TM 5-3895-383-24 Commercial Oils The performance of commercial diesel engine oils is based on the  classifications  of  the  American  Petroleum  Institute  (API). These  API  classifications  are  developed  in  order  to  provide commercial lubricants for a broad range of diesel engines that operate at various conditions. If Caterpillar multigrade Diesel Engine Oil is not used, only use commercial oils that meet the following classifications: EMA LRG-1 multigrade oil (preferred oil) API CH-4 multigrade oil (preferred oil) API CG-4 multigrade oil (preferred oil) API CF-4 multigrade oil (acceptable oil) In order to make the proper choice of a commercial oil, refer to the following explanations. EMA  LRG-1  -  The  Engine  Manufacturers  Association  (EMA) has developed lubricant recommendations. These recommendations are an alternative to the API oil classification system.    LRG-1  is  a  Recommended  Guideline  that  defines  a level of oil performance for these types of diesel engines:  high speed,  four  stroke  cycle,  heavy-duty,  and  light  duty.    LRG-1 oils  may  be  used  in  Caterpillar  engines  when  API  CH-4,  API CG-4,  and  API  CF-4  oils  are  recommended.    LRG-1  oils  are intended to provide superior performance in comparison to API CG-4 and API CF-4. LRG-1 oils will meet the needs of high performance Caterpillar diesel  engines  that  are  operating  in  many  applications.    The tests  and  the  test  limits  that  are  used  to  define  LRG-1  am similar  to  the  new  API  CH-4  classification.    Therefore,  these oils   will   meet   the   requirements   of   the   low   emission   diesel engines.      LRG-1   oils   are   designed   to   control   the   harmful effects    of    soot    with    improved    wear    resistance    and    with improved resistance to plugging of the oil filter.  These oils will also  provide  superior  piston  deposit  control  for  engines  with either two-piece steel pistons or aluminum pistons. All LRG-1 oils must complete a full test program with the base stock and with the viscosity grade of the finished commercial oil.  The use of "API Base Oil Interchange Guidelines" are not appropriate for LRG-1 oils.  This feature reduces the variation in performance that can occur when base stocks are changed in commercial oil formulations. LRG-1 oils are recommended for use in extended oil change interval   programs   that   optimize   oil   life.      These   oil   change interval  programs  are  based  on  oil  analysis.    LRG-1  oils  are recommended for conditions that demand a premium oil.  Your Caterpillar dealer has the specific guidelines for optimizing oil change intervals. API CH-4 - API CH-4 oils were developed in order to meet the requirements   of   the   new   high   performance   diesel   engines. Also, the oil was designed to meet the requirements of the low emissions diesel engines.  API CH-4 oils are also acceptable for use in older diesel engines and in diesel engines that use high   sulfur   diesel   fuel.      API   CH-4   oils   may   be   used   in Caterpillar engines that use API CG-4 and API CF-4 oils.  API CH-4 oils will generally exceed the performance of API CG-4 oils in the following criteria:  deposits on pistons, control of oil consumption,  wear  of  piston  rings,  valve  train  wear,  viscosity control, and corrosion. Three new engine tests were developed for the API CH-4 oil. The   first   test   specifically   evaluates   deposits   on   pistons   for engines   with   the   two-piece   steel   piston.      This   test   (piston deposit)   also   measures   the   control   of   oil   consumption.      A second test is conducted with moderate oil soot.  The second test measures the following criteria:  wear of piston rings, wear of cylinder liners, and resistance to corrosion.  A third new test measures the following characteristics with high levels of soot in  the  oil:    wear  of  the  valve  train,  resistance  of  the  oil  in plugging the oil filter, and control of sludge. In addition to the new tests, API CH-4 oils have tougher limits for  viscosity  control  in  applications  that  generate  high  soot. The  oils  also  have  improved  oxidation  resistance.    API  CH-4 oils  must  pass  an  additional  test  (piston  deposit)  for  engines that use aluminum pistons (single piece).  Oil performance is also  established  for  engines  that  operate  in  areas  with  high sulfur diesel fuel. All  of  these  improvements  allow  the  API  CH-4  oil  to  achieve optimum oil change intervals.  API CH-4 oils are recommended for  use  in  extended  oil  change  intervals.    API  H-4  oils  are recommended for conditions that demand a premium oil.  Your Caterpillar   dealer   has   specific   guidelines   for   optimizing   oil change intervals. API CG-4 - API CG-4 oils were developed primarily for diesel engines that use a 0.05 percent level of fuel sulfur.  However, API CG-4 oils can be used with higher sulfur fuels.  The TBN of the  new  oil  determines  the  maximum  fuel  sulfur  level  for  the API CG-4 and API CF-4 oils. Maintenance Section Lubricant Specifications 1-43