Caterpillar On-Highway Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations Caterpillar

The United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD - S15) as a U.S. diesel fuel with a sulfur content not to exceed 15 parts per million (ppm) or 0.0015% by weight. Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD - S500) is defined as a U.S. diesel fuel with a sulfur content not to exceed 500 ppm or 0.05% by weight. The LSD fuel commonly available in North America normally does not exceed 350 ppm sulfur. Both ULSD and LSD should meet the fuel requirements outlined in "ASTM D975-07b".

ULSD is required by U.S. EPA regulations for highway vehicles to ensure that these vehicles will meet emissions standards to improve air quality. In California, other properties of vehicular diesel fuel are also controlled to help reduce smog.

On-highway diesel engines built in 2007 and later model years (U.S. EPA 2007 certified) must operate with ULSD fuel to comply with U.S. EPA regulations. Using LSD fuel in MY2007 and newer diesel engines powering on-highway vehicles is illegal and punishable with civil penalties. Fuel sulfur above 15 ppm can reduce the efficiency and durability of the engine. The potential impact may include permanent damage to the emissions control systems, reduced fuel economy and more frequent regeneration events. Engine failures that result from improper fuel usage are not Caterpillar factory defects and the cost of repair is not covered by a Caterpillar warranty.

Cat MY2007 Low Emission Engines can be identified with the following serial number prefixes:

• C15: SDP1-UP

• C13: LEE1-UP

• C9: C9S1-UP

• C7: C7S1-UP

Note: The truck chassis model year may or may not correspond to the engine emissions model year. In some cases, a MY2006 emissions engine may power a MY2007 chassis model.

The MY2007 engine is identified with specific labels that show the following:

• Serial Number

• 2007 Engine Emissions Label

Fuel labels incorporating the words "Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel fuel" are attached by the truck manufacturer to the on-highway vehicle chassis at the following places:

• Near the fuel tank(s) filler neck

• Instrument panel (dashboard)

The timeline proposed by the U.S. EPA states that ULSD fuel is expected to be available at most retail locations by 15October 2006.

Note: In the U.S., diesel fuel classified as LSD fuel may still be sold at some retail locations outside of California during the 15October 2006 and 1December 2006 time period.

1. State of Alaska

   Fuel distributors in urban Alaska will follow the same transition schedule as the distributors in the rest of the U.S. for on-highway diesel fuel.

   Alaska has received an extension of the on-highway fuel 15 ppm maximum fuel sulfur requirement for rural areas (those areas not served by the Federal Aid Highway System). The 15 ppm maximum sulfur content diesel fuel must be in retail facilities in the rural areas by 1December 2010 for all of the following applications: highway, non-road, locomotive and marine diesel engines.

   All diesel fuel in Alaska remains exempt from the dyeing requirements in the U.S. EPA highway and non-road final rules.

   Source: U.S. EPA website: www.epa.gov

1. Canada

   Canada follows the same timeline and regulations as the U.S. where 15 ppm maximum sulfur fuel is available beginning 15October 2006.

2. Mexico

   The Mexican government has drafted a regulation requiring ULSD fuel in Mexico beginning in September 2008, but the regulation has not been finalized. This could change when the new low-emitting vehicles begin to travel between Mexico and its northern neighbors. If there is no change in the situation, MY2007 U.S. vehicles (U.S. EPA 2007 certified) that enter Mexico will need to fuel up in the U.S., and it is possible that some fuel supplied by U.S. refineries could be stored in Mexico near major metropolitan areas for use under private, contractual arrangements.

On-highway vehicles powered by MY2007 and newer low-emissions diesel engines (U.S. EPA 2007 certified) must use only ULSD fuel. Owners of MY2006 and older diesel engines may use ULSD or LSD fuel. In the U.S., only ULSD fuel will be available for on-highway use starting on 1December 2010.

