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”.
i05359588
Fuel
Related
Components
in
Cold
Weather
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, service
intervals and refueling of the fuel tank. Draining will
help prevent water and/or sediment from being
pumped from the fuel storage tank and into the
engine fuel tank.
Fuel Filters
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 In-
line filter, primary fuel filter, and the fuel supply line
are the most common components that are affected
by cold fuel.
Fuel Heaters
Note:
The OEM may equip the application with fuel
heaters. If so, the temperature of the fuel must not
exceed 73 °C (163 °F) at the fuel transfer pump. The
fuel heater should be installed before the electric lift
pump.
For more information about fuel heaters (if equipped),
refer to the OEM information.
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Diesel
Exhaust
Fluid
in
Cold
Weather
Due
to
the
freezing
point
of
Diesel
Exhaust
Fluid
(DEF)
the
aftertreatment
system
is
equipped
with
electrically
heated
DEF
lines.
The
system
also
has
a
coolant
heated
element
in
the
DEF
tank.
During
periods
of
weather
in
which
DEF
can
freeze
the
application
should
be
stood
on
level
ground
when
not
in
use.
DEF
can
start
to
freeze
at
−11°
C
(12.2°
F).
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SEBU9063-07