GE

Marine

Recommended Fuel and Oil,

V228 and L/V250 Engines
Document No. GEK-114262, Rev. E

GEK-114262E
Recommended Fuel and Oil, V228 and L/V250 Engines
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GEK-114262E
Recommended Fuel and Oil, V228 and L/V250 Engines
Revision History
Rev

Date

By

Description

NEW

OCT-2007

REB

Initial release of publication.

AUG-2008

REB

Updated lube oil information and change interval, per M. Mendoza.

APR-2009

ZCH

Updated Fuel Specifications, per M. Mendoza.

SEP-2009

KMA

Updated lube oil selection based upon fuel sulfur, per M. Mendoza.

SEP-2011

KMS

Added ISO 8217 DMZ, per M. Mendoza.

OCT-2011

KMS

Corrected temperature values in Table 1.

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GEK-114262E
Recommended Fuel and Oil, V228 and L/V250 Engines
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GE Proprietary and Confidential Information

GEK-114262E
Recommended Fuel and Oil, V228 and L/V250 Engines

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section

Page

1.

GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
2.5.
2.6.
2.7.

DIESEL ENGINE OILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

HEAVY-DUTY ENGINE OILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MIXTURE OF ENGINE OILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ENGINE OIL SELECTION BASED ON FUEL SULFUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ENGINE OIL CONDEMNING LIMITS AND MEASUREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ENGINE OIL SAMPLING PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ENGINE OIL LIFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ENGINE OIL CHANGEOUT PROCEDURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1
1
1
1
2
2
3
3

3.
3.1.

FUEL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FUEL OILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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GEK-114262E
Recommended Fuel and Oil, V228 and L/V250 Engines
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GEK-114262E
Recommended Fuel and Oil, V228 and L/V250 Engines

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
This publication provides information on the recommended fuels and oils that are approved for use in General Electric V228 and L/V250 marine and stationary diesel engine applications.

2. DIESEL ENGINE OILS

2.1.

HEAVY-DUTY ENGINE OILS

The GE V228 and L/V250 diesel engines require a heavy-duty, highly dispersant SAE 40 or SAE 20W40 lubricating oil.
The minimum new-oil kinematic viscosity for SAE 40 oils is 13.9 cSt at 100oC (75 SSU at 210oF) with a viscosity index
range of 65 to 105. The minimum absolute viscosity for SAE 20W40 oils is 10.8 centiPoise at 100oC with a viscosity
index range of 108 to 125.
Lubricating oils used in the GE V228 and L/V250 diesel engines must meet General Electrics approval criteria which
is based on demonstrated performance. Approval letters issued by General Electric are given to the companies who
market engine oils to the users of GE V228 and L/V250 diesel engines. Customers should contact General Electric for
recommendations and a list of GE-approved Generation 4 Long Life Engine oils.

2.2.

MIXTURE OF ENGINE OILS

All engine oils on the General Electric Approved Lists, for use in GE V228 and L/V250 diesel engines, are fully compatible, and may be mixed in any ratio without causing harm to the engine. However, for optimal performance and prevention of possible unforeseen incompatibility issues, GE recommends single source supply.
With engine lubricating oils, however, approval is made by brand and grade; thus compatibility is known. An oil is not
approved until found to be compatible with all others on the approved list. Approval consists of both factory and
field testing.

2.3.

ENGINE OIL SELECTION BASED ON FUEL SULFUR

The importance of matching engine oil with fuel sulfur content can not be overstated. A severe reduction in engine
life can occur as a result of:
1.

Sulfuric acid corrosion resulting from high sulfur fuels.

2.

Carbon deposits in the combustion chamber resulting from high TBN oils used with low sulfur fuels.

Every bulk load of fuel must be analyzed for sulfur content. Sulfuric acid corrosion resulting from high sulfur fuels can
be partially mitigated with high TBN oils. However, higher TBN oils contain higher levels of ash, which in the absence
of high sulfur fuels results in carbon buildup and excessive power assembly component wear.
For ASTM D-975 2D S5000, GE recommends a minimum new-oil TBN of 10, or 20 times the fuel sulfur content (%),
whichever is higher. For example, a 0.75% sulfur fuel would require a minimum lubricating oil TBN of 15 (0.75 x 20)
and thus the next highest TBN commercially available lubricating oil would be used.
Each vessel operator must assess sulfur variability in their fuel sources, and select an oil TBN based on the highest
sulfur content fuel source they are likely to encounter prior to their next oil change.
Revisions are indicated by margin bars.
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GEK-114262E
Recommended Fuel and Oil, V228 and L/V250 Engines

2.4.

ENGINE OIL CONDEMNING LIMITS AND MEASUREMENTS

General Electric recommends frequent testing of lubricating oil for pentane insolubles, metal, viscosity, water content and alkalinity reserve. These tests should be performed every 150 to 250 hours of engine operation.
Frequent testing will help detect fuel dilution and water contamination and avoid excessive deposits, corrosion or
oxidized oil which could damage engine bearings and other components. Additional tests such as Infrared Spectra
may be used to obtain other oil condition information (i.e., oxidation, sulfation, etc.). Elemental analysis may be used
for trending any wear metals.
Engine oil condemning limits on viscosity and water contamination as well as alkalinity and insolubles are given in
Table 1.
It is suggested that an advanced warning system (flagging technique) be used for monitoring oil trend analysis
results. If the oil trend analysis trend indicates the oil is approaching an oil condemning limit(s), a warning should be
made to ensure the engine does not operate beyond the oils useful life.
Table 1. CONDEMNING LIMITS OF ENGINE LUBRICATING OILS.

2.5.