Diesel fuel lubricity is necessary to minimize wear on fuel pumps and injectors. ULSD fuel requires good lubricity and corrosion inhibitors in order to prevent unacceptable engine wear. In the U.S., as necessary, additives to increase lubricity and to inhibit corrosion will be added to ULSD fuel prior to its retail sale. With these additives, ULSD fuel is expected to perform as well as LSD fuel. All Cat electronic engines produced since MY2000 are qualified to run on ULSD fuel.

Note: Have the fuel supplier confirm that the ULSD fuel available meets all "ASTM D975-07b S15" requirements.

In North America, diesel fuel that is identified as "ASTM D975" Grade No. 2-D S15 or "ASTM D975" Grade No. 1-D S15 and meeting the "ASTM D975-07b" Thermal Stability Guideline X3.10.2.2 generally meet the "Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel" requirements for ULSD fuel.

The U.S. EPA regulation concerning ULSD fuel requires that new labels be placed on every diesel dispenser in the U.S., excluding California, where LSD fuel is no longer available. The label should be located near the metering display showing how many gallons have been pumped into the diesel vehicle fuel tank. When the diesel fuel contains 15 ppm sulfur or less, the label will be titled "Ultra Low Sulfur Highway Diesel Fuel". With LSD fuel, the label will be titled "Low Sulfur Highway Diesel Fuel". Using LSD fuel in MY2007 and newer on-highway diesel engines (U.S. EPA 2007 certified) is illegal and punishable with civil penalties. In California, the state has mandated that ULSD be the only fuel available. Therefore, the U.S. EPA has exempted California from labeling fuel dispenser pumps.

In the U.S., beginning 1June 2006, trucking companies that store and dispense their own diesel fuel must label their dispensers in accordance with the regulations. There are two labels required, depending on the sulfur content of the diesel fuel being dispensed. Refer to illustration 1.

A dispensing facility may have 15 ppm or less sulfur fuel in the storage tank and the ULSD fuel label is not being displayed. When the inspector verifies that the diesel fuel meets the 15 ppm maximum fuel sulfur requirement, the label is usually attached to the pump.

The U.S. EPA is warning diesel retailers they face fines of over $32,000 a day if they fail to update the pump labels, and has recently begun sending out notices of violation to individual gas stations, as well as a 9January 2007 general warning letter to fuel retailers and distributors.

Currently, a litmus paper or other testing devices are not available to inexpensively field test for fuel sulfur content less than 70 ppm.

Note: 15October 2006 is the Federal Government mandated deadline for customer availability of ULSD.

Note: Purchase diesel fuel through a reputable source.

Due to the processing required to produce ULSD fuel, ULSD fuel color can vary widely from the traditional colorless to amber, to anything from a light toned green, yellow, orange, or pink. Under certain light conditions, the color may appear to be slightly fluorescent.

In the U.S., diesel fuel destined for off-highway use is required by law to be dyed red. Use of this red dyed fuel in on-highway applications is illegal. There are currently no regulations that require diesel fuel destined for on-highway use to be dyed.

There is no relationship between the natural diesel fuel color and such desirable diesel fuel qualities as heat content, viscosity, cloud point, cetane number or distillation range. Diesel fuel color varies with the crude source, refinery methods and the use of dyes. However, if the fuel color darkens appreciably during storage, this could indicate oxidation and/or contamination from dirt, water, algae, bacteria, or other sources that can cause operational problems.

ULSD fuel costs more to refine and distribute than LSD fuel. No one can predict with certainty the price of ULSD fuel at the pump. Many factors affect the consumer price of fuels, including the price of crude oil on the global market, geopolitical, weather, transportation and economic events, as well as supply and demand. Visit the U.S. Energy Information Administration web site at http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/gdu/gasdiesel.asp for more information on fuel prices.

Caterpillar has completed the review of the engine fuel system technology and the system compatibility with ULSD fuel for on and off-highway products. Electronically controlled (ECM) engines, manufactured after 2000 and that have been properly maintained, are compatible with fuel with less than 50 ppm sulfur content and comply with "ASTM D975" Grade No. 2-D S15 or "ASTM D975" Grade No. 1-D S15. Refer to this Special Publication, "Fuel Specifications" section for more information.

