TM 5-3895-383-24 Sampling Interval and Location of Sampling Valve SMCS Code:  1348; 3080; 4070; 4250; 4300; 5050; 7542 Take  the  oil  samples  as  close  as  possible  to  the  standard intervals.    In  order  to  receive  the  full  value  from  SOS  oil analysis,  you  must  establish  a  consistent  trend  of  data.    In order    to    establish    a    pertinent    history    of    data,    perform consistent scheduled oil samplings that are evenly spaced. Table 26 Recommended Oil Recommended Sampling Oil Compartment Change Interval Sampling Interval Valve Type Engine 250 Hours 250 Hours Yes DEO Synthetic Eccentric Weight Housing 3000 Hours 250 Hour No ISO 220 Oil Hydraulics 2000 Hours 500 Hours Yes HYDO Axle Oil Wheel Drive Gearbox 1000 Hours 500 Hours No MTO Drum Drive Gearbox Oil Vibratory Support Housing 1000 Hours 500 Hours No GO Consult  your  Caterpillar  dealer  for  complete  information  and assistance    in    establishing    an    SOS     program     for     your equipment. More   Frequent   S· O· S    Sampling    Improves    Life    Cycle Management Traditionally,  the  suggested  SOS   sampling   intervals   have been at each oil change, 250 hours for engines, or every 500 hours    for    all    other    compartments.        However,    under    the following conditions, a SOS sample interval of 250 hours for all compartments is recommended. Application Studies have revealed, that in some high load applications or high temperature applications, 500 hours between oil samples is too long a time span for timely prediction of potential failure modes.      A   250-hour   sampling   interval   provides   more   data points  between  oil  change  intervals  thus  increasing  the  odds for detecting a potential failure. Determining Optimal Oil Change Intervals Sampling   compartments   every   250   hours   also   provides   oil condition/performance   information   to   ascertain   the   optimal utility of a particular oil.  Also, more data points enable close monitoring of component wear rates while obtaining maximum lubrication  utility.    For  detailed  information  on  extending  oil change intervals, please contact your Caterpillar dealer. Optimizing Component Life Cycle An increased sampling frequency also provides better defined data  tends  from  one  oil  change  interval  to  the  next.    This enables close monitoring of component life cycle wear patterns to assure full component life cycle is realized. Maintenance Section Lubricant Specifications 1-52