Condensation can form in partially filled fuel tanks. Top off the fuel tanks after operating the engine.
Fuel tanks should contain some provision for draining water and sediment from the bottom of the tanks. Some fuel tanks use supply pipes that allow water and sediment to settle below the end of the fuel supply pipe.
Some fuel tanks use supply lines that take fuel directly from the bottom of the tank. If the engine is equipped with this system, regular maintenance of the fuel system filter is important.
Drain the water and sediment from any fuel storage tank at the following intervals: weekly, oil changes and refueling of the fuel tank. This will help prevent water and/or sediment from being pumped from the fuel storage tank and into the engine fuel tank.
It is possible that a primary fuel filter is installed between the fuel tank and the engine fuel inlet. After changing the fuel filter, always prime the fuel system in order to remove air bubbles from the fuel system. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual in the Maintenance Section for more information on priming the fuel system.
The micron rating and the location of a primary fuel filter is important in cold weather operation. The primary fuel filter and the fuel supply line are the most common components that are affected by cold fuel.
The micron rating of the primary fuel filter should only be fine enough or low enough in order to protect the fuel transfer pump. A primary filter that is fine or a primary filter that has a low micron rating can be plugged by wax crystals more easily in cold weather.
Note: Refer to the Parts Manual for this engine in order to determine the part numbers that are required for the fuel filters.
Fuel heaters help to prevent fuel filters from plugging in cold weather due to waxing. A fuel heater should be installed in order to heat the fuel before the fuel enters the primary fuel filter.
Select a fuel heater that is mechanically simple, yet adequate for the application. The fuel heater should also help to prevent overheating of the fuel. High fuel temperatures reduce engine performance and the availability of engine power. Choose a fuel heater with a large heating surface. The fuel heater should be practical in size. Small heaters can be too hot due to the limited surface area.
Disconnect the fuel heater in warm weather.
Note: Fuel heaters that are controlled by the water temperature regulator or self-regulating fuel heaters should be used with this engine. Fuel heaters that are not controlled by the water temperature regulator can heat the fuel in excess of
Note: Heat exchanger type fuel heaters should have a bypass provision in order to prevent overheating of the fuel in warm weather operation.
The following fuel heaters are recommended for use with Caterpillar engines:
For further information on fuel heaters, consult your Caterpillar dealer.