Monitoring the Lubricating Oil

Monitoring the Lubricating Oil - Ops - #9447

Perform the following maintenance on the lubricating oil:

  1. Check the oil level daily with the engine stopped and on a level surface. If the engine has just been stopped and is warm, wait approximately 20 minutes to allow the oil to drain back into the oil pan before checking.
  2. Add the proper grade of oil to maintain the correct level on the dipstick. Remove the dipstick from the guide tube. Before adding lubricating oil. See How to Select Lubricating Oil. For EPA07 engines see How to Select Lubricating Oil (EPA07).
    Note: Some dipsticks have a positive locking device such as a lever or twist-lock design that must be disengaged before pulling the dipstick out of the guide tube. Use a shop rag to wipe off the end of the dipstick. Wait 15 seconds to allow any crankcase pressure to dissipate through the guide tube and let the oil level settle in the oil pan.
  3. Reinstall the dipstick and make sure it is fully inserted into the guide tube. Remove the dipstick and read the oil level dipstick.
    Note: Do NOT fill beyond the maximum fill level on the dipstick, since overfilling may result in high oil consumption and possible severe engine damage.
    Note: If the engine operating temperature is below 60° C (140° F), the engine must be on a level surface and then shut down for 60 minutes for an accurate oil level reading. Otherwise, the engine must be brought up to an operating temperature of 60° C (140° F), parked on a level surface and then shut down for five minutes for an accurate oil level reading.
  4. Check the oil level daily. With the engine stopped, use the oil dipstick and measure the oil level on crosshatch area on the dipstick. The figures below show maximum oil level (2) and minimum oil level (1). If the oil reading is between the min and max indicators, then the oil is at the proper level for engine operation.

    Oil Dipstick - Metal Indicator

    80205

    Oil Dipstick - Plastic Indicator

    Note: Do not add oil if the oil reading is in the crosshatch area on the dipstick. There are approximately 5.0 L (5.2 qts) from the minimum mark to the maximum mark on the dipstick. Overfilling the oil pan can cause engine damage.
    Note: If the oil level is constantly above normal and excess oil has not been added to the crankcase, consult with an authorized Detroit service outlet for the cause. Fuel or coolant dilution of lubricating oil can result in serious engine damage.
  5. Add the proper grade of oil to maintain the satisfactory range on the dipstick. All diesel engines are designed to use some oil, so the periodic addition of oil is normal. Before adding lubricating oil. See How to Select Lubricating Oil. For EPA07 engines see How to Select Lubricating Oil (EPA07).
Parent topic: Routine Preventive Maintenance