60
SEBU8603-01
Operation Section
Cold Weather Operation
Note:
Do not restrict the air
fl
ow. Restriction of
the air
fl
ow can damage the fuel system. Perkins
discourages the use of all air
fl
ow restriction
devices such as radiator shutters. Restriction of the
air
fl
ow can result in the following: high exhaust
temperatures, power loss, excessive fan usage, and
reduction in fuel economy.
A cab heater is bene
fi
cial in very cold weather. The
feed from the engine and the return lines from the
cab should be insulated in order to reduce heat loss
to the outside air.
Recommendation for Crankcase Breather
Protection
Crankcase ventilation gases contain a large quantity
of water vapor. This water vapor can freeze in
cold ambient conditions and can plug or damage
the crankcase ventilation system. If the engine is
operated in temperatures below
−
25° C (
−
13° F),
measures must be taken to prevent freezing and
plugging of the breather system. Insulated hoses and
a heated canister assembly should be installed.
Consult with your Perkins dealer or your Perkins
distributer for the recommended breather
components for operation from
−
25° to -40°C
(
−
13° to -72.°F).
i02685960
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”.
The following components provide a means of
minimizing problems in cold weather:
•
Glow plugs (if equipped)
•
Engine coolant heaters, which may be an OEM
option
•
Fuel heaters, which may be an OEM option
•
Fuel line insulation, which may be an OEM option
The cloud point is a temperature that allows wax
crystals 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 lines, fuel
fi
lters,and fuel pumps.
Be aware of these facts when diesel fuel is
purchased. Consider the average ambient air
temperature for the engine's application. 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 fuel for waxing.
Low temperature fuels may be available for engine
operation at temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F). These
fuels limit the formation of wax in the fuel at low
temperatures.
For more information on cold weather operation, refer
to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Cold
Weather Operation and Fuel Related Components in
Cold Weather”.