Application

Engineering
Bulletin
Subject

This AEB is for the following applications:

Lube Oil Change and Lube Oil Filter
Change Interval Extension for
Generator Drive Engines

Date December 20, 2000

Automotive
Page 1 of 6

Industrial

Power Generation

AEB Number 40.17

Engine Models included: QSX15, K19, K38, K50, QST30, QSK45, QSK60
Fuel Systems included: Various
Author: Alan R. Ford

Telephone: (812) 377-7641

Scope:
This document addresses Lube Oil System Options and Methods that are available for
extending lube oil system service intervals for selected generator drive engines.
Introduction:
A reliable supply of clean, quality lubricating oil is a critical factor necessary for optimal
engine performance and durability. To achieve the goal of proper lubrication system operation
while extending oil and filter change intervals, a variety of options are available on selected
engines. Many of these options can be used in conjunction with each other. These options
include:
- Use the highest quality, approved oil.
- Use low sulfur diesel fuel
- Use the Chart Method for oil change interval scheduling.
- Utilize the largest capacity lube oil sump.
- Utilize the CENTINEL Continuous Oil Replacement System.
- Replace the standard filtration system with longer-life filtration system (Eliminator).
- Utilize Extended Service (ES) filtration products
- Use Oil Analysis
This Bulletin provides details on these options. If the technique is not specified in the engine
models O&M manual, the user must consult with the Cummins Power Generation Group or
Service Engineering Customer Support before extending any maintenance interval.

Lube Oil Change Interval Extension Methods:

Use Highest Quality Approved Oil

-

Use the highest quality approved oil

Use the proper viscosity

The starting point for optimal lube oil system performance is the oil itself. Consult the
most current version of Service Bulletin 3810340 and the appropriate engine operation and
maintenance manual for definitions of Standard Grade Oil, Premium Grade Oil and additional
guidance.
The choice of a premium grade of lubricating oil may allow extension of oil change
intervals. The enhanced lubrication properties and service life of approved premium oil
contributes directly to improved engine durability. The website
http://www.ctc.cummins.com/mat_eng/fuels/ces_registration/ces_engine_oil.htm includes a listing of
approved Premium Grade Oils. For Most Engines, CH-4 is a Premium Grade Oil, but the
corresponding Operation and Maintenance Manual should be consulted to confirm this.
The proper multigrade oil can have a significant positive influence. Approved SAE15W40 is the recommended type for applications where normal ambient conditions are above 18
degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit). For ambient below 18 degrees Celsius, a different
viscosity grade oil may be necessary for easier starting and flow.

Use Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel that is in compliance with the other Cummins Fuel
requirements.

High-sulfur fuel can reduce oil change intervals. The standard oil change intervals listed
in the Operating and Maintenance Manuals are based on the assumption that the sulfur
content in the fuel is less than 0.05%. The following table lists the adjustment to the published
interval for various ranges of fuel sulfur content.
Sulfur Content in
Fuel

Service Interval
Multiplier

Sample O&M
Manual Interval

< 0.05%
0.05% - 0.50%
> 0.50%

1.0 (100%)
0.8 (80%)
0.4 (40%)

250 hours
250 hours
250 hours

Interval adjusted
based on Fuel
Sulfur Content
250 hours
200 hours
100 hours

Service Bulletin 3379001 contains the specific details of approved fuels.

Use the Chart Method

-

Use the Chart Method, particularly for lightly loaded engines

Use the largest capacity sump available
Use premium quality approved oil

The Chart Method is based on relationships between fuel consumption and engine
loading, the quality of oil used, and sump capacity to define the oil change interval. Section 2

of Operation and Maintenance Manual Industrial and Power Generator QSX15 Engines
(Bulletin 3666423), Section V of Operation and Maintenance Manual QSK45 and QSK60
Series Engines (Bulletin 3666260) and section V of Operation and Maintenance Manual
QST30 Engine (Bulletin 3666134) defines the Chart Method. Service Parts Topic 00T7-7
contains charts for K19, K38, K50, QST30, QSK45 and QSK60 engines and provides
additional details. Particularly for engines with low average loading (but above 30%), this
technique may permit dramatic oil change interval extension. Consult these manuals for
details.
The chart method permits the greatest oil change interval extension when premium oil
and the largest sump are used.
If the Chart Method is used, oil analysis must be performed and documented at the
midpoint of the oil change interval.

Select and Utilize the Largest Available Oil Sump

-

Larger oil sump capacity allows more contaminant dilution

Sump must be kept properly filled

A larger than normal oil sump allows contaminants to be diluted over a larger quantity of
oil. Ash, soot and other contaminants can be distributed over a larger volume.
Lube Oil Sumps must be equipped to permit measurement of oil level. At a minimum,
oil level should be checked before each start. If the engine is operated in accordance with the
prime or continuous ratings, a method for measuring and monitoring running engine oil level is
recommended. Typically this is a sight glass or level switch which is calibrated or marked for
running engine conditions.

Use CENTINEL
-

Approved CENTINEL applications can extend the filter change interval to

1000 hours and oil change intervals to 4000 hours

CENTINEL is a Continuous Oil Replacement System (CORS) that regularly

replenishes the Lube Oil System with fresh oil. Based on the engines duty cycle, oil from the
oil system is burned with fuel and replaced with fresh oil. CENTINEL is available for K19,
K38, and K50 engine models. Consult After-Market Sales and the Master Repair Manual
Centinel (Bulletin 3666231) for more details.

Use Eliminator
Filter
-

Approved Eliminator Filter applications can extend the centrifuge maintenance

interval to 1000 Hours (1500 hours with CENTINEL).

The Eliminator Filter is an enhanced Lube Oil Filtration system. It consists of a FullFlow automatic filter and a high efficiency disc stack centrifuge. It replaces the normal engine
full flow and bypass flow lube oil filters. Eliminator utilizes different replaceable filter
elements than the normal engine filters. These elements are back-flushed to a centrifuge and

require replacement only when damaged. Section 2 of Operation and Maintenance Manual
QSK45 and QSK60 Series Engines (Bulletin 3666260) indicates the centrifuge maintenance
intervals may be extended to as much as 1000 hours. When used in conjunction with
CENTINEL, the centrifuge maintenance interval can be extended to as much as 1500 hours.
The Eliminator Filter is available for K38, K50 and QSK 60 engine models. Consult the
appropriate models sales handbook for more details.

Utilize Extended Service (ES) filtration products

When lube oil change intervals are extended, lube oil filters should be change when the
lube oil is changed and sooner if the pressure drop across the filter elements is great than or
equal to 83 kPa [12 psi]. Some engines in some approved applications may permit a higher
filter element differential pressure so consult the corresponding Operation and Maintenance
manual for exceptions to the 83 kPa [12 psi] rule. Consult the engines Troubleshooting and
Repair Manual for the procedure to measure filter differential pressure. Cellulose media filter
elements or filters without advanced seal design should not be used for more than a maximum
of 500 hours. Extended Service Lube Oil Filters (StrataPore media) may be used for oil
change intervals of up to 1000 hours.
Fleetguard
Part Number
LF670

Cummins
Part Number
3889310

Filter Media
Cellulose

Advanced Seal
Design
No

LF777

3889311

Cellulose

No

LF3000
LF3325
LF9000
LF9001
LF9009
LF9024

3318853
3310169
3406809
3406810
3401544
4016657

StrataPore
Cellulose
StrataPore
StrataPore
StrataPore
StrataPore

No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Typical
Application
NT, M11,
V28, K19,
K38/50
NT, V28,
K19, K38/50
K19 / Q19
K38/50
QST30
STA15
K19 / Q19
QSK45/60

Maximum
Usage Interval
500 hrs.
500 hrs.
500 hrs.
500 hrs.
1000 hrs.
1000 hrs.
1000 hrs.
1000 hrs.

Other Service
Although many of these techniques allow for the extension of lube oil change and lube
oil filter change intervals, operators should continue to perform air, fuel and coolant filter
changes at the interval proscribed for those systems.
Conclusion
A variety of techniques are available to extend the time interval between oil changes
and oil filter changes. Applying a combination of these techniques may provide the optimal
solution. Consult with a Cummins Application Engineer for further assistance.

Summary

Oil change intervals of up to 4000 hours may be possible for engines that can be equipped
with CENTINEL.

The chart method provides for lube oil change intervals beyond the fixed hour method for
some engines. If considering a Generator drive K19, K38, K50, QST30, QSK45 or QSK60,
the following formula may be used to estimate the chart method lube oil change interval
and provides insight into the affects of various options. The charts in the Operation and
Maintenance Manuals are the final authority, however, and the formula is provided merely
as an aid to understanding.
Change interval = 265 * Lube Oil System Capacity * Sulfur Modifier
* Oil Quality Modifier / Fuel Consumption
System Capacity units are Gallons and Fuel Consumption units are Gallons Per Hour
Sulfur Modifier is:

1.0 for < 0.05% sulfur content

0.8 for <0.50% sulfur content
0.4 for 0.50% and greater sulfur content

Oil Quality Modifier is:

1.0 for Standard Grade Oil

1.5 for Premium Grade Oil

For Example, suppose a 1500 RPM QSK45-G4 (CPL: 2655) with a 59.1 gallon (double deep
sump) lube oil system is operated at 908 kWm average load with Premium Oil and 0.6% sulfur
content fuel. From the engine performance data sheet (FR-6317), the fuel consumption at this
operating level is 57.7 Gallons per Hour (GPH). The formula predicts an oil change interval of:
265 * 59.1 * 0.8 * 1.5 / 57.7 = 326 engine run hours
Suppose the desire is to achieve 500 hour oil change interval with the example engine fuel, oil
quality and system capacity noted above. The formula can be solved algebraically to
determine the maximum fuel consumption that would permit a 500 hour change interval:
500 hours = 265 * 59.1 * 0.8 * 1.5/ Fuel Consumption
or
Fuel Consumption = 265 * 59.1 * 0.8 * 1.5 / 500 = 37.6 GPH
Using the chart on the data sheet, this corresponds to average loading of 525 kWm, which is
39% at the Standby rating, 43% at the Prime Rating and 48% at the continuous rating.

The Eliminator Filter system is an option for extending the lube oil filter change interval.
Assuming the pressure drop across the filters remains less than 83 kPa (12 psi), approved
ELIMINATOR installations permit up to 1000 hours between filter changes/centrifuge
servicing.

Extended Oil /Filter Options:

1. Venturi Combo Filters

2. Centriguard (Ch 44605 ConeStaC)

3. Eliminator (AEB 41.12)

4. Centinel
5. Chart Method

May allow up to 1000 hour filter

change interval
may extend standard filter life
1000 hour cone cartridge
replacement
Replaces Standard Filters
Centrifuge cleaning at 2000 hours
continuously burns oil
up to 4000 hour oil change interval
possible
Service interval extension possible
if the engine is not heavily loaded
Premium Grade Oil generally allows
longer oil change intervals