Caterpillar On-Highway Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations Caterpillar


Distillate Diesel Fuel - Fuel Recommendations for On-Highway Diesel Engines

Usage:

3126B 1AJ


NOTICE

These recommendations are subject to change without notice. Consult your local Caterpillar dealer for the most up to date recommendations.


Caterpillar is not in the position to continuously evaluate and monitor all of the many worldwide distillate diesel fuel specifications and their ongoing revisions that are published by governments and technological societies.

The "Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Fuel for On-Highway Diesel Engines" provides a known, reliable baseline to judge the expected performance of distillate diesel fuels that are derived from conventional sources (crude oil, shale oil, oil sands, etc.) when used in Caterpillar diesel engines.

Using the Caterpillar distillate diesel fuel specification as the baseline, it is much easier to determine any potential economic and/or performance trade-offs, and overall acceptability when using fuels of varying characteristics and quality levels.

  • When required, have the diesel fuel that either is being used or is planned to be used, tested per the Caterpillar distillate diesel fuel specification.

  • Use the Caterpillar distillate diesel fuel specification as a fuel quality baseline for comparison of distillate diesel fuel analysis results to, and/or a baseline for comparison of other distillate diesel fuel specifications to.

  • Typical fuel characteristics can be obtained from the fuel supplier.

Fuel parameters outside of the Caterpillar fuel specification limits have explainable consequences.

  • Compensate for some fuel parameters that are outside of the specification limits (e.g. fuel can be cooled to address low viscosity; etc.).

  • Some fuel parameters that are outside of specification limits may be able to be improved with the use of appropriate amounts of well proven fuel additives. Refer to this Special Publication, "Distillate Diesel Fuel (Fuel Recommendations for On-Highway Diesel Engines)" article, "Aftermarket Fuel Additives" and "Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner" topics for guidance.

To help 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 the "Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Fuel for On-Highway Diesel Engines", table 1.

Note: The diesel fuel cannot have any visually apparent sediment, suspended matter, or undissolved water.

Diesel Fuels that meet the specifications in table 1 will help provide maximum engine service life and performance.

In North America, diesel fuels that are identified as meeting the latest version of "ASTM D975 Grades No. 1-D or No. 2-D"(all listed sulfur levels) generally meet the table 1 requirements.

In Europe, diesel fuels that are identified as meeting the latest version of "European Standard EN590" generally meet the table 1 requirements.

Table 1 is for diesel fuels that are distilled from conventional sources (crude oil, shale oil, oil sands, etc.). Diesel fuels from other sources could exhibit detrimental properties that are not defined or controlled by this specification.


NOTICE

Model year 2007 and newer (U.S. EPA 2007 certified) on-highway diesel engines REQUIRE the use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel (≤ 15 ppm sulfur).

"Sulfur-free" diesel fuel (≤ 10 ppm sulfur) is strongly recommended for use in "EURO IV" certified on-highway diesel engines, while diesel fuel with ≤ 50 ppm sulfur is acceptable.

Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) fuel (≤ 500 ppm sulfur) is strongly recommended (required in the U.S.) for use in model year 2006 and older on-highway diesel engines, while diesel fuel with ≤ 5000 ppm sulfur is acceptable for use in areas of the world where allowed by law. Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) equipped engines require the use of LSD fuel or ULSD fuel.


Note: In the U.S., burning fuel with greater than 15 ppm sulfur in model year 2007 and newer on-highway diesel engines is illegal and punishable with civil penalties.

Engines that are manufactured by Caterpillar are certified by use of the prescribed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Certifications fuels. Caterpillar does not certify diesel engines on any other fuel.

Note: The owner and the operator of the engine has the responsibility of using the correct fuel that is recommended by the manufacturer and allowed by the U.S. EPA and, as appropriate, other regulatory agencies.


