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Cat has developed a maintenance management tool that evaluates oil degradation and detects the early signs of wear on internal components. The Cat tool for oil analysis is called S O S oil analysis and the tool is part of the S O S Services program. S O S oil analysis divides oil analysis into four categories:
Component wear rate
Oil condition
Oil contamination
Oil identificationComponent Wear Rate analysis evaluates the wear that is taking place inside the lubricated compartment. The S O S Services analyst uses the results of elemental analysis and particle count tests to evaluate the wear. Trend analysis and proprietary wear tables are then used to determine if wear rates are normal or abnormal.Oil Condition analysis is used to determine if the oil has degraded. Tests are done to look at the oxidation, sulfation, and viscosity of the oil. The S O S Services analyst uses established guidelines or trend analysis to determine if the oil has reached the useful life limit.Oil Contamination tests are performed to determine if anything harmful has entered the oil. This analysis relies on the results from the following tests: elemental analysis, soot, particle count, fuel dilution, water, and glycol. The S O S Services program has guidelines for the level of contamination that are allowed in Cat engines.Oil Identification is another important part of the S O S oil analysis program. The wrong oil in an engine can severely damage major components. The S O S Services analyst uses elemental analysis and viscosity results to identify key characteristics of the oils.These four types of analysis are used to monitor the condition of your equipment, and to help you identify potential problems. A properly administered S O S Services oil analysis program will reduce repair costs and the program will lessen the impact of downtime.The S O S oil analysis program uses a wide range of tests to determine the condition of the oil and the lubricated compartment.Guidelines that are based on experience and a correlation to failures have been established for these tests. See the following chart for the guidelines. Exceeding one or more of these guidelines could indicate serious fluid degradation or a pending component failure. A trained person at your Cat dealership should make the final analysis.Oil analysis is one of the diagnostic tools to determine engine health. Oils that are within the limits given by the guidelines may not indicate all engine health issues. Under certain conditions, including but not limited to severe operating conditions, oils that are within the limits given by the guidelines may require changing early.Note: Cooling system problems will also reduce the life of engines. S O S coolant analysis and S O S oil analysis provide a complete and accurate method for monitoring the health of all engine systems. Refer to the S O S Services coolant analysis information in this Special Publication. A properly administered S O S Services program will reduce repair costs and lessen the impact of downtime.Refer to the “Contamination Control” article in this Special Publication for recommended fluid cleanliness targets.
Table 1
S O S Oil Analysis Guidelines
Test Parameter Guideline
Oxidation (1)
Soot (1)
Sulfation (1)
Wear Metals Trend Analysis and Cat Wear Table(1) norms
Water 0.5% maximum
Glycol 0%
Fuel Dilution based on viscosity(1) and GC(2) fuel dilution in excess of 4%
Viscosity "ASTM D445" measured at 100° C (212° F) +/-3 centistoke (cSt) change from new oil viscosity.
(1) Acceptable values for these parameters are proprietary to the S O S oil analysis program.
(2) Gas ChromatographNote: Most oil analysis programs do not detect larger particles in the oil sample. Some failure modes only produce larger particles. Oil analysis alone will not always detect an impending failure. Oil filters should be sectioned and inspected for the presence of visible particles.The engine oil consumption must be measured and recorded. A significant increase in oil consumption can indicate a problem with cylinder pack deposits or components. Additionally, oil additions dilute wear metals and other contaminants. Oil analysis results may become inaccurate.Consult your Cat dealer for complete information and assistance about the S O S oil analysis program.Obtaining S O S Oil Samples
Before you obtain an S O S oil sample, operate the engine until the oil is warm and the oil is circulated. Then obtain the S O S oil sample.In order to obtain a good oil sample, do not take the oil sample from the drain stream. The drain stream method can allow a stream of dirty oil from the bottom of the compartment to contaminate the sample. Likewise, never dip an oil sample from an oil container or pour a sample from a used filter.There are two acceptable ways to obtain S O S oil samples. The following methods are listed in the order that is preferred:
Use an in-line sampling valve on the pressurized oil manifold.
Use a sampling gun (vacuum pump) that is inserted into the sump.Use of the in-line sampling valve is the preferred method. This method provides samples that are less likely to be contaminated. Whenever you obtain the samples, obtain the samples from the same point. The samples will be more representative of the oil that is in the system.Normally, the oil sample is taken at low idle. If the flow rate is too low, increase engine speed to high idle in order to obtain the oil sample.
Do not use the same vacuum sampling pump for extracting oil samples that is used for extracting coolant samples.A small residue of either type sample may remain in the pump and may cause a false positive analysis for the sample being taken.Always use a separate pump for oil sampling and a separate pump for coolant sampling.Failure to do so may cause a false analysis which could lead to customer and dealer concerns.
Oil Sampling Interval
Take the oil samples as close as possible to the standard intervals. In order to receive the full value from S O S oil analysis, establish a consistent trend of data. In order to establish a pertinent history of data, perform consistent oil samplings that are evenly spaced.Recommended