Engine Oil Temperature Gauge
Notice: A sudden increase in oil temperature that is not caused by a load increase may indicate mechanical failure. Bring the vehicle to a safe stop and investigate the cause to prevent further damage. Do not operate the engine until the cause has been determined and corrected.
During normal operation, the optional engine oil temperature gauge (Fig.) should read in the following temperature ranges:
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160 to 195°F (71 to 91°C) for Caterpillar engines
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200 to 260°F (93 to 126°C) for Detroit and Cummins engines
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177 to 203°F (81 to 95°C) for Mercedes-Benz engines
Under heavy loads, such as when climbing steep grades, temperatures that exceed the normal oil temperature range for a short period are not unusual. If the temperature returns to normal when the load decreases, there is no problem.