NOTICE

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel will have ≤15 ppm (0.0015%) sulfur using the "ASTM D5453", "ASTM D2622", or "ISO 20846, ISO 20884" test methods. Model year 2007 and newer Caterpillar on-highway diesel engines REQUIRE the use of ULSD fuel in order to meet the U.S. EPA 2007 emissions regulations for on-highway diesel engines. In the U.S., failure to use ULSD in these engines is illegal and punishable with civil penalties. Model year 2007 and newer Caterpillar on-highway diesel engines are designed to operate on ULSD. Failure to use ULSD in these engines will reduce engine efficiency and durability. Failure to use ULSD may also damage emission control systems and reduce fuel economy. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions article in the "Reference Information" section of this Special Publication for additional ULSD fuel information. In addition, certain other governments/localities MAY require the use of ULSD fuel. Diesel engines equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) require the use of ULSD. Other emission controlled diesel engines and/or diesel engines equipped with exhaust aftertreatment devices MAY also require the use of ULSD fuel. Consult federal, state, and local authorities for guidance on fuel requirements for your area. Also, consult the specific engine Operation and Maintenance Manual for guidance.

When ULSD is used, there are concerns with fuel viscosity, lubricity, and thermal stability. The fuel viscosity, lubricity, and thermal stability limits stated in this Special Publication, "Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel for On-highway Diesel Engines" address these concerns. In North America, diesel fuels that meet the latest version of "ASTM D975 Grade No. 1-D S15" or "ASTM D975 Grade No. 2-D S15" and meet the "ASTM D975 Thermal Stability Guideline", generally meet the Caterpillar requirements for ULSD fuel.

In Europe, diesel fuels that meet the latest version of "European Standard EN590" requirements for ≤ 10 ppm sulfur fuel (typically referred to as "sulfur-free") generally meet Caterpillar requirements for ULSD fuel.

"Sulfur-free" diesel fuels (≤ 10 ppm sulfur) as defined in the latest version of "European Standard EN590" are strongly recommended for use in "EURO IV" certified on-highway diesel engines, while diesel fuel with ≤ 50 ppm sulfur is acceptable. Use of diesel fuel with greater than 50 ppm in Caterpillar "EURO IV" engines will reduce the engine efficiency and durability, and may reduce fuel economy.



NOTICE

Do not add new engine oil, waste engine oil or any oil product to the fuel unless the engine is designed and certified to burn diesel engine oil (for example Caterpillar ORS designed for large engines). Caterpillar experience has shown that adding oil products to model year 2007 on-highway engine fuels (U.S. EPA 2007 certified), to EURO Stage IIB and IV certified engine fuels, or to the fuels of engines equipped with exhaust aftertreatment devices, will generally cause the need for more frequent ash service intervals and/or cause loss of performance.

Adding oil products to the fuel may raise the sulfur level of the fuel and may cause fouling of the fuel system and loss of performance.


Note: Caterpillar strongly recommends the filtration of distillate fuel and/or biodiesel and biodiesel blends through a fuel filter with a rating of four microns(c) absolute or less. This filter should be located on the device that dispenses the fuel to the fuel tank for the engine. Series filtration is recommended. Refer to the "General Recommendations and Guidelines" for more details.


NOTICE

Operating with fuels that do not meet Caterpillar's recommendations can cause the following effects: starting difficulty, poor combustion, deposits in the fuel injectors, reduced service life of the fuel system, deposits in the combustion chamber and reduced service life of the engine.



NOTICE

The footnotes are a key part of the "Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel" Table. Read ALL of the footnotes.


