Cold-Weather Operation—CAT,
Cummins, DDE S60, M-B
Satisfactory performance of a diesel engine operating
in low ambient temperatures requires modification of
the engine, surrounding equipment, operating prac-
tices, and maintenance procedures. The lower the
temperatures, the greater the amount of modification
required; and yet with the modifications applied, the
engines must still be capable of operation in warmer
climates without extensive changes.
The following information is provided to engine own-
ers, operators, and maintenance personnel on how
the modifications can be applied to get satisfactory
performance from their diesel engines.
There are three basic objectives:
•
Reasonable starting characteristics followed by
practical and dependable warm-up of the en-
gine and equipment.
•
A unit or installation that is as independent as
possible from external influences.
•
Modifications that maintain satisfactory operat-
ing temperatures with a minimum increase in
maintenance of the equipment and accesso-
ries.
If satisfactory engine temperature is not maintained,
higher maintenance cost will result due to increased
engine wear. Special provisions to overcome low
temperatures are definitely necessary, whereas a
change to a warmer climate normally requires only a
minimum of revision. Most of the accessories should
be designed in such a way that they can be discon-
nected so there is little effect on the engine when
they are not in use.
IMPORTANT: If a winterfront is used on a ve-
hicle with an electronic engine equipped with a
charge air cooler, make sure that there are slit
openings distributed across the face of the win-
terfront to allow airflow through the entire
charge-air-cooler core. Do not use a winterfront
with closed areas that block uniform air flow
across any sections of the charge-air-cooler
crossflow tubes. This will adversely affect the
operation and durability of the charge air cooler.
On all engines, the following steps are necessary
when operating in cold weather:
1.
Check for cracks in the battery cases, for corro-
sion of the terminals, and for tightness of the
cable clamps at the terminals.
2.
Charge the batteries to full capacity. Replace any
battery that is unable to hold full charge or is
physically damaged.
3.
Check the alternator output.
4.
Check the condition and tension of the drive
belts.
Caterpillar
If the engine is in good mechanical condition and the
precautions necessary for cold-weather operation are
taken, ordinary cold weather will not cause difficulty
in starting or loss of efficiency.
If the engine does not start, prime the fuel system.
When the use of unblended No. 2 diesel fuel in win-
ter cannot be avoided, install a thermostatically con-
trolled fuel heater. Fuel heaters can prevent wax
from clogging the fuel filters and formation of ice
crystals from water in the fuel.
IMPORTANT: If a fuel heater is used, make sure
it has thermostatic controls to prevent excessive
heating of the fuel in warm weather. Excessive
heating of fuel can cause a loss of engine
power.
For cold weather operation, use the following guide-
lines:
1.
When starting the engine in temperatures below
32°F (0°C), use engine lubricants of lower vis-
cosity. Refer to the Caterpillar
Operation and
Maintenance Manual
for specifications.
2.
When the temperature is below freezing, use suf-
ficient antifreeze solution in the cooling system to
prevent freezing.
3.
During cold weather, give more attention to the
condition of the batteries. Test them frequently to
ensure sufficient power for starting. See Group
15 of the
Century Class Trucks Workshop
Manual
for detailed information.
4.
If so equipped, turn off the battery disconnect
switch after the engine is shut down, to prevent
battery discharge.
For starting below 0°F (–18°C), an optional cold-
weather starting assist is recommended. For
Engines and Clutches
7.13
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