Fuel, Oil and Coolant Specifications
DETROIT DIESEL
LUBRICATING OIL SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Detroit Diesel Allison lubricant recommendations are
based on general experience with current lubricants of
All diesel engines require heavy-duty lubricating oils.
various types and give consideration to the commer-
Basic requirements of such oils are lubricating quality.
cial lubricants presently available.
high heat resistance. control of contaminants.
RECOMMENDATION
LUBRICATING QUALITY. The reduction of friction
Detroit Diesel engines have given optimum perform-
and wear by maintaining an oil film between moving
ance and experienced the longest service life with the
following oil performance levels having the ash and
parts is the primary requisite of a lubricant. Film
zinc limits shown:
thickness and its ability to prevent metal-to-metal
contact of moving parts is related to oil viscosity. The
optimums for Detroit Diesel engines are SAE 30 or 40
weight.
HIGH HEAT RESISTANCE. Temperature is the most
* SAE 40 grade oil has performed satisfactorily and
important factor in determining the rate at which
is recommended in Detroit Diesel engines. Ob-
deterioration or oxidation of the lubricating oil will
viously, the expected ambient temperatures and
occur. The oil should have adequate thermal stability
engine cranking capability must be considered by
at elevated temperatures, thereby precluding forma-
the engine owner/operator when selecting the
proper grade of oil. Only when the ambient tem-
tion of harmful carbonaceous and/or ash deposits.
peratures and engine cranking capabilities result in
difficult starting should SAE 30 grade oil be used.
CONTROL OF CONTAMINANTS. The piston and
ASH LIMIT
compression rings must ride on a film of oil to minimize
The sulfated ash limit (ASTM D-874) of the above
wear and prevent cylinder seizure. At normal rates of
lubricants shall not exceed 1.000% by weight, except
consumption. oil reaches a temperature zone at the
lubricants that contain only barium detergent-disper-
upper part of the piston where rapid oxidation and
sant salts where 1.500% by weight is allowed. The ma-
carbonization can occur. In addition, as oil circulates
jority of lubricants marketed under the performance
through the engine, it is continuously contaminated by
levels shown above have a sulfated ash content be-
tween 0.55 to 0.85% by weight.
soot, acids, and water originating from combustion.
Until they are exhausted, detergent and dispersant
ZINC CONTENT
additives aid in keeping sludge and varnish from
The zinc content, as zinc diorganodithiophosphate,
depositing on engine parts. But such additives in
shall be a minimum of 0.07% by-weight.
excessive quantities can result in detrimental ash
RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF
deposits. If abnormal amounts of insoluble deposits
CURRENT OIL PERFORMANCE LEVEL PRODUCTS
form, particularly on the piston in the compression
MEETING PRESENT MILITARY LUBRICANT
ring area, early engine failure may result.
SPECIFICATIONS
The petroleum industry is currently marketing engine
Oil that is carried up the cylinder liner wall is normally
crankcase oils that may be identified as follows:
consumed during engine operation. The oil and addi-
tives leave carbonaceous and/or ash deposits when
subjected to the elevated temperatures of the com-
bustion chamber. The amount of deposits is influenced
by the oil composition, additive content, engine tem-
perature, and oil consumption rate.
SPECIFICATIONS
OIL QUALITY
OIL QUALITY is the responsibility of the oil supplier.
(The term oil supplier is applicable to refiners, blend-
ers, and rebranders of petroleum products, and does
not include distributors of such products.)
Detroit Diesel Allision does not have sufficient exper-
ience with any of the above described lubricants to re-
commend their use. Some oil suppliers have reported
There are hundreds of commercial crankcase oils mar-
satisfactory performance of the above identified prod-
keted today. Obviously, engine manufacturers or users
ucts marketed by them. If an owner/operator intends
cannot completely evaluate the numerous commercial
oils. The selection of a suitable lubricant in consultation
to use any of the above described products, it is rec-
with a reliable oil supplier, observance of his oil drain
ommended he obtain evidence from the oil supplier
recommendations (based on used oil sample analysis
that the lubricant has performed satisfactorily in
and experience) and proper filter maintenance, will
Detroit Diesel engines. The above products may be
satisfactory for use in Detroit Diesel engines under
provide the best assurance of satisfactory oil
performance.
the following conditions:
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