BOLT 8T5379 - Caterpillar

Engine:
All Marine Propulsion, Marine Auxiliary, and Marine Generator SetsThe proper engine operation and maintenance outlined in the Operation and Maintenance Manual are key factors in obtaining the maximum life and economy from your Caterpillar marine engine. If the guidelines in the Operation and Maintenance Manual are followed, operating costs can be minimized and engine service life can be maximized.Caterpillar has a recommended RPM range during "Cruising Speed". The "Cruising Speed" or RPM of the engine is 300 RPM to 400 RPM below the rated speed of Caterpillar marine engine. It is important to note that each vessel varies as to where the "Sweet Spot" occurs. The "Sweet Spot" refers to where the fuel consumption and vessel speed are optimized. Operating within the recommended "Cruising Speed" will help to provide the maximum engine service life and the most economical operation.Trolling, operating with "Low Load" factor, or operating for extended periods with "Low Load" factor and minimum engine speed may cause excessive oil consumption, carbon buildup, unburned fuel buildup, cylinder glazing, and turbo slobber saturating the combustion chamber, intake, and exhaust systems. This buildup results in poor engine performance, power loss and will reduce the useful life of the engine over time.To counter act these conditions, run the engine at full load and full RPM for 2 to 3 minutes in order to heat soak and burn off the unburned fuel and carbon buildup from the combustion chamber and exhaust system. Reduce the engine speed to the recommended "Cruising Speed" range and operate there for approximately 3 additional minutes. Perform this procedure at 4 hour intervals during trolling or operating for extended periods with the "Low Load" factor and minimum engine speed.Ratings are statements of the engine's power and speed capability under specified load conditions. The Caterpillar rating system simply matches engines to particular applications. The Caterpillar rating system consists of the following standard ratings: "A" Rating, "B" Rating, "C" Rating, "D" Rating and "E" Rating."A" Rating
Unrestricted Continuous Load factor: 80 percent to 100 percent. Up to 100 percent of the time at rated speed. Typical hrs/yr: 5000 to 8000. Typical applications: For vessels operating at rated load and rated speed up to 100 percent of the time without interruption or load cycling (80 percent to 100 percent load factor). Typical applications could include but are not limited to vessels such as freighters, tugboats, bottom drag trawlers, or deep river tugboats. Typical operation ranges from 5000 to 8000 hours per year."B" Rating
Heavy Duty Load factor: 40 percent to 80 percent. Up to 80 percent of the time at rated speed. Typical time at full load: 10 hrs out of 12 hrs. Typical hrs/yr: 3000 to 5000. Typical applications: For vessels operating at rated load and speed up to 80 percent of the time with some load cycling (40 percent to 80 percent load factor). Typical applications could include but are not limited to vessels such as mid-water trawlers, purse seiner, crew and supply boats, ferries, or towboats. Typical operation