19 Maintenance Section Fuel Specifications
(Table 7, contd)
Caterpillar Specifications for Distillate Diesel Fuel
Specifications | Requirements | ASTM |
|
| Test |
|
|
|
API Gravity | 30 minimum | “D287” |
|
| |
45 maximum |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Pour Point | 6 C (10 F) minimum | “D97” |
below ambient |
| |
| temperature |
|
|
|
|
| 3% maximum | “D3605” |
Sulfur (1) |
| or |
|
| “D1552” |
|
|
|
Kinematic | 1.4 cSt minimum and 20.0 | “D445” |
cSt maximum at 40 C |
| |
Viscosity (2) |
| |
(104 F) |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Water and | 0.1% maximum | “D1796” |
Sediment |
|
|
|
|
|
Water | 0.1% maximum | “D1744” |
|
|
|
Sediment | 0.05% maximum (weight) | “D473” |
|
|
|
Gums and | 10 mg per 100 mL | “D381” |
Resins (3) | maximum |
|
|
|
|
| 3100 g minimum | “D6708” |
|
|
|
| 0.45 mm (0.018 inch) |
|
Lubricity (4) | maximum at 60 C (140 F) | “D6079” |
|
| |
| 0.38 mm (0.015 inch) | |
|
| |
| maximum at 25 C (77 F) |
|
|
|
|
(1)Caterpillar fuel systems and engine components can operate on high sulfur fuels. Fuel sulfur levels affect exhaust emissions. High sulfur fuels also increase the potential for corrosion of internal components. Fuel sulfur levels above 1.0 percent may significantly shorten the oil change interval. For additional information, see this publication, “Engine Oil” topic (Maintenance Section).
(2)The values of the fuel viscosity are the values as the fuel is delivered to the fuel injection pumps. If a fuel with a low viscosity is used, cooling of the fuel may be required to maintain a 1.4 cSt viscosity at the fuel injection pump. Fuels with a high viscosity might require fuel heaters in order to bring down the viscosity to a 20 cSt viscosity. For additional information, see Special Publication, SEBD0717, “Diesel Fuel and Your Engine”.
(3)Follow the test conditions and procedures for gasoline (motor).
(4)The lubricity of a fuel is a concern with low sulfur fuel. To determine the lubricity of the fuel, use either the “ASTM D6708 Scuffing Load Wear Test (SBOCLE)” or the “ASTM D6079 High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR)” test. If the lubricity of a fuel does not meet the minimum requirements, consult your fuel supplier. Do not treat the fuel without consulting the fuel supplier. Some additives are not compatible. These additives can cause problems in the fuel system.
NOTICE
Operating with fuels that do not meet Caterpillar’s recommendations can cause the following effects: starting difficulty, poor combustion, deposits in the fuel in- jectors, reduced service life of the fuel system, deposits in the combustion chamber, and reduced service life of the engine.
In the USA, 0.05 percent diesel fuels have been used in all
NOTICE
Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Residual fuel, or Blended fuel must NOT be used in Caterpillar diesel engines (ex- cept in 3600 Series HFO engines). Severe component wear and component failures will result if HFO type fuels are used in engines that are configured to use distillate fuel.
In extreme cold ambient conditions, you may use the distillate fuels that are specified in Table
8.However, the fuel that is selected must meet the requirements that are specified in Table 7.
These fuels are intended to be used in operating temperatures that are down to −54 C (−65 F).
Table 8
Distillate Fuels (1)
SpecificationGrade
“ASTM D1655” |
(1)The fuels that are listed in this Table may not meet the requirements that are specified in the “Caterpillar Specifications for Distillate Diesel Fuel” Table. Consult the supplier for the recommended additives in order to maintain the proper fuel lubricity.
These fuels are lighter than the No. 2 grades of fuel. The cetane number of the fuels in Table 8 must be at least 40. If the viscosity is below 1.4 cSt at 38 C (100 F), use the fuel only in temperatures below
0 C (32 F). Do not use any fuels with a viscosity of less than 1.2 cSt at 38 C (100 F). Fuel cooling may be required in order to maintain the minimum viscosity of 1.4 cSt at the fuel injection pump.
There are many other diesel fuel specifications that are published by governments and by technological societies. Usually, those specifications do not review all the requirements that are addressed
in this specification. To ensure optimum engine performance, a complete fuel analysis should be obtained before engine operation. The fuel analysis should include all of the properties that are listed in Table 7.