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.
Fuel Heaters
A thermostatically controlled fuel heater can be installed when the use of No. 2 diesel in the winter cannot be avoided. Fuel heaters can help prevent fuel filters from plugging due to waxing and the formation of ice crystals from excessive water. A fuel heater is not effective for cold starts unless the fuel heater can be powered by an external power source. The fuel heater should be connected to the power source while the engine is not operating. A fuel heater can 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. Choose a fuel heater with a large heating surface that is practical. Small heaters can be too hot because of the limited surface area.
Note: Heat exchanger type fuel heaters should have a bypass provision to prevent excessive heating of the fuel in warm weather operation. The excessive heating of the fuel will cause a loss of engine power. The maximum temperature of the fuel that is allowed for electronic engines can be found in the Operation and Maintenance Manual. Thermostatically controlled fuel heaters may be required for electronic engines.
The following fuel heaters are available for use with Caterpillar engines, including PEEC engines and Electronic engines.
Disconnect the fuel heater or deactivate the fuel heater in warm weather in order to prevent excessive heating of fuel and possible engine power loss. A gradual loss of engine power occurs as the fuel supply temperature increases. An electronic engine will self-adjust for higher fuel temperatures to a limit. See your Caterpillar dealer for information.
De-Icers
De-icers lower the freezing point of the moisture in the fuel. De-icers are not generally needed when fuel heaters are used. If you experience trouble, consult your fuel supplier for recommendations of a compatible commercial de-icer.
Fuel Tanks
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. This water and sediment should be drained at each oil change. Some fuel tanks use supply lines that take fuel directly from the bottom of the tank. Regular maintenance of the fuel system filters is important if the vehicle is equipped with this type of fuel tank.
Fuel Filters
A primary fuel filter and/or a water separator is installed between the fuel tank and the engine mounted fuel filter. The location of the 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 best location for the primary fuel filter is in the engine compartment. In the engine compartment, the fuel filter will benefit from the radiant heat of the engine. A filter that is mounted outside of the frame rails or a filter that is mounted in any location that is exposed to wind can be a persistent problem in cold weather.
Note: Instructions for the installation of the fuel filter are printed on the side of each Caterpillar spin-on filter. For non-Caterpillar fuel filters, refer to the installation instructions that are provided by the supplier of the filter.
Note: Caterpillar recommends the filtration of fuel through a fuel filter with a rating of five microns absolute or less. This filter should be located on the devise that dispences the fuel to the fuel tank for the engine.