Caterpillar ECF-3
Caterpillar ECF-3 is a lower Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus and Sulfur (SAPS) lubricant specification designed for use in high performance medium- and heavy-duty diesel engines. This specification can be used in applications where advanced aftertreatment systems such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) are fitted. Caterpillar off-highway engines that require this lubricant specification would typically align with Stage IIIB, IV and V European off-highway emissions standards and the Tier 4 Final North American emissions standard.
Caterpillar ECF-3 lubricants are typically SAE 15W-40, 10W-40, 10W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity grades and based on API Group II and/or API Group III base oils.
The main physical and chemical requirements for Caterpillar ECF-3 are shown below:
| Requirement | Method | Unit | Limit |
| HTHS Viscosity at 150°C | ASTM D4683 | cP | ≥ 3.5 |
| Sulfated Ash | ASTM D874 | %wt | ≤ 1.0 |
| Phosphorus | ASTM D4951 | %wt | ≤ 0.12 |
| Sulfur | ASTM D4951 | %wt | ≤ 0.4 |
| Volatility (NOACK) at 250°C | ASTM 5800 | % | ≤ 13 or ≤ 15 for 10W-30 |
| Total Base Number | ASTM D4739 | mgKOH/g | Rate & Report |
Caterpillar ECF-3 is usually grouped with a range of other approvals. The most frequently seen approvals claimed in conjunction with Caterpillar ECF-3 are ACEA E9, API CK-4/CJ-4, MB 228.31, Volvo VDS-4.5, MACK EOS-4.5, Renault RLD-3, MTU Type 2.1, Deutz DQC III-18 LA, Cummins CES 20086 and DFS 93K222.
For more information on Caterpillar ECF-3 lubricants, contact your Lubrizol representative.