Perkins 4012TESI Series, User Handbook Manual, Page: 18 / 57

LUBRICATING OIL
14 4012/16 Gas, February 1998
QUANTITY OF OIL
CAUTION
In order to select a suitable lubricating oil for a gas engine it is necessary to consider
the fuel quality.
NATURAL GAS ENGINES (NO ACIDIC PRODUCTS PRESENT)
The oil should be a grade that is specifically formulated by all the major oil companies for
turbocharged and charge cooled natural gas engines. The oil should contain anti-wear and
detergent/dispersant additives. The oil is to have high resistance to oxidation and have
good thermal stability. Modern gas engine oils do not rely on a high total base number to
achieve long life and the special additive packages that are now available from many of the
major oil suppliers now meet this criteria.
Engines fitted with oxidizing catalysts (2 way) require a lubricant that is low in zinc and
phosphorus, it is essential that the oil supplier confirms that the brand of oil supplied is
compatible with the catalyst.
BIOGAS ENGINES (CONTAINING ACIDIC PRODUCTS AT LEVELS APPROVED BY
PERKINS ENGINES (STAFFORD) LTD
These engine require a lubricating oil that has more reserve alkalinity than the natural gas
engine and therefore the TBN should be more than 8 and less than 10 with the sulphated
ash in the range of 0.5 to 1.1%. The oil supplier will assist with the selection of suitable oils
when presented with the gas analysis. (TBN = Total Base Number).
NATURAL GAS BIOGAS ENGINES
Where gas engines oils are not available, please consult Perkins Engines (Stafford) Ltd for
advice.
GRADE OF OIL
The viscosity of the oil used should be either SAE 30 or SAE 40. In general SAE 30 is used
at temperature less than 30°C average ambient temperature and SAE 40 more than 30°C.
As these engine are generally operating continuously, it is possible to use higher viscosity
oils as sluggishness in starting is not generally critical.
The use of SAE40 will give reduced oil consumption but under certain conditions it will also
give reduced oil change periods.
OIL CHANGE PERIOD (NATURAL GAS ENGINES)
For normal operation of gas engines, change the oil after the first 500 hours, after which the
oil change period is 800 hours or annually which ever is the sooner.
It may be possible to extend the oil change period, where an oil change programme has
been approved by Perkins Engines (Stafford) Ltd, based upon the analysis of oil samples
taken during the first 1000 hours of engine use. However even if an analysis is showing a
satisfactory oil quality, the oil life should not be extended above 1000 hours.
4012TESI 4016TESI
The total system capacity 178 litres (39 gallons) 238 litres (52 gallons)
The maximum sump capacity 159 litres (35 gallons) 214 litres (47 gallons)
The minimum dipstick mark indicates 136 litres (30 gallons) 147 litres (32 gallons)