Cat Engines

A friend of a friend just bought a Albermarle Sport Fisher with twin Cats. Can't remember engine model....3- something? He was telling me that it was critical to only run Cat branded oil in the engine. Leaks, poor performance and turbo problems are the results if normal diesel rated oil is used. Sounded like BS to me, but I have no experience in big diesels so I thought I'd ask.

 

Cat doesn't make oil. Oil companies put it in containers with the Cat logo. The engine will have specifications and any oil that complies will work.

 

Almost ALL Cat engines # start with 3.
Shell Rotella is the most common and cheap oil in the marine industry since Hannibal crossed the Brennero.
Caution: NOT for 2 stroke engines! But your Cat´s are 4 stroke.
Calling your local Cat rep. will tell you which viscosity range they recommend, thats all you need.

And yes, your friend told you Bullpoo......

Regards
Richard

 

Thanks

Maybe I can save him some money, just bought the boat....has lots of things to fix

 

Post it here, we love to see others in sweat..............

 

He was telling me that it was critical to only run Cat branded oil in the engine. Leaks, poor performance and turbo problems are the results if normal diesel rated oil is used. Sounded like BS to me, but I have no experience in big diesels so I thought I'd ask.


Pure BS , any oil with Cats required rating will work as well.

If your friend buys Cat oil , remind him I have a real money making bridge in Brooklyn he can purchase cheap!

FF

 

follow up

got a little more information. Apparently the biggest problem is fouling a filter with blow back. I've been asked to help with the oil change so I'll learn more in a couple of weeks. The good news is the local Cat dealer only charges about $2 more a gallon for Cat labeled oil than I paid for Rotella at Walmart. Owner understands about specifications, but for that little difference went to the dealer rather than searching.

 

"Apparently the biggest problem is fouling a filter with blow back"

Does that comment translate to the soot % is over 1% on the oil analysis?

Or a big engine is being destroyed with ideling and low loads?

FF

 

Blow back

No I think it is based on visual. How coated is the filter. The boat is used for fishing. Quick runs followed by several hours of trolling and a quick run home. I'm thinking the filter is in the crankcase vent system, but at this point that is just a guess.