Table 1
Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel for On-Highway Diesel Engines (1)    
Specifications     Requirements     ASTM Test     ISO Test    
Aromatics     35 percent maximum     "D1319"     "ISO 3837"    
Ash     0.01 percent maximum (weight)     "D482"     "ISO 6245"    
Carbon Residue on 10 percent Bottoms     0.35 percent maximum (weight)     "D524"     "ISO 4262"    
Cetane Number  (2)     40 minimum (DI engines)     "D613"
or
"D6890"    
"ISO 5165"    
35 minimum (PC engines)
Cloud Point     The cloud point must not exceed the lowest expected ambient temperature.     "D2500"     "ISO 3015"    
Copper Strip Corrosion     No. 3 maximum     "D130"     "ISO 2160"    
Distillation     10 percent at 282 °C (540 °F)
maximum    
"D86"     "ISO 3405"    
90 percent at
360 °C (680 °F)
maximum
Flash Point     legal limit     "D93"     "ISO 2719"    
Thermal Stability     Minimum of 80 percent reflectance after aging for 180 minutes at
150 °C (302 °F)    
"D6468"     No equivalent test    
API Gravity  (3)     30 minimum
(875.7 kg/m3)    
"D287"     No equivalent test    
45 maximum
(801.3 kg/m3)
Pour Point    
6 °C (10 °F) minimum below ambient temperature    
"D97"     "ISO 3016"    
Sulfur  (1)     0.05 percent (500 ppm) maximum
(Pre-2007 engines) (4)    
"D5453"
or
"D2622"    
"ISO 20846"
or
"ISO 20884"    
0.0015 percent (15 ppm) maximum
(2007 and newer engines)
Kinematic Viscosity  (5)     1.4 cSt minimum and 20.0 cSt maximum as delivered to the fuel injection pumps     -     -    
1.4 cSt minimum and 4.5 cSt maximum as delivered to the rotary fuel injection pumps
Water and Sediment     0.1 percent maximum     "D1796"     "ISO 3734"    
Water     0.1 percent maximum     "D6304"     No equivalent test    
Sediment     0.05 percent maximum (weight)     "D473"     "ISO 3735"    
Gums and Resins  (6)     10 mg per 100 mL maximum     "D381"     "ISO 6246"    
Lubricity  (7)    
0.52 mm (0.0205 inch) maximum at
60 °C (140 °F)    
"D6079"     No equivalent test    
( 1 ) This specification includes the requirements for Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). ULSD fuel will have ≤ 15 ppm (0.0015 percent) sulfur using the "ASTM D5453", "ASTM D2622", or "ISO 20846, ISO 20884" test methods. This specification includes the requirements for Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD). LSD fuel will have ≤500 ppm (0.05 percent) sulfur using the "ASTM 5453, ASTM D2622" or the "ISO 20846", "ISO 20884"test methods. Aftertreatment devices can be permanently damaged by the use of high sulfur fuels. Diesel engines that are equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) require the use of ULSD. Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) equipped engines require the use of LSD fuel or ULSD fuel. Refer to the NOTICE that immediately follows the footnotes to this Table.
( 2 ) Alternatively, to ensure a minimum cetane number of 35 (PC engines), and 40 (DI engines), distillate diesel fuel should have a minimum cetane index of 37.5 (PC engines), and 44.2 (DI engines) when the "ASTM D4737-96a" test method is used. A fuel with a higher cetane number may be required for operation at a higher altitude or in cold weather.
( 3 ) Via standards tables, the equivalent kg/m3 (kilograms per cubic meter) using the "ASTM D287" test method temperature of 15.56 °C (60 °F) for the minimum API gravity of 30 is 875.7 kg/m3, and for the maximum API gravity of 45 is 801.3 kg/m3.
( 4 ) Fuel sulfur levels affect exhaust emissions. High sulfur fuels also increase the potential for corrosion of internal components. Fuel sulfur levels above 0.5 percent may significantly shorten the oil change interval. Caterpillar strongly recommends that S·O·S Services oil analysis be used to determine oil change intervals when fuel sulfur levels are above 0.5 percent. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for guidance when fuel sulfur levels are above 0.5 percent. For additional information, see this Special Publication, "Engine Oil" article. Model year 2007 and newer (U.S. EPA 2007 certified) on-highway diesel engines are required to use fuel with 15 ppm or less sulfur. ULSD fuel will have ≤ 15 ppm (0.0015 percent) sulfur using "ASTM D5453", "ASTM D2622", or "ISO 20846, ISO 20884" test methods. It is strongly recommended that "EURO IV" certified on-highway diesel engines use ULSD. Aftertreatment devices can be permanently damaged by the use of high sulfur fuels. Diesel engines that are equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) require the use of ULSD. Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) equipped engines require the use of LSD fuel or ULSD fuel. Refer to the NOTICE that immediately follows the footnotes to this Table.
( 5 ) The values of the fuel viscosity are the values as the fuel is delivered to the fuel injection pumps. For ease of comparison, fuels should also meet the minimum and maximum viscosity requirements at 40 °C (104 °F) that are stated by the use of either the "ASTM D445" test method or the "ISO 3104" test method. If a fuel with a low viscosity is used, cooling of the fuel may be required to maintain 1.4 cSt or greater viscosity at the fuel injection pump. Fuels with a high viscosity might require fuel heaters in order to lower the viscosity to either 4.5 cSt or less for rotary fuel injection pumps or 20 cSt viscosity or less for all other fuel injection pumps.
( 6 ) Follow the test conditions and procedures for gasoline (motor).
( 7 ) The lubricity of a fuel is a concern with low sulfur and ultra low sulfur fuel. To determine the lubricity of the fuel, use 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

