3126 Truck Engine (Military) Caterpillar

Distillate Diesel Fuel

Diesel fuels that meet the specifications in Table 1 will help to provide maximum engine service life and performance. In North America, diesel fuel that is identified as No. 1-D or No. 2-D in "ASTM D975" generally meet the specifications. Table 1 is for diesel fuels that are distilled from crude oil. Diesel fuels from other sources could exhibit detrimental properties that are not defined or controlled by this specification.

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)

Caterpillar recommends that all distillate diesel fuel, including ULSD fuel (ie fuel ≤ 15 ppm sulfur using ASTM D 2622 or DIN 51400) meet the requirements of the Caterpillar Specifications for Distillate Diesel Fuel.

Note: Caterpillar recommends that fuel be filtered through a fuel filter with a rating of less than five (5) microns absolute at the point where the fuel is dispensed into the vehicle.

There are many other diesel fuel specifications that are published by governments and by technological societies. Usually, these other diesel fuel specifications do not contain all of the parameters that are addressed by Caterpillar. To achieve optimum engine performance, obtain a complete analysis of the fuel before operating the engine. The fuel analysis must cover all of the properties that are listed in Table 1.

In the USA, 0.05 percent diesel fuels have been used in all on-highway truck engines since 1January 1994. This low sulfur diesel fuel was mandated as a means of directly reducing particulate emissions from diesel truck engines. This low sulfur fuel will also be used in Caterpillar commercial diesel engines and in Caterpillar machine engines. This diesel fuel will be used when low emissions are required. This fuel will be used when the fuel supplier can provide this type of fuel. Caterpillar has not seen any detrimental effects with 0.05 percent sulfur fuel in Caterpillar diesel engines.

Aftermarket Fuel Additives

There are many different types of fuel additives that are available to use. Caterpillar does not generally recommend the use of fuel additives.

In special circumstances, Caterpillar recognizes the need for fuel additives. Fuel additives need to be used with caution. The additive may not be compatible with the fuel. Some additives may precipitate. This action causes deposits in the fuel system. The deposits may cause seizure. Contact your fuel supplier for those circumstances when fuel additives are required. Your fuel supplier can make recommendations for additives to use and for the proper level of treatment. For best results, your fuel supplier should treat the fuel when additives are needed.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a fuel that can be made from a variety of sources, primarily from soybean oil or rapeseed oil. Without esterification, these oils gel in the crankcase and fuel tank and may not be compatible with many of the elastomers used in today's engines. In their original form, these oils are not suitable for use as a fuel in compression engines. To use these oils as fuel, they must be esterified. Alternate base stocks for biofuel may include animal tallow, waste cooking oils, or a variety of other feedstocks.

Caterpillar certifies its engines using the prescribed EPA and European Certification Fuels. Caterpillar does not certify engines on any other fuel.

Note: It is the user's responsibility to use the correct fuel as recommended by the manufacturer and allowed by EPA or other local regulatory agencies. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain the proper local, regional, and/or national exemptions required for the use of biodiesel in any emissions regulated Caterpillar engine.

Warranty and the Use of Biodiesel Fuel in Caterpillar Engines

Caterpillar neither approves nor prohibits the use of biodiesel fuels. Caterpillar is not in a position to evaluate the many variations of biodiesel fuels, and the long term effects on performance, durability or emissions compliance of Caterpillar products. The use of biodiesel fuels does not affect Caterpillar's materials and workmanship warranty. Failures resulting from the use of any fuel are not Caterpillar factory defects and therefore the cost of repair would NOT be covered by Caterpillar's warranty.

Recommendation for the Use of Biodiesel Fuel in Caterpillar Engines

Note: Biodiesel has not been validated for use in Caterpillar diesel engines that utilize ACERT technology. Once testing is complete, recommendations will be published in Service Magazine, Engine News, and Truck Engine News articles. Recommendations will then be included in Caterpillar Fluids Recommendations and Operation and Maintenance Manuals.

For Caterpillar 3046, 3064, 3066, 3114, 3116, 3126, 3176, 3196, 3208, 3306, C-9, C-10, C-12, 3406, C-15, C-16, 3456, 3408, 3412, 3500 series, 3600 series, CM20, CM25 and CM32 engines: Biodiesel meeting the requirements listed in Caterpillar's biodiesel specification or, meeting either ASTM D6751 or DIN 51606, are acceptable. They may also be blended in any percentage with an acceptable diesel fuel, provided the biodiesel constituent meets the requirements outlined in Table 2 prior to blending.

For Caterpillar 3003 through 3034, 3054 and 3056 engines: Biodiesel meeting the requirements listed in Caterpillar's biodiesel specification or, meeting either ASTM D6751 or DIN 51606, may be blended with an acceptable diesel fuel at a maximum of 5% biodiesel fuel blended with 95% diesel fuel. The biodiesel fuel must meet the requirements listed in Table 2 prior to blending. Use of more than a 5% biodiesel fuel can cause premature failures whose repair would not be covered under Caterpillar warranty.

Note: When burning biodiesel, or any blend of biodiesel, it is the responsibility of the user to obtain the proper local, regional, and/or national exemptions required for the use of biodiesel in any emissions regulated Caterpillar engine. When using a fuel that meets Caterpillar's Biodiesel specification, ASTM D6751, or DIN 51606 specifications, and when adhering to the following recommendations, the use of biodiesel should pose no problems.

Recommendations

• The oil change interval can be affected by the use of biodiesel fuel. Use Scheduled Oil Sampling (S·O·S) to monitor the engine oil condition and to determine the optimum oil change interval.

• Biodiesel provides approximately 5-7% less energy per gallon of fuel when compared to distillate fuels. To avoid engine problems when the engine is converted back to 100% distillate diesel fuel, do not change the engine rating to compensate for the power loss.

• Elastomer compatibility with biodiesel is still being monitored. The condition of seals and hoses should be monitored regularly.

• Biodiesel fuels may pose low ambient temperature problems for both storage and operation. At low ambient temperatures, fuel may need to be stored in a heated building or a heated storage tank. The fuel system may require heated fuel lines, filters, and tanks. Filters may plug and fuel in the tank may solidify at low ambient temperatures if precautions are not taken. Consult your biodiesel supplier for assistance in the blending and attainment of the proper cloud point fuel.

• Biodiesel has poor oxidation stability, which can result in long term storage problems. The poor oxidation stability qualities may accelerate fuel oxidation in the fuel system. This is especially true in engines with electronic fuel systems because they operate at higher temperatures. Consult the fuel supplier for oxidation stability additives.

• Biodiesel fuel is an excellent medium for microbial growth. Microbes cause fuel system corrosion and premature filter plugging. The effectiveness of conventional anti-microbial additives, when used in biodiesel is not known. Consult your fuel and additive supplier for assistance.

• Care must be taken to remove water from fuel tanks. Water accelerates microbial growth. Water is naturally more prevalent in biodiesel fuels than in distillate fuels.

Caterpillar Biodiesel

Note: Fuels meeting "ASTM D6751" or "DIN51606" may be used.