PROPERTY

CONDEMNING LIMIT

TEST METHOD

PENTANE INSOLUBLES
(Maximum)

4%

ASTM D7317

KINEMATIC VISCOSITY
(SAE 40)

Maximum 25% Increase

(above new oil viscosity)
Minimum 12.5 cSt @ 100oC

ASTM D445
Kinematic
(CentiStokes at 100oC)

TOTAL BASE NUMBER

50% reduction from new levels

4.0 (mg KOH per gm.) minimum

STM D4739
Preferred Method

TOTAL BASE NUMBER

5.0 (mg KOH per gm.)

SCREANER TEST

ASTM D5984

WATER
(Maximum)

0.2%

ASTM D95

SOOT,
OXIDATION,
SULFATE

Instrument and software dependent;

must be correlated to GE lab for
reference

Infrared Spectra

WEAR METALS

Trend Line

ICP, AA

ENGINE OIL SAMPLING PROCEDURE

GE recommends that oil samples be collected for analysis every 150 to 250 hours of engine operation. Before beginning to take the sample, be sure to write all pertinent information on the sampling bottle. The preferred method of
collecting an oil sample is by using the oil sampling valve on the inlet pipe to the engine. The oil sample should be
taken while the engine is at idle. Clean the sample valve and purge it by allowing approximately 2 to 3 ounces of oil
to flow out, prior to taking the sample.
NOTE: If it is necessary to collect the sample when the engine is shutdown, the oil sample should be collected
within 15 minutes after shutting down the engine.
The oil sample bottle should be filled between 2/3 to 3/4 full.
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GEK-114262E
Recommended Fuel and Oil, V228 and L/V250 Engines
NOTE: If samples are to be taken from multiple engines, ensure there is no cross-contamination of oil samples by
cleaning the sampling equipment between taking samples.

2.6.

ENGINE OIL LIFE

In addition to frequent oil sampling and trend analysis, General Electric recommends that the engine oil be drained
after a period of operating hours. Table 2 shows the recommended oil change intervals for different engine duty
cycles. Draining and refilling with new oil at these limit intervals, even though the used oil has not reached the condemning limits in Table 1, will ensure that the additive package is able to maintain cleanliness and durability of the
engine.
Table 2. RECOMMENDED OIL CHANGE INTERVALS.
Duty Cycle

L/V250 Fuel Consumption

/ Cylinder (liters per
cylinder per hour)

V228 Fuel Consumption

/ Cylinder (liters per
cylinder per hour)

Oil Change Interval

Heavy Duty

50

35

2000 hours

Medium Duty

35

25

3000 hours

Light Duty

20

15

4000 hours

NOTE: The best measure of average fuel consumption is the total fuel consumed divided by the engine operating
hours. For example, if a 16V228 engine consumed 55200 liters of fuel over 1450 hours of operation, the average
fuel consumption would be 23.8 liters/hour per cylinder, making it a medium duty cycle application. The average fuel consumption should be measured over a period of time sufficient to represent typical service conditions
for the application.
If the environment is excessively hot (sustained operation over 90oF) or airborne dust and dirt are prevalent, more
frequent oil changes than those in Table 2 are recommended.
When engine oil change intervals are overextended, severe engine problems may result which would affect engine
component durability and increase unscheduled maintenance. Precautions should be taken to regularly inspect for
excessive deposits on the internal engine components to ensure the oil has not gone beyond its useful life.

2.7.

ENGINE OIL CHANGEOUT PROCEDURE

Engine oil changes should include the following:

1.

Draining engine oil (recommend oil drain when engine is hot).

2.

Removing lubricating oil filters (if applicable).

3.

Cleaning the oil filter housing (if applicable).

4.

Installing new filters (if applicable).

5.

Refill with approved engine oil.

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GEK-114262E
Recommended Fuel and Oil, V228 and L/V250 Engines

3. FUEL SPECIFICATIONS
3.1.

FUEL OILS

The GE V228 and L/V250 Marine and Stationary diesel engines are capable of operation on the following fuel. Refer
to the published standard regarding the exact specifications for this fuel category:

ASTM D-975 Number 2 Diesel (2D) S15, S500, and S5000: ASTM D-975 is the recommended fuel for GE diesel
engines. It meets the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Specification D-975
for Number 2 Diesel (N2D) fuel.
ISO 8217 DMX: This fuel is similar to ASTM D975 Number 2 Diesel, but with a maximum of 1% allowable sulfur
content and a wider range for allowable kinematic viscosity.
ISO 8217 DMA: This fuel is similar to ISO 8217 DMX fuel, but with a maximum of 1.5% allowable sulfur content
and a wider range for kinematic viscosity. Increased engine maintenance may be required when using DMA fuel
when compared to using higher quality fuels. DMA fuel is not recommended for use in GE diesel engines.
ISO 8217 DMZ: This fuel is similar to ISO 8217 DMA fuel, but with a minimum kinematic viscosity at 40oC of 3.000
mm2/s. DMZ fuel is not recommended to for use in GE diesel engines.
ISO 8217 DMB: This is the lowest quality fuel allowable for use in GE V228 and L/V250Marine and Stationary diesel engines. Increased engine maintenance will be required when using DMB fuel when compared to using
higher quality fuels. DMB fuel is not recommended for use in GE diesel engines.
NATO F75/76: This fuel is similar to ASTM D975 Number 2 Diesel, but with a higher 90% distillation point.
Increased engine maintenance may be required when using F75/76 compared to higher quality fuels.

Other international or organizational fuel specifications (i.e., GOST, EN, Australian fuel specifications) may be applicable, to the extent that those specifications describe fuel that is the equivalent of ASTM D-975. Samples of such fuel
shall be evaluated and approved by General Electric prior to use.

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