3208 Cat engine

01-30-2013, 11:33 PM

ccctimtation

Would it make sense when you are ready to change oil to check the dipstick, drain until it is within the limits of that stick then just measure the volume drained? If the filters are top down, no problem just fill the amount drained, add oil to filter before replacing, run engine until pressure is up then recheck and top off. Note amount needed for total and record in your manual.

If you go with the 16 quarts as a starter no problems will ensue if you don't do anything other than start, wait for pressure to build and stabilize for a minute, maybe even two, then shutdown, check stick and top off.

01-31-2013, 01:28 AM

Itchintogo

quote:
Originally posted by Kevin:
I was going to far off subject (again)

That is why I started this topic.

I have conflicting information on a simple thing like amount of OIL in the crankcase.

Inside the rear most passenger door it has been hand written in paint marker “24 quarts with filters” This does not coincide with the manuals, but further investigations and some input form here should help me put the correct amount of oil back into the crankcase.

One manual that came with the Barth says add 16 quarts and adjust the dipstick after filling. Top off with 2 or 3 more quarts to fill the filters after starting and turning it off to your previously set mark. The Cat dealer bulletin says: 18 quarts for 10-inch engine oil coolers, 20 quarts for 14-inch engine oil coolers. My Barth has a 20-inch engine oil cooler! I have been informed here this engine oil cooler is in front of the radiator on the driver side rear most access door. Do Barth coaches have larger oil coolers because of the transverse side mounted radiators? I have confirmed that this is the engine oil cooler.

If the data tag helps it is: 46GED0419K2041726.
The engine tag has Ser. No. 02Z55446
The AR NO is 7C8848
The Blue Prints have 38 RDG-C5 Barth Show Coach

I would really like to know if this really does take 24 quarts of oil. I am led to believe this may be correct with such large engine oil cooler. I hope I have covered all the necessary information for our fellow Barth owners to help me make a correct decision. When I worked at a supply yard I would always have trouble with the rest of the crew putting too much oil in the trucks. Even the owner would overfill! As stated in a few other posts too much is not good for any engine. Damage caused by excessive oil is usually less harmful than not enough oil for lubrication, but engine oil needs to be accurate for your engine work properly and to last 900,000 miles!
Posts: 161 | Location: OHIO | Member Since: 07-29-2012

Kevin I replied to you on the other MCC thread ( with some info) as I had not seen this thread at that point. I did suggest a new thread though! LOL.

BTW I have never seen a 3208 go 900,000 miles. Not to likely.

01-31-2013, 01:36 AM

Itchintogo

Of course there are other items like coolant condition and hose condition etc that will add to life expectancy. Also there are some seals on the front of the engine you should pay attention to. I think there is a power steering cover that can weep a bit.

I would also put some Howes in it. The injection pump on your 3208 was not made for ULSD that we have today. Replacing some lubricity in the fuel for the pump and the injectors is a good idea that may save some big bucks. Some people use ATF I like Howes as it deals with water, gelling and lubricating. Have used it for about 30 years with good results.

i noticed the 900K post on your post not Sky. Maybe I am not getting the whole story.

01-31-2013, 01:12 PM

Itchintogo

I bet your going to find it takes 23 or 24 quarts. Just my thoughts.

01-31-2013, 07:16 PM

Tom and Julie

CAT makes filters and will show you a cutaway that compares theirs to aftermarket types. They can be found on Ebay and I am told they have some valving in them to prvent leak down when the engine is shut off. With the cost of a rebuild I prefer to use what they specify. I use one of the local CAT dealers and the difference in a fluids and filter change is about $75. Since they check for any updates and maintenance spec changes and inspect every single part I think I get good value. I also get oil and coolant analysis every time I change, which in the 3208 is two hundred hours.

02-06-2013, 08:13 AM

sky

Kevin I think they put 19 quarts in mine. sky

02-06-2013, 08:59 AM

Nick Cagle

My 93 with the 3208TA, 300HP has always taken exactly 20 quarts for an oil change. That includes changing the two oil filters.

Nick

02-10-2013, 04:35 PM

Rusty

Kendall makes Kendall.

02-10-2013, 09:30 PM

Rusty

Formulations tend to follow the brand; Shell owns Pennzoil, but I'd guess that the motor oil brands are still distinct. AFAIK, Kendall used very few rebranded products. Conoco licensed some Shell motor oils - I think Phillips 66 and Union '76 also had cross-licensing agreements.

Blending facilities are used by many different brands. IIRC, Shell's Norco plant blended and packaged for Amalie and Wolf's Head, and directly rebranded Shell X-100 for a major retailer.

02-11-2013, 06:01 PM

Rusty

Nope - but the API service classes tell you what performance specs have been met.

02-27-2013, 01:36 AM

Itchintogo

quote:
Originally posted by Kevin:
quote:
Originally posted by Kevin:
Nick you are right on the money with 20 quarts. Some similarity must exist in a few Barth Coaches! Sky yours is right too. Sky, you should have a smaller oil cooler above your oil filters. That is the reason yours is one quart smaller. It also does not have piston-cooling jets like Nick and I have in our 3208 Cat motors.

On to the transmission next.

Rusty, you should be happy with my lubricants supplier as he sells Conoco-Phillips, Chevron & Kendall Lubricants. Kendall is your favorite if I understand correctly. I did not know who made the Kendall label. I purchased a synthetic from them. It is recommended for Allison transmissions.

Thanks everyone for your input. The dipstick is right on too, but the handwriting on the air cleaner is wrong.

Dang! I'll get it next time!