Cat C12 Oil Dipstick

[desmo]

First, call the Caterpillar RV Hotline with your engine serial number: 877 777-3126. Ask them if it is a Caterpillar supplied dipstick or dipstick supplied by Beaver. If Caterpillar, ask them that question.

But, the practical answer is to CALIBRATE THE ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK. This is a good idea on any diesel engine installed in an RV, as the angle of installation and therefore oil dip stick readings vary by installation.

To calibrate the dipstick:

At the next oil change, drain oil, remove old filter (as usual). Then install the drain plug and new oil filter and add the engine's correct oil capacity LESS THE NUMBER OF QUARTS you want between the "ADD" and "FULL" marks (let's say 2 quarts). So for an engine with 20 quart capacity you would add 18 quarts. Run the engine a few minutes, shut off and wait until oil has descended into the pan (at least 30 minutes and an hour is safer). Pull the dip stick and use a file or dremel tool to mark the oil level "ADD". Add the remaining two quarts, let the oil settle in the pan, pull the dipstick and mark this the "FULL" mark.

Also, when checking the oil level with the dipstick it is safest to do it in the morning after the oil has had all night to flow back to the pan.

Do not add oil until the level reaches the ADD mark.

Finally, make a sticker to affix near oil fill: OIL CAPACITY INCLUDING FILTER: xx QUARTS.