Service manual

Group 177 Specifications
Specifications
Engine
General
For further information concerning component specifica-
tions see service information in Group 1, “Oil and Filter
Change Intervals for Volvo Components,” Publication
Number 175–001, and any appropriate vendor literature.
In a modern diesel engine it is very important to have
regular oil changes. The demands of pulling high loads,
pulling at high elevations, extreme high or low tempera-
tures and longer service intervals, make the choice of
correct oil a hard task. The Volvo dealer, the engine
manufacturer or the oil manufacturer has the expertise to
analyze driving conditions and to recommend what oil
gives the best protection and economy.
Oil
The engine oil has the task of lubricating, sealing, cool-
ing and cleaning the engine. Filtering the intake air and
using a low sulfur fuel helps the oil protect the engine
parts. With better engine designs and improved oils, the
service intervals have steadily increased. The interval
choice depends on the engine manufacturer specifica-
tions. Make sure the correct oil type and also the correct
viscosity are chosen for the mileage interval driven.
Periodic oil testing is recommended. The test results
give a continuous picture of the health of the engine and
can warn well in advance of a problem developing.
The intervals will not cover all applications. In on/off
highway driving, severe off highway, continuous stop-
and-go city driving and extremely high mileage, the oil
change interval and preventive maintenance schedule
need to be customized for the best protection and econ-
omy. The intervals listed in these specifications are
guidelines that should be used in establishing a correct
maintenance program.
CAUTION
Adding unknown additives may put the engine at risk
of failure. There are many aftermarket oil additives
that claim improved performance if added to the en-
gine oil. Each oil type recommended already contains
additives that have been tested by a collaboration with
engine and oil manufacturers.
Synthetic oil is offered as an alternative to the traditional
petroleum based oil for the engines. The ability of syn-
thetic oil to protect the engine is better than regular oil
but its life is the same as for regular oil. This is because
of the combustion by-products that contaminate the oil.
These contaminates will make the change intervals the
same as for regular oil. However, in extreme driving con-
ditions, a synthetic oil may be the only choice for the
application.
Note: It is not recommended to mix synthetic oils with
petroleum-based oils.
Coolant
The engine coolant protects the cooling system from
freezing or boil over problems. It also protects against
corrosion and cylinder liner pitting. Coolant requirements
are based on the additive levels present in the cooling
system. To be able to run the cooling system as long as
2 years between coolant changes, there must be a re-
plenishment of additives as they are used up. Testing
should be done regularly to be sure the additive levels
are within recommended levels.
Never run the engine with only water in the cooling
system. Always use a mixture of clean water and a rec-
ommended antifreeze. The mixture should never be less
than 40% antifreeze and 60% clean water or more than
60% antifreeze and 40% clean water.
Note: For further information on Long life coolant refer to
Service Bulletin 260–002, “Texaco Extended Life
Coolant.”
CAUTION
Long life coolant is colored red for identification pur-
poses, so as not to mistake it for conventional, green
coolant. Long life coolant will test as out of additives
(SCA), but SCA should not be added.
Fuel
The sulfur content in low-sulfur fuel has been regulated
to a maximum of 0.05% per weight for No.2–D diesel
fuel. For fuels that have a sulfur content of 0.5% by
weight and above, most engine manufacturers are re-
quiring that oil is changed at shorter intervals. Sulfur
creates highly acidic pollutants in the oil that break down
the additives at a higher rate. If fuel with a higher sulfur
content is used, the engine manufacturers recommend
that the oil change intervals be reduced.
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