Fuel, Oil and Coolant Specifications
EMD OR RR OILS
Lubricants specified by Electro-Motive Division of General Motors Corporation (EMD) are special lubricants. Generally,
these may be described as SAE 40 fluids that possess low Viscosity Index (VI) properties and do not contain any or very
low concentrations of zinc ingredients. They are identified by industry as EMD or railroad (RR) oils. They are an
approved option for Series 149 engines in all marine appilications and for all other model Detroit Diesel engines used for
auxiliary power in marine service applications.
OIL CHANGES
Oil change intervals are dependent upon the various operating conditions of the engines and the sulfur content of the
diesel fuel used. Oil drain intervals in all service applications may be increased or decreased with experience using a
specific lubricant, while also considering the recommendations of the oil supplier. Generally, the sulfur content of diesel
fuels supplied throughout the U.S.A. and Canada are low (i.e., less than 0.5 per cent by weight-ASTM D-129 or D-1552
or D-2622). Fuels distributed in some overseas locations may contain higher concentrations of sulfur, the use of which
will require reduced lube oil drain intervals.
Highway Trucks & Inter-City Buses (Series 53, 71, and 92 Naturally Aspirated and Turbo-charged Engines)
For highway trucks and buses, used for inter-city operation, the oil change interval is 100,000 miles. The drain interval
may be extended beyond this point if supported by the results obtained from used lube oil analysis; it is recommended
that you consult with your lube oil supplier in establishing any drain interval exceeding 100,000 miles.
City Transit Coaches and Pick-Up and Delivery Truck Service (Series 53, 71, and 92 Naturally Aspirated and
Turbocharged Engines
For city transit coaches and pick-up and delivery truck service. the oil change interval is 12,500 miles. The oil drain
interval may be extended beyond 12,500 miles if supported by used oil analyses.
Industrial and Marine (Series 53, 71, and 92 Naturally Aspirated and Turbo-charged Engines)
Series 53, 71, and 92 engines, in industrial and marine service, should be started with 150-hour oil change periods. The
oil drain intervals may be extended if supported by used oil analyses.
Large Industrial and Marine (Series 149 Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged Engines)
The recommended oil change period for naturally aspirated Series 149 engines is 500 hours, while the change period for
turbocharged Series 149 engines is 300 hours. These drain intervals may be extended if supported by used oil analyses.
Used Lube Oil Analysis Warning Values
The presence of ethylene glycol in the oil is damaging to the engine. Its presence and need for an oil change and for
corrective maintenance action may be confirmed by glycol detector kits which are commercially available. Fuel dilution
of the oil may result from loose fuel connections or from prolonged engine idling. A fuel dilution exceeding 2.5 percent
by volume indicates an immediate need for an oil change and corrective maintenance action. Fuel dilution may be
confirmed by ASTM D-322 test procedure performed by oil suppliers or independent laboratories. In addition to the above
considerations, if any of the following occur, the oil should be changed:
1. The viscosity at 1000 F. of a used oil sample is 40 percent greater than the viscosity of the unused oil measured at
the same temperature (ASTM D-445 and D-2161).
2. The iron content is greater than 150 parts per million.
3. The pentane insolubles (total contamination) exceed 1.00 percent by weight (ASTM D-893).
4. The total base number (TBN) is less than 1.0 (ASTM D-664). Note: The sulfur content of the diesel fuel used will
influence the alkalinity of the lube oil. With high sulfur fuels, the oil drain interval will have to be shortened to avoid
excessive acidity in the lube oil.
LUBE OIL FILTER ELEMENT CHANGES
Full-Flow Filters
A full-flow oil filtration system is used in all Detroit Diesel engines. To insure against physical deterioration of the filter
element, it should be replaced at a maximum of 25,000 miles for on-highway vehicles or at each oil change period,
whichever occurs first. For all other applications, the filter should be replaced at a maximum of 500 hours or at each oil
change period, whichever occurs first.
By-Pass Filters
Auxiliary by-pass lube oil filters are not required on Detroit Diesel engines.
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