Earlier engines including those with mechanical fuel systems should be watched for external leaks. The belief is that only a small number of fuel system seals may be affected. Leaks that do develop are expected to typically be experienced as minor seepage, slobber, or drips. If a leak should develop, a possible correction is to tighten the joint and/or connection to the proper torque. If a leak is detected, please consult your Caterpillar dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible and schedule a repair. Whenever possible, use Viton seal material and hoses that are compatible with diesel fuel as your best protection against fuel system leaks.

Note: Fuel additives will not stop or will not prevent seal leaks, seepage, slobber, or drips that result from transitioning to ULSD fuel.

Yes, ULSD fuel is fully compatible with current fuel filter technology. ULSD fuel has a tendency to clean fuel tanks and other fuel system parts efficiently, which may cause fuel filter plugging during the initial transition period. More frequent fuel filter changes may be required during the transition period from LSD to ULSD fuel.

ULSD fuel typically has slightly higher wax content than LSD fuel. Have your fuel supplier confirm that the fuel is blended to flow at the ambient temperatures being experienced in your region. In the U.S., diesel fuels are typically blended to provide cold performance per the guidelines that are provided in "ASTM D975-07b".

Caterpillar recommends a 10 micron(c) absolute primary fuel filter with a water separator and a 4 micron(c) absolute high-efficiency secondary fuel filter for all MY2006 and older on-highway diesel engines. Caterpillar requires the use of a 10 micron(c) absolute primary fuel filter with a water separator and a 4 micron(c) absolute high-efficiency secondary fuel filter for MY2007 and newer on-highway diesel engines.

There are many different types of fuel additives. 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 and cause 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 U.S. 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. For best results, your fuel supplier should treat the fuel when additives are needed. Refer to the answer to question 8 for more information. Also refer to this Special Publication, "Fuel Specifications" section, "Aftermarket Fuel Additives" and "Cat Diesel Fuel Conditioner" topics.

Yes, in the U.S., ULSD fuel meets the same specifications for lubricity and corrosion inhibitors as LSD fuel.

U.S. EPA fuel standards for locomotive, marine, and non-road diesel fuel engines and equipment, such as farm or construction equipment, will become effective at later dates than those for highway vehicles:

• Diesel fuel intended for locomotive, marine and non-road engines and equipment must meet the LSD fuel specification with maximum sulfur of 500 ppm in 2007.

• By 1December 2010, the ULSD fuel sulfur standard of 15 ppm or less will apply to non-road diesel engines.

• Beginning in 2012, locomotive and marine diesel fuel must meet the ULSD fuel sulfur standard of 15 ppm or less.

Biodiesel can be blended as either LSD or as ULSD.

Note: The use of biodiesel fuels with MY2007 on-highway, low-emissions engines is currently under review.

For additional information, refer to the "Fuel Specifications" section, and to the "Biodiesel" article in this Special Publication.

The engine user has the responsibility of using the correct fuel that is recommended by the manufacturer and is allowed by the U.S. EPA and other appropriate regulatory agencies.

It is strongly recommended that Cat MY2007 and newer on-highway diesel engines use diesel engine oil that meets either the Cat ECF-3 specification or API CJ-4 oil category requirements. The Cat ECF-3 specification and the API CJ-4 oil category were developed in order to protect MY2007 and newer on-highway diesel engines that are designed to use fuels with 15 ppm or less sulfur. Oils that meet the Cat ECF-3 specification or API CJ-4 oil category are designed to protect emissions control systems, help comply with the emissions standards, reduce engine wear, and control piston deposits and oil consumption.

The Cat ECF-3 specification and the API CJ-4 oil category limits the sulfated ash to 1.0% or less, which helps maintain the expected Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) performance. Use of oil that does not meet either Cat ECF-3 specification or API CJ-4 oil category may require more frequent DPF cleaning cycles and may contribute to DPF plugging.

Note: Oils that meet the API CJ-4 oil category requirements are Cat ECF-3 specification compliant.

