BOLT 5P3961 - Caterpillar

In addition to a good preventive maintenance program, Caterpillar recommends using S O S oil analysis at regularly scheduled intervals in order to monitor the condition of the engine and the maintenance requirements of the engine. S O S oil analysis provides infrared analysis, which is required for determining nitration and oxidation levels.The maintenance interval is correct if the preferred fluids are being used. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Severe Service Application - Check" for information about maintenance intervals if the preferred fluids are not used.Obtain the Sample and the Analysis
Hot oil and hot components can cause personal injury. Do not allow hot oil or hot components to contact the skin.
See this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Model Views" in order to locate the oil sampling valve.Before you take the oil sample, complete the Label, PEEP5031 for identification of the sample. In order to help obtain the most accurate analysis, provide the following information:
Engine model
Service hours on the engine
The number of hours that have accumulated since the last oil change
The amount of oil that has been added since the last oil changeTo ensure that the sample is representative of the oil in the crankcase, obtain a warm, well mixed oil sample.To avoid contamination of the oil samples, the tools and the supplies that are used for obtaining oil samples must be clean.Caterpillar recommends using the sampling valve in order to obtain oil samples. The quality and the consistency of the samples are better when the sampling valve is used. The location of the sampling valve allows oil that is flowing under pressure to be obtained during normal engine operation.The 169-8373 Fluid Sampling Bottle is recommended for use with the sampling valve. The fluid sampling bottle includes the parts that are needed for obtaining oil samples. Instructions are also provided.
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.
If the engine is not equipped with a sampling valve, use the 1U-5718 Vacuum Pump. The pump is designed to accept sampling bottles. Disposable tubing must be attached to the pump for insertion into the sump.For instructions, see Special Publication, PEGJ0047, "How To Take A Good S O S Oil Sample". Consult your Caterpillar dealer for complete information and assistance in establishing an S O S program for your engine.