Detroit Diesel 92 Series, Operator'S Manual

based on SAE viscosity grade and API
(American Petroleum Institute) service
designation. Only oils licensed to dis-
play the American Petroleum Institute
(API) symbol shown should be used.

Lubricant Requirement

Lubricants meeting these criteria
have provided maximum engine life
when used in conjunction with rec-
ommended oil drain and filter mainte-
nance schedules.

API Performance category CF-2

represents an enhanced level of
lubricant performance over the CD-II
category which it replaces.
Lubricants meeting this new perfor-
mance level may not be readily avail-
able for some time. During this
interim period oils labeled as API CD-
II may be used.

Only oils licensed by API should

be used in Detroit Diesel engines.
Certain engine operating conditions
may require exceptions to these
requirements:

1. For continuous high temperature

operation (over 200°F or 94°C
Coolant Out), the use of an SAE
grade 50 lubricant in all two-stroke
cycle engines is required.

2. At ambient temperatures below

freezing (32°F or 0°C) sufficient
starter cranking speed may not be
achieved to start the engine with
SAE 40 grade oils. Where starting
aids are not available or at very
cold temperatures (0 to –25°F or
–18 to –32°C) even if starting aids
are available, the use of multi-
grade SAE 15W-40 or monograde
SAE 30 lubricants will improve
startability. These lubricants must
possess a High Temperature -
High Shear Rate Viscosity (mea-
sured by ASTM D 4741 or equiva-
lent) of 3.7 cP minimum. 

These

45

“HOW TO” SECTION

This section covers Detroit Diesel’s
requirements for selecting lubricating
oil, fuel oil, and coolant and includes
basic engine maintenance proce-
dures which can be performed by
the operator.

A. How to Select
Lubricating Oil

Lubricant Selection in North
America

The selection of the proper lubricating
oil is important to achieve the long and
trouble-free service which Detroit
Diesel engines are designed to pro-
vide. The proper lubricating oil for all
Detroit Diesel engines is selected

SAE Viscosity Grade: 40
API Classification: CD II*
Sulfated Ash: Less than 1.0 

mass%

*CF-2 when available

API Symbol:

*

NOTICE: 

The manufacturer's warranty appli-
cable to Series 92 engines pro-
vides in part that the provisions of
such warranty shall not apply to
any engine unit that has been sub-
ject to misuse, negligence or acci-
dent. Accordingly, malfunctions
attributable to neglect or failure to
follow the manufacturer's fuel or
lubricating recommendations may
not be within the coverage of the
warranty.

Every 2,500 hours or 75,000 miles

(120,000 km) (vehicle engines) or
4,000 hours (non-vehicle engines)
the fan bearing hub assembly should
be cleaned, inspected, and re-
packed with the grease above.

The bearings in the fan hub

assembly should be replaced with
new bearings at major engine over-
haul. The hub assembly should be
packed with Mobilgrease HP or an
equivalent lithium-base multi-purpose
grease before installing.

Item 31 - Thermostats and
Seals

Replace thermostats and seals every
240,000 miles (384,000 km) on vehi-
cle engines. On non-vehicle engines
replace every 4,000 hours or two
years, whichever comes first and at
time of overhaul.

Item 32 - Blower Screen

Have the blower screen and gasket
assembly inspected annually (vehi-
cle engines) or every 1,000 hours or
30,000 miles (48,000 km) (non-vehi-
cle engines) and, if necessary, have
the screen cleaned in fuel oil and
dried with compressed air.

Item 33 - Power Take-off

Follow the power take-off manufac-
turer’s lubrication and preventive
maintenance recommendations at its
suggested intervals.

44

Item 34 - Engine (Steam Clean)

Steam clean the engine and engine
compartment every 20,000 miles
(32,000 km) or 700 hours.

Item 35 - Fuel and Boost Coolers

Replace fuel and boost coolers on
marine engines every 4 years or
4,000 hours, whichever comes first. In
some applications these are unitized
into a single assembly.

Item 36 - Heat Exchanger

Tube and shell type heat exchangers
are unitized assemblies with no ser-
viceable components. Replace tube
and shell type heat exchangers on
marine engines every 4 years or
4,000 hours, whichever comes first.

Item 37 - Fuel Injectors

Replace fuel injectors on pleasure craft
marine engines every 1,000 hours of
operation. Replace injectors on com-
mercial marine engines every 5,000
hours of operation.

Typical Fuel/Boost Cooler Assembly

CAUTION: 

To avoid personal injury, wear
adequate eye protection and do
not exceed 40 psi (276 kPa) air
pressure.

NOTICE: 

Do not apply steam or solvent direct-
ly to the battery-charging alternator,
starting motor, electrical or DDEC
electronic components as damage
to electrical equipment may result.