The owner and the operator of the engine has the responsibility of using the correct fuel that is recommended by the manufacturer and allowed by the U.S. EPA and, as appropriate, other regulatory agencies. In the U.S., burning fuel with greater than 15 ppm sulfur in model year 2007 and newer (U.S. EPA 2007 certified) on-highway diesel engines is illegal and punishable with civil penalties. In addition, model year 2007 and newer Caterpillar on-highway diesel engines are designed to operate on ULSD fuel. The use of fuel with greater than 15 ppm sulfur will reduce the engine efficiency and durability, and may damage emission control systems and reduce fuel economy. In the U.S., burning fuel with greater than 500 ppm sulfur in model year 2006 and older on-highway diesel powered vehicles is illegal and punishable with civil penalties.

In Europe, diesel fuel that meets the latest version of "European Standard EN590" requirements for ≤ 10 ppm sulfur fuel (typically referred to as "sulfur-free") generally meet Caterpillar requirements for ULSD fuel.

"Sulfur-free" diesel fuels (≤ 10 ppm sulfur) as defined in the latest version of "European Standard EN590" are strongly recommended for use in "EURO IV" certified on-highway diesel engines, while diesel fuel with ≤ 50 ppm sulfur is acceptable. Use of diesel fuel with greater than 50 ppm in Caterpillar "EURO IV" engines will reduce the engine efficiency and durability, and may reduce fuel economy.


Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)

ULSD is a number 1 distillate diesel fuel or a number 2 distillate diesel fuel that contains a maximum of 0.0015 percent (15 ppm or 15 mg/kg) sulfur by weight.

Caterpillar recommends that all distillate diesel fuel, including ULSD fuel (fuel ≤ 15 ppm sulfur using "ASTM D2622, ASTM D5453" or "ISO 20846, ISO20884") meet the requirements of the Caterpillar Specifications for Distillate Diesel Fuel for On-Highway Diesel Engines that are specified in table 1.

Note: ULSD has less electrical conductivity than LSD. Follow all industry standard grounding and safety practices.


