BOLT 1694987 - Caterpillar

Use Scheduled Oil Sampling (S O S) to monitor the condition and maintenance requirements of your equipment. Each oil sample should be taken when the oil is warm and well mixed, to ensure that the sample is representative of the oil in the compartment.Obtain S O S Samples
To compliment a good preventive maintenance program, Caterpillar recommends using S O S at regular scheduled intervals to monitor the condition and maintenance requirements of your equipment. Each oil sample should be taken when the oil is warm and well mixed to ensure that the sample is representative of the oil in the compartment.There are several methods used to obtain S O S samples.* Use a sampling gun inserted into the sump.* Use a valve installed for samples.* Use the drain stream when changing oil. Caterpillar recommends using the first or second method. If these methods are not feasible, then use the drain stream.When using the drain stream to obtain the oil sample, do not sample from the first or final draining. The oil at the beginning or end of the drain stream is not mixed well enough to be representative of the oil in the compartment.S O S Analysis
S O S is composed of three basic tests:* Wear Analysis* Chemical and Physical Tests* Oil Condition AnalysisWear element analysis uses spectrophotometry to monitor component wear. Concentrations (in parts per million) of wear elements in the oil are identified and measured by this test. When test results vary from acceptable concentration levels, impending failures can be identified.Chemical and physical tests detect the presence of water, fuel and glycol (antifreeze) in the oil.Oil condition is evaluated with infrared analysis. This test determines the presence and measures the amount of soot, sulfur products, oxidation, and nitration products in the oil. Infrared analysis can also assist in customizing (reducing, maintaining or extending) oil change intervals for particular conditions and applications.Infrared analysis should always be accompanied by wear element analysis and chemical and physical tests to assure accurate diagnosis. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for complete information and assistance in establishing a Scheduled Oil Sampling program for your equipment.for the lowest starting temperature with a "cold soaked" machine. Base stocks for blending the oil formulations do differ and variations can exist within a viscosity grade on low temperature characteristics. Therefore, a particular oil may allow lower starting temperatures than given in the chart. Your oil supplier can provide additional information on oil properties.The recommendation would be to use the highest viscosity oil possible. Even though the ambient temperature may be low, operating machines can still be subjected to normal oil temperatures because of regulated temperature components. The higher viscosity fluids will provide better protection to all components which it contacts during the full day work cycle.