Blue Bird Coachworks 450 LXi, Owner'S Manual

Page: 410 / 684

450 LXi Owner Manual 5-1 Engine Operation
Rev. “C”
~ 5-1-31 ~
Be aware of these values when diesel fuel is purchased. Anticipate the average ambient temperature of the area that the
engine will be operated. 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
•
•
5-1.15.3 Fuel Related Components in Cold Weather
Fuel Tanks
Condensation can form in partially fi lled 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 fi lter 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.
Fuel Filters
A primary fuel fi lter and/or a water separator is installed between the fuel tank and the engine mounted fuel fi lter. The
primary fuel fi lter and the fuel supply line are commonly affected by cold fuel. The primary fuel fi lter is mounted in the engine
compartment. The primary fuel fi lter will benefi t from the radiant heat of the engine.
Fuel Heaters
Fuel heaters help to prevent fuel fi lters from plugging in cold weather due to waxing. If coach is going to be driven extensively
in cold weather a fuel heater may want to be considered. If a fuel heater is purchased it should be installed so that the fuel is
heated before the fuel enters the primary fuel fi lter.
To select a fuel heater, contact your Caterpillar dealer.
The following fuel heaters are recommended for use with Caterpillar engines:
7C-3557 Fuel Heater Group
7C-3558 Heater Kit
Your Caterpillar dealer can give you full information on the benefi ts of fuel heaters and which type would be best for you.
•
•
•
•
•
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 BTU per unit volume of fuel
When No. 1 diesel fuel is used, a decrease in power and in fuel effi ciency 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
fi lters to plug. The pour point is the temperature when diesel fuel will thicken. The diesel fuel becomes more resistant to fl ow
through fuel pumps and through fuel lines.
•
•
•