DISC-INNER 4734063 - Caterpillar

Use Scheduled Oil Sampling (S O S) to monitor the condition and maintenance requirements of your equipment. Each oil sample should be taken when the oil is warm and well mixed, to ensure that the sample is representative of the oil in the compartment.Obtain Samples
To compliment a good preventive maintenance program, Caterpillar recommends using S O S at regular scheduled intervals to monitor the condition and maintenance requirements of your equipment. Each oil sample should be taken when the oil is warm and well mixed to ensure that the sample is representative of the oil in the compartment.There are several methods used to obtain S O S samples.* Use a sampling gun inserted into the sump.* Use a valve installed for samples.* Use the drain stream when changing oil. Caterpillar recommends using the first or second method. If these methods are not feasible, then use the drain stream.When using the drain stream to obtain the oil sample, do not sample from the first or final draining. The oil at the beginning or end of the drain stream is not mixed well enough to be representative of the oil in the compartment.Analysis
S O S is composed of three basic tests: * Wear Analysis* Chemical and Physical Tests* Oil Condition AnalysisWear element analysis uses spectrophotometry to monitor component wear by identifying and measuring concentrations, in parts per million, of wear elements present in the oil. Impending failures can be identified when test results deviate from concentration levels established as acceptable, based on normal wear.Chemical and physical tests detect the presence of water, fuel and glycol (antifreeze) in the oil.Oil condition is evaluated with infrared analysis. This test determines the presence and measures the amount of soot, sulfur products, oxidation, and nitration products in the oil. Infrared analysis can also assist in customizing (reducing, maintaining or extending) oil change intervals for particular conditions and applications.Infrared analysis should always be accompanied by wear element analysis and chemical and physical tests to assure accurate diagnosis. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for complete information and assistance in establishing a Scheduled Oil Sampling program for your equipment.