NOTICE

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel will have ≤15 ppm (0.0015%) sulfur using the "ASTM D5453", "ASTM D2622", or "ISO 20846, ISO 20884" test methods. Model year 2007 and newer Caterpillar on-highway diesel engines REQUIRE the use of ULSD fuel in order to meet the U.S. EPA 2007 emissions regulations for on-highway diesel engines. In the U.S., failure to use ULSD in these engines is illegal and punishable with civil penalties. Model year 2007 and newer Caterpillar on-highway diesel engines are designed to operate on ULSD. Failure to use ULSD in these engines will reduce engine efficiency and durability. Failure to use ULSD may also damage emission control systems and reduce fuel economy. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions article in the "Reference Information" section of this Special Publication for additional ULSD fuel information. In addition, certain other governments/localities MAY require the use of ULSD fuel. Diesel engines equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) require the use of ULSD. Other emission controlled diesel engines and/or diesel engines equipped with exhaust aftertreatment devices MAY also require the use of ULSD fuel. Consult federal, state, and local authorities for guidance on fuel requirements for your area. Also, consult the specific engine Operation and Maintenance Manual for guidance.

When ULSD is used, there are concerns with fuel viscosity, lubricity, and thermal stability. The fuel viscosity, lubricity, and thermal stability limits stated in this Special Publication, "Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel for On-highway Diesel Engines" address these concerns. In North America, diesel fuels that meet the latest version of "ASTM D975 Grade No. 1-D S15" or "ASTM D975 Grade No. 2-D S15" and meet the "ASTM D975 Thermal Stability Guideline", generally meet the Caterpillar requirements for ULSD fuel.

In Europe, diesel fuels that meet the latest version of "European Standard EN590" requirements for ≤ 10 ppm sulfur fuel (typically referred to as "sulfur-free") generally meet Caterpillar requirements for ULSD fuel.

"Sulfur-free" diesel fuels (≤ 10 ppm sulfur) as defined in the latest version of "European Standard EN590" are strongly recommended for use in "EURO IV" certified on-highway diesel engines, while diesel fuel with ≤ 50 ppm sulfur is acceptable. Use of diesel fuel with greater than 50 ppm in Caterpillar "EURO IV" engines will reduce the engine efficiency and durability, and may reduce fuel economy.


Note: In Europe, ultra low sulfur diesel fuel will have a maximum of 0.0010 percent (10 ppm) sulfur, and is typically referred to as "sulfur-free".

Note: Caterpillar recommends the filtration of distillate fuel and/or biodiesel and biodiesel blends through a fuel filter with a rating of four microns(c) absolute or less. This filter should be located on the device that dispenses the fuel to the fuel tank for the engine.


NOTICE

Operating with fuels that do not meet Caterpillar's recommendations can cause the following effects: starting difficulty, poor combustion, deposits in the fuel injectors, reduced service life of the fuel system, deposits in the combustion chamber and reduced service life of the engine.


------ WARNING! ------

Mixing alcohol or gasoline with diesel fuel can produce an explosive mixture in the engine crankcase or fuel tank.

Personal injury and damage to the engine may result. Caterpillar recommends against this practice.

----------------------

Heavy Fuel Oil, Residual Fuel, Blended Fuel


NOTICE

Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Residual fuel, or Blended fuel must NOT be used in Caterpillar diesel engines (except in 3600 Series HFO engines). Blended fuel is residual fuel that has been diluted with a lighter fuel (cutter stock) so that they will flow. Blended fuels are also referred to as heavy fuel oils. Severe component wear and component failures will result if HFO type fuels are used in engines that are configured to use distillate fuel. DO NOT USE THESE FUELS IN CATERPILLAR ON-HIGHWAY DIESEL ENGINES.


Alternative Fuels Arctic Applications

In extreme cold ambient conditions, you may choose to use the distillate fuels that are specified in table 2. However, the fuel that is selected must meet the requirements that are specified in the "Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel for On-Highway Diesel Engines", Table 1. These fuels are intended to be used in operating temperatures that are down to -54 °C (-65 °F).

Note: The fuels that are listed in table 2 typically have much higher sulfur levels than the 15 ppm maximum sulfur allowed for ULSD. The sulfur levels for these fuels typically far exceed 15 ppm. These fuels typically will not be acceptable for use in areas that restrict maximum fuel sulfur levels to 15 ppm of less.

