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
- 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.
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Do not fill the fuel filters with fuel before installing them. The fuel would not be filtered and could be contaminated. Contaminated fuel will cause accelerated wear to fuel system parts. |
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Caterpillar requires the use of a 4 micron(c) secondary fuel filter for the following reasons: to maximize fuel system life and to prevent premature wear out from abrasive particles in the fuel. Cat high efficiency fuel filters meet these requirements. Consult your Cat dealer for the proper part numbers. |
These engines are equipped with a primary filter/water separator. The primary filter/water separator must use a 10 micron filter to a 15 micron filter. The filters are becoming more critical as fuel injection pressures increase to
Note: Always follow the precautions in this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fire Prevention and Explosion Prevention".
Fuel heaters help to prevent fuel filters from plugging in cold weather due to waxing. A fuel heater should be installed in order for the fuel to be heated 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.
For further information on fuel heaters, consult your Cat dealer.