Lubricant qualification testing, encompassing standardized diesel engine dynamometer tests used in the evaluation of crankcase lubricants.
Caterpillar Lubricant Qualification Tests include the 1K, 1MPC, 1N, 1P, 1R and C-13 methods.
Caterpillar 1K Test Method
Caterpillar 1K is a 252 hour steady-state test run on a four stroke single cylinder diesel engine using high sulfur fuel (0.4%) and is designed to evaluate engine oils for certain high-temperature performance characteristics, such as the ability to protect against carbon and lacquer deposit formation. The method relates to high-speed, supercharged diesel engine operation and, in particular, to the deposit control characteristics. Test parts evaluated in this procedure include the piston, rings, and liner for distress and the piston for carbon and lacquer deposits. Oil consumption is also evaluated.
Caterpillar 1N Test Method
Caterpillar 1N is a 252 hour steady-state test run on a four stroke single cylinder diesel engine using low sulfur fuel (0.04%) and is designed to evaluate engine oils for certain high-temperature performance characteristics, such as the ability to protect against carbon and lacquer deposit formation. The method relates to high-speed, supercharged diesel engine operation and, in particular, to the deposit control characteristics. Test parts evaluated in this procedure include the piston, rings, and liner for distress and the piston for carbon and lacquer deposits. Another item evaluated includes oil consumption.
Caterpillar 1P Test Method
Caterpillar 1P is a 360 hour steady state test run on an electronically controlled, direct injection, in-head camshaft, single cylinder diesel engine with a four valve arrangement using low sulfur fuel (0.04%) and is designed to evaluate engine oils for certain high-temperature performance characteristics, such as the ability to protect against carbon and lacquer deposit formation and to maintain oil consumption control. The method relates to high-speed, supercharged diesel engine operation and, in particular, to the deposit control characteristics. Test parts evaluated in this procedure include the piston, rings, and liner for distress and the piston for carbon and lacquer deposits. Oil consumption is also evaluated.
Caterpillar C-13 Test Method
This test method is commonly referred to as the Caterpillar C-13 Heavy-Duty Engine Oil Test. The test method defines a heavy-duty diesel engine test procedure conducted under high output conditions to evaluate engine oil performance with regard to piston deposit formation, piston ring sticking and oil consumption control in a combustion environment designed to minimize exhaust emissions. This test method uses a Caterpillar production C-13 diesel engine. Test operation includes a 60-min. warm-up and break-in, followed by a 4 hour cool-down and a valve lash adjustment. Following the valve lash adjustment and any other needed adjustments, a 500 h test is begun. The engine is operated under steady-state, rated power conditions known to generate excessive piston deposits and/or oil consumption.
