SPOOL 2291086 - Caterpillar

Note: Each API category is more technically advanced than the prior categories.Oils that meet only API CI-4/CI-4 PLUS and/or API CH-4 categories and that have not met the requirements of at least one Cat ECF specification may cause reduced engine life.Note: Obsolete API oil categories are not licensed by the API and hence are of uncontrolled quality. These oils are technically inferior to current oils and can result in reduced engine performance and life.Total Base Number (TBN) and Fuel Sulfur Levels for Direct Injection (DI) Diesel Engines
The use of Cat S O S Services oil analysis is recommended for determining oil life.TBN is also commonly referred to as Base Number (BN).The minimum required Total Base Number (TBN) for oil depends on the fuel sulfur level. For direct injection engines that use distillate fuel, the following guidelines apply:
Table 5
TBN recommendations for applications in Cat engines
Fuel Sulfur Level percent (ppm) Cat Engine Oils TBN of Commercial Engine Oils
0.05 percent (500ppm) Cat DEO-ULS
Cat DEO Min 7
>0.05-0.2 percent (>500- 2000 ppm) (1) Cat DEO
Cat DEO-ULS Min 10
Above 0.2 percent (above 2000ppm) (2)(3) Cat DEO(4) Min 10
(1) Use of an oil analysis program to determine oil drain intervals is recommended if fuel sulfur is between 0.05% (500 ppm) and 0.5% (5000 ppm).
(2) Use of an oil analysis program to determine oil drain intervals is required if fuel sulfur is above 0.5% (5000 ppm).
(3) For fuels of sulfur levels that exceed 1.0 percent (10,000 ppm), refer to TBN and engine oil guidelines given in this section.
(4) Cat DEO-ULS may be used if an oil analysis program is followed. High fuel sulfur levels may reduce the oil drain intervals.Note: For regions in the world where fuels of high sulfur that exceed 1.0 percent (10,000 ppm (mg/kg)) are available and allowed for use by law, use the following guidelines:
Choose multigrade oil with the highest TBN that meets one of these specifications: Cat ECF-1-a, Cat ECF-2, Cat ECF-3, and Cat API CK-4. Commercial oils are second choice oils.
Reduce the oil change interval. Base the oil change interval on the oil analysis. Ensure that the oil analysis includes the condition of the oil and a wear metal analysis. Cat S O S Services oil analysis is required.TBN testing is an optional part of the S O S Services oil analysis program. TBN testing may be done in addition to the standard S O S Services tests for oil deterioration. In most applications, the S O S Services tests for oxidation, sulfation, viscosity, and wear will identify oil deterioration.TBN of the oil is typically measured using "ASTM D2896" and/or "ASTM D4739" test methods. Both methods can be used to measure the TBN of used oils. However, "ASTM D4739" is the preferred method for used oils.
Consider changing the oil if the "ASTM D2896" test result reaches 4 TBN. Look for other signs of oil deterioration,