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Type of Fluids For Old Caterpillar

I

Impact1983

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Dec 11, 2016
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Location
Massachussetts
I am changing the fluids in the rear end, front end, and planetary's. The manual states to use 30w. I took out fill plugs and it smells like 30w not that strong gear oil smell. Should I follow the manual and use 30w? Basically everything in this machine calls for 30w or 10w depending on temperature in manual. Or is a gear oil like 80-90 better in this old Cat? 1963 966A. Thanks.
 
old-iron-habit

old-iron-habit

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Nov 22, 2012
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Moose Lake, MN
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For a number of years Cat used one oil in everything to help owners from having to carry many different fluids. I'm sure there is a compatible, maybe even better fluid out there for it, but its worked for 50 years and still going. Why change now.
 
walkerv

walkerv

Senior Member
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Jan 21, 2016
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1,125
Location
wingate nc
Impact1983 said:
I am changing the fluids in the rear end, front end, and planetary's. The manual states to use 30w. I took out fill plugs and it smells like 30w not that strong gear oil smell. Should I follow the manual and use 30w? Basically everything in this machine calls for 30w or 10w depending on temperature in manual. Or is a gear oil like 80-90 better in this old Cat? 1963 966A. Thanks.
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My much more modern 938g And 2 Backhoes uses to-4 30 for my temps .only my big stuff uses 50 in The axles , it dont have a gear oil smell becuase it is not normal gear oil like You Think. Best Bet Is Too Use The Correct Type Of Oil and The Correct Viscosity For You Ambient Temp Like The operation And maintenance manual Says
 
walkerv

walkerv

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Jan 21, 2016
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1,125
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wingate nc
Impact1983 said:
Thanks for the input guys. I had bought a few 5 gal pails of shell rotella SAE 30. Would that be acceptable too use?
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Does it say meets to-4 or the old spec to-2 on it . If it straight engine oil no it not designed to be used as a tranny\ drivetrain oil
 
John C.

John C.

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It will work fine. There aren't any modern materials in the components of that machine that will need the additive packages necessary for what is built today.
 
B

Bluox

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Joined
Jun 19, 2010
Messages
1,960
Location
WA state
Impact1983 said:
Thanks for the input guys. I had bought a few 5 gal pails of shell rotella SAE 30. Would that be acceptable too use?
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No, rotella will work in your engine but you want a drive train oil for your transmission .Look for a Cat TO-4 spec on the oil .
Bob
 
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