calculates my oil change at 7785 miles, that's where I change it.

def · 01-20-2014, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moisheh

Because the engine oil is used to "drive" the injectors cleanliness is very important. Additive packages do not come into play for that function.

Using the engine oil for hydraulic duty can shear oil down prematurely. However, I have no indication that this is happening in my 3126 using Mobil Delvac 15w-40.

Also, if you use the OE filter, oil particle count and particle distribution stay low.

Also, using the OE fuel filter can improve injector life.

As for additives, the oils mentioned are approved for Cat diesel engine service. They contain plenty of corrosion inhibitors as well as EP additives.

You want more info, go here....

Diesel Oil Questions | Heavy Duty Engine Oil (HDEO) - Diesel/Gas Pickups/Trucks/Vans | Bob Is The Oil Guy