96620M Mariner COVER

The two basic types of distillate diesel fuel are No. 2 diesel fuel and No. 1 diesel fuel. No. 2 diesel fuel is the most commonly available summer grade diesel fuel. No. 1 diesel fuel is a winter grade diesel fuel. During the winter months fuel suppliers will typically blend No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuel in various percentages. Blending allows the fuel to meet the historical low ambient temperature cold-flow needs for a given area or region. No. 2 diesel fuel is a heavier diesel fuel than No. 1 diesel fuel. In cold weather, heavier fuels can cause problems with fuel filters, fuel lines, fuel tanks, and fuel storage. Heavier diesel fuels such as No. 2 diesel fuel can be used in diesel engines that operate in cold temperatures with an appropriate amount of a proven pour point depressant additive. For more information on fuels which include blends of No. 1 and No. 2 diesel fuel, consult your fuel supplier.When you use No. 2 diesel fuel or other heavier fuels, some of the fuel characteristics may interfere with successful cold-weather operation. Additional information about the characteristics of diesel fuel is available. This information contains a discussion on the modification to the characteristics of diesel fuel. There are several possible methods that can be used to compensate for the fuel qualities that may interfere with cold-weather operation. These methods include the use of starting aids, engine coolant heaters, fuel heaters, and de-icers. In addition, the manufacturer of the fuel can add cold flow improvers and/or blend No. 1 and No. 2 diesel in various percentages.Not all areas of the world classify diesel fuel using the No. 1 and No. 2 nomenclature described above. But, the basic principles of using additives and/or blending fuels of different densities are the same.Starting Aids
The use of a starting aid is a conventional method of assistance for cold starts in low temperature conditions. Various starting aids are available for Cat engines. Follow the recommendations that are provided by the manufacturer of the starting aid. Refer to the foreword section in this Special Publication, "Aftermarket Products and Warranty" article.Engine Coolant Heaters
These heaters heat the engine coolant. The heated coolant flows through the cylinder block. The flow of heated coolant keeps the engine warm. A warm engine is easier to start in cold weather. Most coolant heaters use electrical power. A source of electricity is necessary for this type of heater. Other heaters that burn fuel are available as a source of heat. These heaters may be used in place of the electrical heaters.With either type of heater, starting aids and/or fuels with higher cetane numbers are less important because the engine is warm. Problems with fuel cloud point can cause the plugging of fuel filters. Problems with fuel cloud point cannot be corrected by engine coolant heaters. Some fuel filters are cooled by air flow during operation.Fuel Heaters
The fuel cloud point is related to problems with fuel filters. The fuel heater heats the fuel above the cloud point before the fuel enters the fuel filter. Heating prevents wax from blocking the filter. Fuel can flow through pumps and lines at temperatures below the cloud point. The cloud point is often above the pour point of a fuel. While the fuel can flow through these lines, the wax in the fuel can still plug the fuel filter.In some engine installations, small modifications can prevent problems that are caused by the cloud point. One of the following changes can prevent problems in many conditions: a change in the location of fuel filters and/or supply lines and the addition of insulation. In extreme temperatures, heating of the fuel may be required to prevent the filters from plugging. There are several types of fuel heaters that are available. The heaters typically use either engine coolant or exhaust gas as a heat source. These systems may prevent filter waxing problems without the use of de-icers or cold flow improvers. These systems may be ineffective when the fuel contains a large amount of dirt or of water. Use of a fuel heater can help eliminate some cold-weather problems. A fuel heater should be installed so that the fuel is heated before flowing into the fuel filter.Note: A fuel heater is not effective for cold-soaked starts unless the fuel heater can be powered from an external power source. External fuel lines may require the use of heaters that circulate the fuel.Note: Only use properly sized fuel heaters that are controlled by thermostats or use fuel heaters that are self-regulated. Thermostatically controlled fuel heaters generally heat fuel to 15.5° C (60° F). Do not use fuel heaters in warm temperatures.For distillate fuel configured engines, Cat recommends a fuel viscosity as delivered to rotary fuel injection pumps of between 1.4 cSt and 4.5 cSt. For all other fuel injection pumps, the viscosity must be between 1.4 cSt and 20 cSt.Note: If a fuel with a low viscosity is used, cooling of the fuel may be required to maintain 1.4 cSt or greater viscosity at the fuel injection pump. Fuels with a high viscosity might require fuel heaters in order to lower the viscosity to the proper level.
When you use fuel heaters, do not allow the fuel temperature to reach above 52°C (125°F). Never exceed 75°C (165°F) with straight distillate fuel. The high fuel temperatures affect the fuel viscosity. When the fuel viscosity falls below 1.4 cSt, pump damage may occur.
Overheating the fuel or the fuel filter can result in personal injury and/or damage to the engine. Use extreme care and caution for heating of the fuel and/or the fuel filter.
Select a fuel heater that is mechanically simple, yet adequate for the application. The fuel heater should also prevent overheating of the fuel. Disconnect the fuel heater or deactivate the fuel heater in warm weather. An unacceptable loss of fuel viscosity and engine power will occur if the fuel supply temperature is allowed to become too hot.For additional information on fuel heaters,