- The type of fuel that is used
- The viscosity of the engine oil
- Cold starting aid
- Battery condition
- Ambient air temperature and altitude
- Parasitic load of the application
- Application hydraulic and transmission oil viscosities
This section will cover the following information:
- Potential problems that are caused by cold-weather operation
- Suggest steps which can be taken to minimize starting problems and operating problems when the ambient air temperature is between
0° to−40 °C (32° to 40 °F) .
The operation and maintenance of an engine in freezing temperatures is complex . This complexity is because of the following conditions:
- Weather conditions
- Engine applications
Recommendations from your Cat distributor are based on past proven practices. The information that is contained in this section provides guidelines for cold-weather operation.
Hints for Cold-Weather Operation
- Achieving operating temperature will help prevent the intake valves and exhaust valves from sticking.
- The cooling system and the lubrication system for the engine do not lose heat immediately upon shutdown. An engine can be shut down for a period and the retained heat within the engine will allow the engine readily start.
- Install the correct specification of engine lubricant before the beginning of cold weather. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fluid Recommendations" for the recommended viscosity of oil.
- Check all rubber parts (hoses, fan drive belts) weekly.
- Check all electrical wiring and connections for any fraying or damaged insulation.
- Keep all batteries fully charged and warm by ensuring that the engine is allowed to operate at normal operating temperature.
- Fill the fuel tank at the end of each shift.
- Check the air cleaners and the air intake daily. Check the air intake more often when you operate in snow.
- If equipped, ensure that the cold weather starting aid is operating correctly
- For jump starting with cables in cold weather, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Starting with Jump-Start Cables." for instructions.
Viscosity of the Engine Lubrication Oil
Correct engine oil viscosity is essential. Oil viscosity affects lubrication properties and wear protection that the oil provides for the engine. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fluid Recommendations" for the recommended viscosity of oil.
At temperatures below
Recommendations for the Coolant
Provide cooling system protection for the lowest expected outside temperature. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fluid Recommendations" for the recommended coolant mixture.
In cold weather, check the coolant often for the correct glycol concentration to ensure adequate freeze protection.
Engine block heaters (if equipped) heat the engine jacket water that surrounds the combustion chambers. This heat provides the following functions:
- Startability is improved.
- Warm up time is reduced.
An electric block heater can be activated once the engine is stopped. A block heater can be 110 V dc or 240 V dc. Consult your Cat dealer for more information.
The engine should not be “raced” to speed up the warm-up process.
While the engine is idling, the application of a light load (parasitic load) will help in achieving the minimum operating temperature. The minimum operating temperature is
Recommendations for Coolant Warm Up
Warm up an engine that has cooled below normal operating temperatures due to inactivity. This warm -up should be performed before the engine is returned to full operation. During operation in cold temperature conditions, damage to engine valve mechanisms can result from engine operation for short intervals. This damage can happen if the engine is started and the engine is stopped many times without being operated to warm-up completely.
When the engine is operated below normal operating temperatures, fuel and oil are not burned completely in the combustion chamber. This fuel and oil causes soft carbon deposits to form on the valve stems. Generally, the deposits do not cause problems and the deposits are burned off during operation at normal engine operating temperatures.
When starting and stopping an engine many times without being operated to warm-up completely, the carbon deposits become thicker. This starting and stopping can cause the following problems:
- Free operation of the valves is prevented.
- Valves become stuck.
- Pushrods may become bent.
- Other damage to valve train components can result.
For these reasons, when the engine is started, the engine must be operated until the coolant temperature is
The engine must be warmed thoroughly to keep other engine parts in better condition. The service life of the engine may be extended. Lubrication will be improved. There will be less acid and less sludge in the oil. This condition will provide longer service life for the engine bearings, the piston rings, and other parts. However, limit unnecessary idle time to 10 minutes to reduce wear and unnecessary fuel consumption.
A cab heater is beneficial in cold weather. The feed from the engine and the return lines from the cab should be insulated to reduce heat loss to the outside air.
For more information regards operating engines in cold weather, refer to Special Publication SEBU6251 Cat Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations.