Fuel Specifications, Fuel System, Viscosity chart

Fuel & Lube Specifications

A.Fuel Specifications

Use good quality fuel to get the correct power and per- formance from the engine. The recommended fuel spec- ification for Caterpillar engines is shown below.

Cetane number	45 minimum
Viscosity	2.0/4.5 centistrokes at 40 C (104 F)
Density	0,835/0,855 kg/litre
Sulphur	0.2% of mass, maximum
Distillation	85% at 350 C (662 F)

Cetane number: Cetane number indicates ignition per- formance. Fuel with a low cetane number can cause cold start problems and affect combustion.

Viscosity: Viscosity is the resistance to flow and if this is outside limits, engine performance can be affected.

Density: Low density will reduce engine power, higher density will increase engine power and exhaust smoke.

Sulphur: High sulphur content (not normally found in Europe, North America or Australasia) can cause engine wear. if only high sulphur fuels are available, it will be necessary to use a highly alkaline lubricating oil in the engine or reduce the lubricating oil change interval.

Distillation: This is an indication of the mixture of differ- ent hydrocarbons in the fuel. A high ratio of light weight hydrocarbons can affect the combustion characteristics.

Low temperature fuels: Special winter fuels may be available for engine operation at temperatures below

0 C (32 F). These fuels limit the formation of wax in the fuel oil at low temperatures. If wax forms in the fuel oil, this could stop the flow of fuel oil through the filter.

Aviation kerosene and R.M.E. type fuels: These fuels may be used, but can effect the engine performance and starting ability. The only aviation fuels that are permitted for use with these engines are: JP5, Jet A and JP8 pro- viding that 5% spindle oil is added, Aviation fuel JP4 is not recommended. For more information on aviation fuels refer to the Caterpillar application department. Only up to 5% R.M.E. in mineral oil diesel fuel is permit- ted. Biodiesel blends of up to 5% B100 and #2 diesel fuel (B5) are allowed.

Electrical shut-off solenoid (ESOS): The ESOS is fit- ted to the right hand side of the cylinder block, at the rear of the fuel injection pump. When the solenoid is de- energised, a control rod pushes the fuel control rack to the ‘no fuel position’ in the injection pump. The unit oper- ates from a 12V supply in an ‘energise to run’ condition, an electrical failure will give automatic fuel shut-off.

B.Fuel System

1.A Fuel Strainer/Water Seperator is provided between the fuel tank and fuel pump. It should be inspected daily and purged of any contaminents.

2.The Fuel Pump provided on the engine is a direct drive mechanical diaphragm type. A primer

pump is included within the main fuel filter for use in the event of first time start-up when fuel is depleted from the system. The primer should be pumped by hand until all air is purged (view return line in fuel tank).

3.The Main Fuel Filter is a spin-on cartridge that should be changed every 500 hours of use (or sooner depending on fuel quality and operating conditions). This fuel filter is attached to a mechanical hand primer. The primer must be used to purge the fuel system of air.

4.The Fuel Valve provides a means to switch from the “left” to “right” tank or “off” positions.

C.Lubricating Oil Specifications

Use only good quality lubricating oil, such as shell Rim- ula 15W40 which meets Caterpillar ECF-I and either of the following:

•API-CH-4 plus

•ACEA E5

Note: API CI-4 plus and ACEA ES oils that have not met the requirements of Caterpillar’s ECF-I specification may cause reduced engine life.

Caution: Always ensure that the correct viscosity grade of lubricating oil is used for the ambient temperature range in which the engine will run as shown in the chart below.

Recommended SAE viscosity grades

				A
	0W
			5W20
				10W30
				15W40
					20W50
				20
					30
						40
-30	-20	-10	0	10	20	30	40	50 C
-22	-4	14	32	50	68	86	104	122 F
				B

Viscosity chart

A = Recommended viscosity

B = Ambient temperature

Ensure the lubricating oil sump is filled slowly after warm up, check with the dipstick that the oil level is correct. Change the oil and filter in accordance with the service instruction.