The main engine lube oil sump had a maximum capacity of 2,870 gallons, with a high-level operating capacity of 2,020 gallons, a normal operating level of 1,426 gallons, and a low level of 724 gallons. The alteration section of the construction diagram for the lubricating system of the Ponce-class vessels shows that in 1972, before El Faro's keel was laid, the original design specifications for the operating levels of the lube oil sump were changed. The operating capacity was increased from 900 gallons to 1,426 gallons, the low-level capacity was decreased from 750 gallons to 724 gallons, and the sump design capacity was decreased from 4,250 gallons to 2,870 gallons.
2017 December 12, National Transportation Safety Board, “1.3.6 Fuel and Lubricating Oil”, in Marine Accident Report: Sinking of US Cargo Vessel SS El Faro, Atlantic Ocean, Northeast of Acklins and Crooked Island, Bahamas, October 1, 2015, archived from the original on 15 May 2022, page 37