
108 SEBU8219-01
Maintenance Section
Fuel Tank Water and Sediment - Drain
i03071053
Fuel Tank Water and Sediment
-Drain
SMCS Code: 1273-543-M&S
NOTICE
Care must be taken to ensure that fluids are contained
during performance of inspection, maintenance, test-
ing, adjusting and repair of the product. Be prepared to
collect the fluid with suitable containers before open-
ing any compartment or disassembling any compo-
nent containing fluids.
Refer to Special Publication, NENG2500, “Caterpillar
Dealer Service Tool Catalog” or refer to Special Pub-
lication, PECJ0003, “Caterpillar Shop Supplies and
Tools Catalog” for tools and supplies suitable to col-
lect and contain fluids on Caterpillar products.
Dispose of all fl uids according to local regulations and
mandates.
Fuel Tank
Fuel quality is critical to the performance and to the
service life of the engine. Water in the fuel can cause
excessive wear to the fuel system. Condensation
occurs during the heating and cooling of fuel. The
condensation occurs as the fuel passes through the
fuel system and the fuel returns to the fuel tank. This
causes water to accumulate in fuel tanks. Draining
the fuel tank regularly and obtaining fuel from reliable
sources can help to eliminate water in the fuel.
Drain the Water and the Sediment
Fuel tanks should contain some provision for draining
water and draining sediment from the bottom of the
fuel tanks.
Open the drain valve on the bottom of the fuel tank
in order to drain the water and the sediment. Close
the drain valve.
Check the fuel daily. Drain the water and sediment
from the fuel tank after operating the engine or drain
the water and sediment from the fuel tank after the
fuel tank has been filled. Allow five to ten minutes
before performing this procedure.
Fill the fuel tank after operating the engine in
order to drive out moist air. This will help prevent
condensation. Do not fill the tank to the top. The
fuel expands as the fuel gets warm. The tank may
overflow.
Some fuel tanks
use supply pipes that allow water
and sediment to settle below the end of the fuel
supply pipe. Some fuel tanks use supply lines that
take fuel dire
ctly from the bottom of the tank. If
the engine is equipped with this system, regular
maintenance of the fuel system filter is important.
Fuel Storage Tanks
Drain the water and the sediment from the fuel
storage tank during the following conditions:
•
Weekly
•
Oil change
•
Refill of the tank
This will help prevent water or sediment from being
pumped from the storage tank into the engine fuel
tank. A four
micron(c) absolute filter for the breather
vent on the fuel tank is also recommended. Refer
to Special Publication, SENR9620, “Improving Fuel
System Dura
blity”.
If a bulk storage tank has been refilled or moved
recently, a
llow adequate time for the sediment to
settle before filling the engine fuel tank. Internal
baffles in the bulk storage tank will also help trap
sediment.
Filtering fuel that is pumped from the
storage tank helps to ensure the quality of the fuel.
When possible, water separators should be used.
i02290310
Generator - Dry
SMCS Code
: 4450-569
NOTICE
Do not operate the generator if the windings are wet. If
the generator is operated when the windings are wet,
damage ca
noccurduetoinsulationbreakdown.
When moisture is present or when moisture is
suspecte
d in a generator, the generator must be
dried before being energized.
If the dr
ying procedure does not restore the insulation
resistance to an acceptable value, the winding should
be reconditioned.
Note: For additional information, refer to Special
Instruction, SEHS9124 .
Drying Methods
The following methods can be used for drying a
generator: