TM 5-3895-346-14
FUEL AND OIL SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE OVERHAUL
ENGINE OIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The American Petroleum Institute (API), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the American Society
for Testing and Materials (ASTM) jointly have developed the present commercial system for designating and
identifying motor oil classifications. ,The table below shows a cross-reference of current commercial and
military lube oil identification and specification systems.
NOTE
MIL-L-2104B lubricants are obsolete for Military service applications only. MIL-L-2104B lubricants are currently
marketed and readily available for commercial use.
Consult the following publications for complete descriptions:
1. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Technical Report J-183a.
2. Federal Test Method Standard 791a.
OIL CHANGES
Oil change intervals are dependent upon the various operating conditions of the engines and the sulfur content
of the diesel fuel used. Oil drain intervals in all service applications may be increased or decreased with
experience using a specific lubricant, while also considering the recommendations of the oil supplier.
Generally, the sulfur content of diesel fuels supplied throughout the U.S.A and Canada are low (i.e., less than
0.5% by weight ASTM D-129 or D-1552 or D-2622). Fuels distributed in some overseas locations may contain
higher concentrations of sulfur, the use of which will require reduced lube oil drain intervals.
Industrial Series 53 Naturally Aspirated Engines
Series 53, 71, and 92 engines, in industrial service, should be started with 150-hour oil change periods. The oil
drain intervals may be extended if supported by used oil analyses.
CROSS REFERENCE OF LUBE OIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
API CODE
LETTERS
Comparable Military or Commercial Industry Specification
CA
MIL-L-2104A
CB
Supplement 1
CC
MIL-L-2104B (see note below)
CD
MIL-L-45199B (Series B)
*
MIL-L-46152 (supersedes MIL-L-2104B for Military only)
†
MIL-L-2104C (supersedes MIL-L-45199B for Military only)
SA
none
SB
none
SC
Auto passenger car 1964 MS oils - obsolete system
SD
Auto passenger car 1968 MS oils - obsolete system
SE
Auto passenger car 1972 MS oils - obsolete system
*Oil performance meets or exceeds that of CC and SE oils.
†Oil performance meets or exceeds that of CD and SC oils.
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