Cold Weather Operation
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Fuel and the Effect from Cold
Weather
SMCS Code: 1000; 1250
The following fuels are the grades that are available
for Cat engines:
• No. 1
• No. 2
• Blend of No. 1 and No. 2
No. 2 diesel fuel is the most commonly used fuel.
Either No. 1 diesel fuel or a blend of No. 1 and No. 2
is best suited for cold-weather operation.
Quantities of No. 1 diesel fuel are limited. No. 1
diesel fuels are usually available during the months
of the winter in the colder climates. During cold-
weather operation, if No. 1 diesel fuel is not available,
use No. 2 diesel fuel, if necessary.
There are three major differences between No. 1 and
No. 2 diesel fuel. No. 1 diesel fuel has the following
properties:
• Lower cloud point
• Lower pour point
• Lower rating of kJ (BTU) per unit volume of fuel
When No. 1 diesel fuel is used, a decrease in power
and in fuel efficiency may be noticed. Other operating
effects should not be experienced.
The cloud point is the temperature when a cloud of
wax crystals begins to form in the fuel. These crystals
can cause the fuel filters to plug. The pour point is the
temperature when diesel fuel will thicken. The diesel
fuel becomes more resistant to flow through fuel
pumps and through fuel lines.
Be aware of these values when diesel fuel is
purchased. Anticipate the average ambient
temperature of the area. Engines that are fueled in
one climate may not operate well if the engines are
moved to another climate. Problems can result due to
changes in temperature.
Before troubleshooting for low power or for poor
performance in the winter, check the type of fuel that
is being used.
When No. 2 diesel fuel is used the following
components provide a means of minimizing problems
in cold weather:
• Starting aids
• Engine oil pan heaters
• Engine coolant heaters
• Fuel heaters
• Fuel line insulation
For more information on cold-weather operation, see
Special Publication, SEBU5898, “Cold Weather
Recommendations”.
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Fuel Related Components in
Cold Weather
SMCS Code: 1000; 1250
Fuel Tanks
Condensation can form in partially filled fuel tanks.
Top off the fuel tanks after you operate 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
and 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.
Fuel Filters
It is possible that a primary fuel filter is installed
between the fuel tank and the engine fuel inlet. After
you change the fuel filter, always prime the fuel
system in order to remove air bubbles from the fuel
system. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance
Manual in the Maintenance Section for more
information on priming the fuel system.
The micron rating and the location of a 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.
SEBU7125-13
91
Operation Section
Cold Weather Operation
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