Note: The fuels that are listed in table 2 typically have much higher sulfur levels than the 50 ppm maximum sulfur allowed in the the latest version of European Standard "EN 590". The sulfur content of these fuels typically far exceeds 50 ppm. These fuels typically will not be acceptable for use in areas that restrict maximum fuel sulfur levels to 50 ppm or less.

Table 2
Alternative Distillate Fuels - Arctic Applications  (1)  (2)    
Specification     Grade    
"MIL-DTL-5624U"     JP-5    
"MIL-DTL-83133F"     JP-8    
"ASTM D1655-08a"     Jet A (3), Jet A-1 (3)    
( 1 ) The fuel that is selected must meet the requirements that are specified in the "Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel for On-Highway Diesel Engines" table, table 1. Cooling of the fuel may be required to maintain 1.4 cSt or greater viscosity at the fuel injection pump. Consult the supplier for the recommended additives in order to maintain the proper fuel lubricity.
( 2 ) The fuel specifications listed in this table allow and/or recommend the use of fuel additives that have not been tested by Caterpillar for use in Caterpillar fuel systems. The use of these specifications allowed and/or recommended fuel additives are at the risk of the user.
( 3 ) Jet A is the standard fuel used by U.S. commercial airlines when operating within the U.S. Jet A-1 is the standard fuel used by commercial airlines worldwide. Per "ASTM D1655-08a, Table 1 (Detailed Requirements of Aviation Turbine Fuels)", Jet A and Jet A-1 have identical requirements except for freezing point. Jet A has a freeze point requirement of -40 °C (-40 °F) versus the Jet A-1 has a freeze point requirement of -47 °C (-52.6 °F), but other freezing points may be agreed on by the fuel purchaser and the fuel supplier.

These fuels are lighter than the No. 2 grades of fuel. The cetane number of the fuels in table 1 must be at least 40. If the viscosity is below 1.4 cSt at 40 °C (104 °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 40 °C (104 °F).

Note: Fuel cooling may be required in order to maintain the minimum viscosity of 1.4 cSt at the fuel injection pump.

Note: These fuels may not prove acceptable for all applications.

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. Some additives may plug fuel filters. Some additives may be corrosive, and some additives may be harmful to the elastomers in the fuel system. Some additives may damage emission control systems. Some additives may raise fuel sulfur levels above the maximum allowed by the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or, as appropriate, other regulatory agencies. Consult 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.

Note: Metallic fuel additives can cause fuel system/injector fouling and after treatment device fouling. Caterpillar discourages the use of metallic fuel additives in most applications. Metallic fuel additives should only be used in applications where their use is specifically recommended by Caterpillar.

Note: Diesel fuel additives/conditioners may not improve markedly poor diesel fuel properties enough to make them acceptable for use.

Note: For best results, your fuel supplier should treat the fuel when additives are needed.

Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner

Note: Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner, part number 256-4968, is the only fuel conditioner/additive available to the end user that is tested and approved by Caterpillar for use in Caterpillar diesel engines.

Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner is a proprietary metal and ash free formulation that has been extensively tested for use with distillate diesel fuels for use in Caterpillar diesel engines. Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner helps address many of the challenges that various fuels worldwide present in regards to fuel life/stability, engine startability, injector deposits, fuel system life, and long term engine performance.

Note: Diesel fuel additives/conditioners may not improve markedly poor diesel fuel properties enough to make them acceptable for use.

Note: For maximum overall benefits, ask your fuel supplier to add Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner at the recommended treat rate before fuel delivery, or you may add Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner at the recommended treat rate during the early weeks of fuel storage. Follow all applicable national, regional, and local laws, mandates, and regulations concerning the use of diesel fuel conditioners/additives.

Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner is a proven high performance, multipurpose diesel fuel conditioner that is designed to improve:

  • Fuel economy (through fuel system cleanup)

  • Lubricity

  • Oxidative stability

  • Detergency/dispersancy

  • Moisture dispersancy

  • Corrosion protection

  • Cetane (typically 2-3 cetane numbers)

Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner has been validated through lab and field tests to improve/reduce diesel fuel consumption and emissions for typical fleets through fuel system/injector cleanup, and to help maintain new engine performance by keeping fuel systems clean. Note that while fuel system/injector cleanup takes place over time, maintaining fuel system/injector cleanliness is an ongoing process.

Data indicates that average fuel economy improvements across typical fleets may be in the 2-3+ percentage range. Note that improvements may vary based on factors such as engine model, age and condition of the engine, and application.

Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner also reduces the formation of gums, resins, and sludge, and disperses insoluble gums. This can dramatically improve fuel storage life, reduce fuel related engine deposits and corrosion, and extend fuel filter life.

Note: Use of Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner does not lessen the engine owner and/or fuel supplier responsibility to follow all industry standard maintenance practices for fuel storage and for fuel handling. Refer to the "General Fuel Information" article in this Special Publication for additional information. Additionally, use of Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner does NOT lessen the engine owner responsibility to use appropriate diesel fuel. Refer to the "Fuel Specifications" section in this Special Publication (Maintenance Section) for guidance.

Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner is suitable for use with biodiesel/biodiesel blends that meet Caterpillar biodiesel recommendations and requirements. Note that not all fuel additives are suitable for use with biodiesel/biodiesel blends. Read and follow all applicable label usage instructions. Also, refer to this Special Publication, "Distillate Diesel Fuel" article, which includes Caterpillar biodiesel recommendations and requirements. Caterpillar strongly recommends the use of Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner with biodiesel and biodiesel blends.

When used as directed, Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner has proven to be compatible with existing and U.S. EPA 2007 on-highway certified diesel engine emission control catalysts and particulate filters.


NOTICE

When used as directed Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner will not raise fuel sulfur levels measurably in the final fuel/additive blend. Follow all applicable national, regional, and local laws, mandates, and regulations concerning the use of diesel fuel conditioners/additives.


Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner

Note: Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner, part number 343-6210, is the only fuel system cleaner available to the end user that is tested and approved by Caterpillar for use in Caterpillar diesel engines.

Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner is a proven high performance detergent product specifically designed for cleaning deposits that form in the fuel system. Deposits in the fuel system reduce system performance and can increase fuel consumption. Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner addresses the deposits formed due to the use of degraded diesel fuel, poor quality diesel fuel, and diesel fuel containing high quantities of high molecular weight compounds. Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner addresses deposits formed due to the use of biodiesel, biodiesel blends, and biodiesel that does not meet the appropriate quality specifications. Continued use of Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner is proven to inhibit the growth of new deposits.

Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner can be added directly to diesel fuel, biodiesel, or biodiesel blends. Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner is a United States Environmental Protection Agency registered fuel additive that can be used with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel. In addition Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner is appropriate for use with other ultra low, low, and higher sulfur diesel fuels around the world.

Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner is designed to perform the following:

  • Clean performance-reducing fuel system deposits

  • Restore fuel economy losses resulting from injector deposits

  • Restore power losses resulting from injector deposits

  • Eliminate visible black exhaust smoke resulting from injector deposits

  • Prevent the formation of new fuel-related deposits

For engines experiencing problems such as power loss, increased fuel consumption, or black smoke due to the presence of fuel-related deposits in fuel injectors, a high-strength cleaning cycle is recommended. Add one 0.946L (32 oz.) bottle of Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner per 250 L (65 gal) of fuel, which corresponds to a treat rate of 0.4 percent by volume. Prior to re-fueling, pour Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner directly into the fuel tank, then refill with fuel. The refilling process should give satisfactory mixing of the cleaner. The cleaner will begin to be effective immediately. Testing has shown most deposits are cleaned and related issues are resolved after 30 hours of operating the engine on fuel with the cleaner. For maximum results, continue to use at this treat rate for up to 80 hours.

