17 Maintenance Section Fuel Specifications

Fuel Specifications

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General Fuel Information

SMCS Code: 1250; 1280

•Purchase fuel from a reputable supplier.

•Use fuel that meets the minimum Caterpillar specifications for diesel fuel. The specifications are included in the table Caterpillar Specifications for Distillate Fuel. This table is included in the recommendations for diesel fuel. These fuels have a minimum lubricity level of 3100 g. This result is obtained by conducting the Scuffing Load Wear Test (SBOCLE). If a High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) is used for testing, the maximum allowable wear scar is .45 mm (0.018 inch) at 60 ￿C (140 ￿F). The maximum allowable wear scar is .38 mm (0.0150 inch) at 25 ￿C (77 ￿F).

•Keep the fuel storage tank clean of water, debris and sediment.

•Drain water and sediment from the fuel storage tank weekly. Drain water and sediment before the tank is refilled.

•Keep the area around the fuel tank filler neck clean of debris in order to prevent contamination of the fuel tank.

•As required, clean the inside of the engine’s fuel tank.

•Drain water and sediment from the engine’s fuel tank daily. Drain the tank at the start of a shift. After the fuel tank has been filled, allow the fuel to settle for ten minutes. This will allow the water and sediment to separate from the fuel. Then, drain the water and sediment from the tank.

•Install water separators.

•Drain the water from the water separator daily.

•For some applications, Caterpillar high efficiency fuel filters are required in order to provide maximum life to the fuel system.

•Change fuel filters at the scheduled interval. Never fill the new fuel filter with fuel before installation. Use the fuel priming pump to remove air from the system.

•Install breather filters on the fuel tanks.

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Fuel Information for Diesel Engines

SMCS Code: 1250; 1280

The two basic types of diesel fuel are No. 2 diesel fuel and No. 1 diesel fuel. No. 2 diesel fuel is a heavier diesel fuel than No. 1 diesel fuel. Heavier fuels can cause problems with fuel filters, fuel lines, fuel tanks, and fuel storage in cold weather. Heavier diesel fuels such as No. 2 diesel fuel can be used in diesel engines that operate in cold temperatures with a minimum amount of pour point depressant additive. For more information on fuels which include blends of No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuel, consult your fuel supplier.

When you use No. 2 diesel fuel or other heavier fuels, some of the fuel’s qualities may interfere with successful cold weather operation. Additional information about the characteristics of diesel fuel is available. This information contains a discussion on the modification to the characteristics of diesel fuel. There are several possible methods that can be used to compensate for the fuel qualities that may interfere with cold weather operation. These methods include the use of starting aids, engine coolant heaters, fuel heaters, and de-icers.

Starting Aids

The use of a starting aid is a conventional method of assistance for cold starts in low temperature conditions. A variety of starting aids are available for Caterpillar engines. Follow the recommendations that are provided by the manufacturer of the starting aid.

Engine Coolant Heaters

These heaters heat the engine coolant. The heated coolant flows through the cylinder block. The flow of heated coolant keeps the engine warm. A warm engine is easier to start in cold weather. Most coolant heaters use electrical power. A source of electricity is necessary for this type of heater. Other heaters that burn fuel are available as a source of heat. These heaters may be used in place of the electrical heaters.

With either type of heater, starting aids and/or fuels with higher cetane numbers are less important because the engine is warm. Problems with fuel cloud point can cause the plugging of fuel filters. Problems with fuel cloud point cannot be corrected by engine coolant heaters. This is especially true for fuel filters that are cooled by air flow during operation.