1. Estimate the average percent of the load for the operation of the
engine.
2. Refer to the fuel consumption data in the Technical Marketing
Information (TMI) for your engine. This will determine the fuel consumption for the percent of the load that was estimated in Step
1. Use this figure as variable "F" for the equation in Table 6. For more information about the Technical Marketing Information (TMI) for your engine, consult your Caterpillar dealer.
Oil Consumption as an Overhaul Indicator
Oil consumption, fuel consumption, and maintenance information can be used to estimate the total operating cost for your Caterpillar engine. Oil consumption can also be used to estimate the required capacity of a makeup oil tank that is suitable for the maintenance intervals.
Oil consumption is in proportion to the percentage of the rated engine load. As the percentage of the engine load is increased, the amount of oil that is consumed per hour also increases.
The oil consumption rate (brake specific oil consumption) is measured in grams per kW/h (lb per bhp). The brake specific oil consumption (BSOC) depends on the engine load. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for assistance in determining the typical oil consumption rate for your engine.
When an engine's oil consumption has risen to three times the original oil consumption rate due to normal wear, an engine overhaul should be scheduled. There may be a corresponding increase in blowby and a slight increase in fuel consumption.