Note: The combination of ULSD fuel and Cat ECF-3/API CJ-4 compliant diesel engine oil is strongly recommended for optimum engine system performance.

Note: Oil change intervals are unaffected by the use of ULSD fuel and Cat ECF-3 or API CJ-4 oil. S·O·S Services oil analysis is always a recommended component of a sound engine maintenance program.

Note: Oil control is necessary to prevent the DPF from plugging. DO NOT overfill the engine crankcase or mix engine oil with diesel fuel.

Cat ECF-3 and API CJ-4 compliant oils are backward compatible and therefore can be used in MY2006 and older engines. Owners of MY2006 and older on-highway engines and MY2008 and older off-highway engines may continue to use oils that meet the Cat ECF-1-a and Cat ECF-2 specifications.

Note: The Cat ECF-1-a and Cat ECF-2 specifications replaced the Cat ECF-1 specification as of 1March 2007. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for guidance.

In general, this practice is not recommended. It may adversely affect fuel quality features and could lead to fuel system and piston deposits, increased exhaust emissions and fuel filter plugging. This practice may also result in the diesel fuel being out of compliance with U.S. EPA, state, and other appropriate regulatory agencies requirements.

Note: Blending lubricating oil with ULSD fuel may raise the sulfur level above 15 ppm.

Do not use diesel fuel that has been blended with lubricating oil in the following applications:

• MY2007 and newer on-highway diesel engines. Use of oil/fuel blends in MY2007 and newer on-highway diesel engines may cause engine damage

• Engines that are equipped with a DPF. Use of oil/fuel blends in DPF equipped diesel engines may cause the need for more frequent cleaning cycles, contribute to DPF plugging and may cause DPF damage.

The user 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 other appropriate regulatory agencies. The user also has the responsibility of obtaining the proper local exemptions, regional exemptions, and/or national exemptions that are required for the use of crankcase oil/fuel blends in any Cat engine that is regulated by emissions standards.

These fuels typically do not meet the U.S. EPA regulations for sulfur content of ULSD. The sulfur content for these fuels typically exceeds 15 ppm.

There is no measurable difference in performance and fuel economy for MY2007 heavy-duty engines. The slightly lower energy content of ULSD fuel is compensated by a slight increase in engine efficiency. The MY2007 midrange engines will show between 0% to 4% improvements in fuel economy.

Diesel fuel suppliers advise that the new ULSD fuel contains more wax, but will deliver 0% to 2% lower fuel economy (approximately 1% lower on average). How can this be?

Diesel engine operators/truckers often consider the waxes found in diesel fuel as delivering most of the fuel's energy. This is assumed because lighter fuels such as No. 1D and kerosene do not typically have winter wax problems and because No. 1D and kerosene give lower fuel economy.

During desulfurization, a percentage of the fuels aromatic and naphthenic components are converted to less dense paraffinic waxes. There is now more wax, but the density of the fuel is lower. The lower fuel density of ULSD results in less energy per gallon.

Refer to Special Publication, LEGT6380, "Understanding Tractor-Trailer Performance" for more information.

Cetane number (ignition quality), cleanliness, low-temperature operability, stability, and lubricity are the diesel fuel requirements of principal concern to the end user.

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

Note: For applications where ULSD is required, have the fuel supplier confirm that the ULSD fuel available meets all "Caterpillar Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel for On-Highway Diesel Engines" and/or the "ASTM D975-07b S15" requirements.

In North America, diesel fuel that is identified as "ASTM D975-07b" Grade No. 2-D S15 or Grade No. 1-D S15 and meeting the "ASTM D975-07b" Thermal Stability Guideline X3.10.2.2 generally meet the Caterpillar requirements for ULSD fuel. Refer to this Special Publication, "Fuel Specifications" section.

No. When properly treated by the fuel supplier with a fuel stability additive, both LSD and ULSD fuel can typically be stored for up to one year. The same commonly used and approved storage tank maintenance practices used for LSD fuel should also be used with ULSD fuel. The storage tanks and containers commonly used with LSD fuel are suitable for ULSD fuel.