
SEBU8219-01 59
Operation Section
Cold Weather Operation
Cold Weather Operation
i02237624
Fuel and the Effect from Cold
Weather
SMCS Code: 1000; 1250; 1280
The following fuels are the grades that are available
for Caterpillar engines:
•
No. 1
•
No. 2
•
Blend of No. 1 and No. 2
No. 2 diesel fuel is the most commonly used fuel.
Either No. 1 diesel fuel or a blend of No. 1 and No. 2
is best suited for cold weather operation.
Quantities of No. 1 diesel fuel are limited. No. 1 diesel
fuels are usually available during the months of the
winter in the colder climates. During cold weather
operation, if No. 1 diesel fuel is not available, use No.
2 diesel fuel, if necessary.
There are three major differences between No. 1 and
No. 2 diesel fuel. No. 1 diesel fuel has the following
properties:
•
Lower cloud point
•
Lower pour point
•
Lower rating of kJ (BTU) per unit volume of fuel
When No. 1 diesel fuel is used, a decrease in power
andinfuelefficiency may be noticed. Other operating
effects should not be experienced.
The cloud point is the temperature when a cloud of
wax crystals begins to form in the fuel. These crystals
cancausethefuelfilters to plug. The pour point is
the temperature when diesel fuel will thicken. The
diesel fuel becomes more resistant to flow through
fuel pumps and through fuel lines.
Be aware of these values when diesel fuel is
purchased. Anticipate the average ambient
temperature of the area. Engines that are fueled in
one climate may not operate well if the engines are
moved to another climate. Problems can result due
to changes in temperature.
Before troubleshooting for low power or for poor
performance in the winter, check the type of fuel that
is being used.
When No. 2 diese
l fuel is used the following
components provide a means of minimizing problems
in cold weather:
•
Starting aids
•
Engine oil pan
heaters
•
Engine coolant heaters
•
Fuel heaters
•
Fuel line insu
lation
For more information on cold weather operation,
see Special Pu
blication, SEBU5898, “Cold Weather
Recommendations”.
i02225022
Fuel R elated Components in
Cold Weather
SMCS Code: 1000; 1250; 1280
Fuel Tanks
Condensatio
n can form in partially filled fuel tanks.
Top off the fuel tanks after operating the engine.
Fuel tanks sh
ould contain some provision for draining
water and sediment from the bottom of the tanks.
Some fuel tanks use supply pipes that allow water
and sedimen
t to settle below the end of the fuel
supply pipe.
Some fuel ta
nks use supply lines that take fuel
directly from the bottom of the tank. If the engine is
equipped with this system, regular maintenance of
the fuel sy
stem filter is important.
Drain the water and sediment from any fuel storage
tank at the
following intervals:
•
Weekly
•
Oil changes
•
Refueling
of the fuel tank
This will help prevent water and/or sediment from
being pump
ed from the fuel storage tank and into
the engine fuel tank.