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
Reducing air flow over components will also affect
under hood temperatures.
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 in order 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 75 °C
(167 °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.
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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 will see in operation.
The following properties are used to define fuel low
temperature capability:
• Cloud point
• Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP)
• Pour point
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.
Cold Filter Plugging Point 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
Pour point is the last temperature before the fuel flow
stops and waxing of the fuel will start.
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 the 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 a 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.
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