Terminology
Certain abbreviations follow the nomenclature of
“SAE J754”. Some classifications follow “SAE J183”
abbreviations, and some classifications follow the
“EMA Recommended Guideline on Diesel Engine
Oil”. In addition to Perkins definitions, there are other
definitions that will be of assistance in purchasing
lubricants. Recommended oil viscosities can be
found in this publication, “Fluid Recommendations/
Engine Oil” topic (Maintenance Section).
Engine Oil
Commercial Oils
NOTICE
Perkins require the use of the following specifica-
tion of engine oil. Failure to use the appropriate
specification of engine oil will reduce the life of
your engine.
Table 4
Oil Specification
Preferred Oil Specification
Acceptable
API CI-4 Plus
API CI-4
API CI-4 Plus meets the designed life of the product,
the use of the appropriate engine oil is essential.
API CI-4 Plus provide two design improvements over
API CI-4 oil specification, soot viscosity control and
product shear stability.
Maintenance intervals for engines that use
biodiesel
– The oil change interval can be adversely
affected by the use of biodiesel. Use oil analysis in
order to monitor the condition of the engine oil. Use
oil analysis also in order to determine the oil change
interval that is optimum.
Note: These engine oils are not approved by
Perkins and these engine oils must not be used:
CC, CD, CD-2, CF-4, CG-4 and CH-4.
Lubricant Viscosity Recommendations
for Direct Injection (DI) Diesel Engines
The correct SAE viscosity grade of oil is determined
by the minimum ambient temperature during cold
engine start-up, and the maximum ambient
temperature during engine operation.
Refer to illustration 32 (minimum temperature) in
order to determine the required oil viscosity for
starting a cold engine.
Refer to illustration 32 (maximum temperature) in
order to select the oil viscosity for engine operation at
the highest ambient temperature that is anticipated.
Generally, use the highest oil viscosity that is
available to meet the requirement for the temperature
at start-up.
Illustration 32
g03329707
Lubricant Viscosities
Supplemental heat is recommended for cold soaked
starts below the minimum ambient temperature.
Supplemental heat may be required for cold soaked
starts that are above the minimum temperature that
is stated. The requirement also depends on the
parasitic load and other factors. Cold soaked starts
occur when the engine has not been operated for a
longtime. This interval will allow the oil to become
more viscous due to cooler ambient temperatures.
Aftermarket Oil Additives
Perkins does not recommend the use of aftermarket
additives in oil. The use of aftermarket additives in
order to achieve the engines maximum service life or
rated performance is not necessary. Fully formulated,
finished oils consist of base oils and of commercial
additive packages. Additive packages are blended
into the base oils at precise percentages in order to
provide finished oils with performance characteristics
that meet industry standards.
There are no industry standard tests that evaluate
the performance or the compatibility of aftermarket
additives in finished oil. Aftermarket additives may
not be compatible with the finished oils additive
package, which could lower the performance of the
finished oil. The aftermarket additive could fail to mix
with the finished oil. This failure could produce sludge
in the crankcase. Perkins discourages the use of
aftermarket additives in finished oils.
To achieve the best performance from a Perkins
engine, conform to the following guidelines:
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