Cold Weather Operation
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Fuel and the Effect from Cold
Weather
Note: Only use grades of fuel that are recommended
by Perkins. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance
Manual, “Fluid Recommendations”.
Properties of the diesel fuel can have a significant
effect on the engine cold start capability. It is critical
that the low temperature properties of diesel fuel are
acceptable for the minimum ambient temperature the
engine is expected to see in operation.
Following properties are used to define fuels low
temperature capability:
• Cloud point
• Pour point
• Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP)
The cloud point of the fuel is the temperature at
which waxes naturally found in the diesel fuel begin
to form crystals. The cloud point of the fuel must be
below lowest ambient temperature to prevent filters
from plugging.
Pour point is the last temperature before the fuel flow
stops and waxing of the fuel will start.
Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) is a temperature at
which a particular fuel will pass through a
standardized filtration device. This CFPP gives an
estimate of the lower operability temperature of fuel
Be aware of these properties when diesel fuel is
purchased. Consider the average ambient air
temperature for the engines application. Engines that
are fueled in one climate may not operate well if the
engines are shipped to colder climate. Problems can
result due to changes in temperature.
Before troubleshooting for low power or for poor
performance in the winter, check the fuel for waxing
The following components can provide a means of
minimizing fuel waxing problems in cold weather:
• Fuel heaters, which may be an OEM option
• Fuel line insulation, which may be an OEM option
Winter and arctic grades of diesel fuel are available in
the countries and territories with severe winters. For
more information refer to the Operation and
Maintenance Manual, “Fuel For Cold-Weather
Operation”
Another important fuel property which can affect cold
start and operation of diesel engine is Cetane
number. Detail and requirements of this property are
given in this Operation and Maintenance Manual,
“Fluid Recommendations”.
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Fuel Related Components in
Cold Weather
Fuel Tanks
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 draining will help prevent water and/or sediment
from being pumped from the fuel storage tank and
into the engine fuel tank.
Fuel Heaters
Fuel heaters help to prevent fuel filters from plugging
in cold weather due to waxing. A fuel heater should
be installed 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.
48 M0163009
Operation Section
Cold Weather Operation
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