18
Maintenance Section Fuel Specifications
Fuel Heaters
The fuel cloud point is related to problems with fuel filters. The heater heats the fuel above the cloud point before the fuel enters the fuel filter. This prevents wax from blocking the filter. Fuel can flow through pumps and lines at temperatures below the cloud point. The cloud point is often above the pour point of a fuel. While the fuel can flow through these lines, the wax in the fuel can still plug the fuel filter.
In some engine installations, small modifications can prevent problems that are caused by the cloud point. One of the following changes can prevent problems in many conditions: a change in the location of fuel filters and/or supply lines and the addition of insulation. In extreme temperatures, heating of the fuel may be required to prevent the filters from plugging. There are several types of fuel heaters that are available. The heaters use either engine coolant or exhaust gas as a heat source. These systems may prevent filter waxing problems without the use of
Note: Only use fuel heaters that are controlled by thermostats or use fuel heaters that are
Select a fuel heater that is mechanically simple, yet adequate for the application. The fuel heater should also prevent overheating of the fuel. Disconnect the fuel heater or deactivate the fuel heater in warm weather. An unacceptable loss of fuel viscosity and engine power will occur if the fuel supply temperature is allowed to become too hot.
For additional information on fuel heaters, see your Caterpillar dealer.
i01111474
Fuel Recommendations
SMCS Code: 1250; 1280
Diesel engines have the ability to burn a wide variety of fuels. These fuels are divided into two general groups. The two groups are called the preferred fuels and the permissible fuels.
The preferred fuels provide maximum engine service life and performance. The preferred fuels are distillate fuels. These fuels are commonly called diesel fuel, furnace fuel, gas oil, or kerosene.
The permissible fuels are crude oils or blended fuels. Use of these fuels can result in higher maintenance costs and in reduced engine service life.
Diesel fuels that meet the specifications in Table 7 will help to provide maximum engine service life and performance. In North America, diesel fuel that is identified as No.
Table 7
Caterpillar Specifications for Distillate Diesel Fuel
Specifications | Requirements | ASTM |
|
| Test |
|
|
|
Aromatics | 35% maximum | “D1319” |
|
|
|
Ash | 0.02% maximum (weight) | “D482” |
|
|
|
Carbon Residue | 0.35% maximum (weight) | “D524” |
on 10% Bottoms |
|
|
|
|
|
Cetane Number | 40 minimum (DI engines) | “D613” |
|
| |
35 minimum (PC engines) |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| The cloud point must | - |
Cloud Point | not exceed the lowest |
|
expected ambient |
| |
|
| |
| temperature. |
|
|
|
|
Copper Strip | No. 3 maximum | “D130” |
Corrosion |
|
|
|
|
|
| 10% at 282 C (540 F) | “D86” |
Distillation | maximum |
|
|
| |
90% at 360 C (680 F) |
| |
|
| |
| maximum |
|
|
|
|
Flash Point | legal limit | “D93” |
|
|
|
(continued)