SEAL 6A4503 - Caterpillar

Selecting the Viscosity
Ambient temperature is the temperature of the air in the immediate vicinity of the engine. This may differ due to the engine application from the generic ambient temperature for a geographic region. When selecting the proper oil viscosity for use, review both the regional ambient temperature and the potential ambient temperature for a given engine application. Generally, use the higher temperature as the criterion for the selection of the oil viscosity. Generally, use the highest oil viscosity that is allowed for the ambient temperature when you start the engine. Refer to the "Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures" tables and the associated footnotes for guidance. In arctic applications, the preferred methods are to use a heated enclosure, or properly sized engine heaters and a higher viscosity grade oil. Thermostatically controlled heaters that circulate the oil are preferred.The proper oil viscosity grade is determined by the minimum ambient air temperature (the air in the immediate vicinity of the engine). This is the temperature when the engine is started and while the engine is operated. In order to determine the proper oil viscosity grade, refer to the "Min" column in the table. This information reflects the coldest ambient temperature condition for starting a cold engine and for operating a cold engine. Refer to the "Max" column in the table in order to select the oil viscosity grade for operating the engine at the highest temperature that is anticipated. Unless specified otherwise in the "Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures" Table, use the highest oil viscosity that is allowed for the ambient temperature when you start the engine.Engines that are operated continuously and/or are heavily loaded should use oils that have the higher oil viscosity. The oils that have the higher oil viscosity will maintain the highest possible oil film thickness. Refer to this Special Publication, "Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures" Tables and associated footnotes for any exceptions. Consult your dealer if additional information is needed.Note: SAE 0W and SAE 5W oils are generally not recommended for use in engines that are operated continuously and/or are heavily loaded. Refer to the "Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures" tables and the associated footnotes for guidance. The oils that have the higher oil viscosity will maintain the highest possible oil film thickness. Consult your Caterpillar dealer if additional information is needed.
Proper oil viscosity AND oil type/specification are required to maximize machine compartment performance and life. Do NOT use only oil viscosity, or only oil type to determine the machine compartment oil selection. Using only the oil viscosity or only the oil type to determine a machine compartment oil selection can lead to reduced performance and compartment failure. Refer to the "Lubricant Viscosities for Ambient Temperatures" tables and to ALL of the associated footnotes.
In colder ambient conditions a machine warm-up procedure and/or supplemental machine fluid compartment heat may be required. Machine specific warm-up procedures can typically be found in the Operation and Maintenance Manual for the machine. In addition, generic machine warm-up procedures can be