Cold Weather Operation
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Radiator
Restrictions
Perkins
discourages
the
use
of
airflow
restriction
devices
that
are
mounted
in
front
of
radiators.
Airflow
restriction
can
cause
the
following
conditions:
• High exhaust temperatures
• Power loss
• Excessive fan usage
• Reduction in fuel economy
If an airflow restriction device must be used, the
device should have a permanent opening directly in
line with the fan hub. The device must have a
minimum opening dimension of at least 770 cm
2
(120 in
2
).
A centered opening that is directly in line with the fan
hub is specified to prevent an interrupted airflow on
the fan blades. Interrupted airflow on the fan blades
could cause a fan failure.
Perkins recommends a warning device for the inlet
manifold temperature and/or the installation of an
inlet air temperature gauge. The warning device for
the inlet manifold temperature should be set at 90° C
(194° F). The inlet manifold air temperature should
not exceed 75 °C (167 °F). Temperatures that
exceed this limit can cause power loss and potential
engine damage.
i07304847
Fuel
and
the
Effect
from
Cold
Weather
The
following
fuels
are
the
grades
that
are
available
for
Perkins
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 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,
refer to your Perkins dealer.
i07304875
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.
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