Fuel Oil and Coolant Specifications
DETROIT DIESEL
1. The sulfated ash (ASTM D-874) limit of the above lubricants shall not exceed 1.000% by weight, except lubricants
that contain only barium detergent dispersant salts where 1.500% by weight is allowed.
2. The zinc content, as zinc diorganodithiophosphate, shall be a minimum of 0.07% by weight.
3. Sufficient evidence of satisfactory performance in Detroit Diesel engines has been provided to Detroit Diesel Allison
and/or the customer.
LUBRICANTS NOT RECOMMENDED
The following lubricants are NOT recommended because of a history of poor performance in Detroit Diesel engines:
Military or Commercial Identification
API Letter Code Service
Comment on Performance
MIL-L-2104B/1968 MS
CC/SD
Excessive ash deposits formed
MIL-L-45199B (Series 3)
CD
Excessive ash deposits formed
Multigrade oils
Numerous
History of poor performance in most heavy-duty
diesel engines
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
Cold weather starting will be facilitated when immersion type electrical coolant heaters can be used. Other practical
considerations, such as the use of batteries, cables and connectors of adequate size, generators or alternators of ample
capacity, proper setting of voltage regulators, ether starting aids, oil and coolant heater systems, and proper fuel
selection will accomplish starting with the use of SAE 30 or SAE 40 oils. For complete cold weather starting information,
consult an authorized Detroit Diesel Allison service outlet. Ask for Engineering Bulletin No. 38 entitled, Cold Weather
Operation of Detroit Diesel Engines.
MIL-L-46167 ARCTIC LUBE OILS FOR NORTH SLOPE & OTHER EXTREME SUB -ZERO OPERATIONS
The MIL-L-46167 specification was published by the Military on 15 February, 1974. Federal Test Method 354 of Federal
Test Standard 791 is an integral test requirement of MIL-L-46167. Lubricants that have passed the oil performance
requirement limits of Method 354 may be used where continuous sub-zero temperatures prevail and where engines are
shut down for periods longer than eight (8) hours. The lubricants that have shown the best performance when subjected
to Method 354 evaluation may be described as multi-grades having a synthetic base stock and low volatility
characteristics. These lubricants are not comparable to the performance of SAE 30 or 40 oils after the engine has
started and is operating at elevated engine temperature conditions. For this reason, MIL-L-46167 lubricants should be
considered only as a last resort when engine cranking is a severe problem and auxiliary heating aids are not available.
OIL CHANCES
The oil change period is dependent on the operating conditions (e.g. load factor, etc.) of an engine that will vary with the
numerous service applications. It is recommended that new engines be started with 150 hour oil change periods. For
highway vehicles this corresponds to approximately 4,500 miles, and for "city" service vehicles, approximately 2,500
miles. The drain interval may then be gradually increased or decreased with experience on a specific lubricant while also
considering the recommendations of the oil supplier (analysis of the drained oil can be helpful here) until the most
practical oil drain period for the particular service has been established. Solvents should not be used as flushing oils in
running engines. Dilution of the fresh refill oil supply can occur, which may be detrimental. Full flow oil filtration systems
have been used in Detroit Diesel engines since they have been manufactured. For the best results, the oil filter element
should be replaced each time the oil is changed.
NEW ENGINE OIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
A relatively new engine oil classification system has been introduced to industry that describes the criteria required to
meet each performance level. A simplified cross-reference of oil and current commercial and military specifications is
shown below.
CROSS-REFERENCE OF LUBE OIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
‡ Oil performance meets or exceeds that of
API Code
Comparable military or Commercial Industry Spec.
Letters
CC and SE oils.
CA
MIL-L-2104A
a Oil performance meets or exceeds that of
CB
Supplement 1
CD and SC oils.
CC
MIL-L-2104B (see Note below)
CD
MIL-L-45199B (Series 3)
NOTE: MIL-L-2104B lubricants are currently
‡
MIL-L-46152 (supersedes MIL-L-2104B for Military only)
marketed and readily available for commercial
MIL-L-2104C (supersedes MIL-L-45199B for Military only)
SA
none
use. MIL-L-2104B lubricants are obsolete for
SB
none
Military service applications only. Consult the
SC
1964 MS oils - Auto passenger car
SD
1968 MS oils - Auto passenger car
following
publications
for
complete
SE
1972 MS oils- Auto passenger car
descriptions:
1. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Technical Report J-183a.
2. Federal Test Method Standard 791a.
PUBLICATION AVAILABLE SHOWING COMMERCIAL "BRAND" NAME LUBRICANTS
A list of "brand" name lubricants distributed by the majority of worldwide oil suppliers can be purchased from the Engine
Manufacturers Association (EMA). The publication is titled, EMA Lubricating Oils Data Book for Heavy-Duty Automotive
and Industrial Engines. The publication shows the brand names. Oil performance levels, viscosity grades, and sulfated
ash contents of most "brands" marketed. ENGINE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION 111 EAST WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601
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