In order to prevent the return of fuel-related deposits, add the Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner to the fuel as previously described, but at a 0.2 percent treat rate. In this case, one 0.946L (32 oz.) bottle will treat 500 L (130 gallons) of fuel. Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner can be used on an on-going basis with no adverse impact on engine performance or fuel system durability.

Note: Use of Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner does not lessen the engine owner and/or responsibility of the fuel supplier to follow all industry standard maintenance practices for fuel storage and for fuel handling. Refer to the "General Fuel Information" article in this Special Publication for additional information. Additionally, use of Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner does NOT lessen the responsibility of the owner of the engine to use appropriate diesel fuel. Refer to the "Fuel Specifications" section in this Special Publication (Maintenance Section) for guidance.

Caterpillar strongly recommends that Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner be used with biodiesel and biodiesel blends. Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner is suitable for use with biodiesel/biodiesel blends that meet Caterpillar biodiesel recommendations and requirements. Note that not all fuel cleaners are suitable for use with biodiesel/biodiesel blends. Read and follow all applicable label usage instructions. Also, refer to this Special Publication, "Distillate Diesel Fuel" article and also refer to the "Biodiesel" article, which includes Caterpillar biodiesel recommendations and requirements.

When used as directed, Cat Diesel Fuel System Cleaner has proven to be compatible with existing and U.S. EPA 2007 on-highway certified diesel engine emission control catalysts and particulate filters.


NOTICE

When used as directed Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner will not raise fuel sulfur levels measurably in the final fuel/additive blend. Follow all applicable national, regional, and local laws, mandates, and regulations concerning the use of diesel fuel conditioners/additives.


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C4.4 Marine Generator Set Additional Messages
2006/11/06 Improvements to the Water Lines Groups {1380}
Service Of Machined Terminals And Service of Stamped and Formed Terminals{7553} Service Of Machined Terminals And Service of Stamped and Formed Terminals{7553}
2006/11/13 Service of the Machined Terminals and the Stamped and Formed Terminals {7553}
C32 Marine Engine Throttle Position Sensor - Calibrate
374F Excavator Window (Front)
TH48-E70 Petroleum Transmission and TH48-E70-C27I, TH48-E70-C32I and TH48-E70-C32P Petroleum Power Train Packages Pressure for Transmission Lubrication - Test
3500C Marine Auxiliary Engines Timing - Calibrate
3512C Petroleum Engines Customer Parameters Worksheet
3512C Petroleum Engines System Configuration Parameters
3500C Marine Auxiliary Engines Pressure Sensor - Calibrate
TH48-E70 Petroleum Transmission and TH48-E70-C27I, TH48-E70-C32I and TH48-E70-C32P Petroleum Power Train Packages Power Train Electrical System
UPS 1000S and UPS 1200S Uninterruptible Power Supplys , Parallel Modem
Caterpillar On-Highway Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations Frequently Asked Questions - Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) Fuel
UPS 1000S and UPS 1200S Uninterruptible Power Supplys , Parallel Model View Illustrations
3500C Marine Propulsion Engines Air Shutoff - Test
UPS 1000S and UPS 1200S Uninterruptible Power Supplys , Parallel System Description
C27 and C32 Industrial and Petroleum Engines Flywheel Housing
C175-16 and C175-20 Engines for Off-Highway Trucks Starting System
TH31-E61 and TH35-E81 Petroleum Transmissions Oil Filter (Transmission) - Replace - Remote Mounted
2006/11/01 An Improved 192-2962 Oil Cooler Core As Is Now Available {1378}
C27 and C32 Generator Set Engines Camshaft
2006/11/13 Improved End - of - Line - Test Fixture for the Product Link Antenna is Now Used {7606}
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