Extended operation at low idle or at reduced load may cause increased oil consumption and carbon buildup in the cylinders. Carbon buildup results in a loss of power and/or poor performance. When possible, apply a full load at least on an hourly basis. This will burn excess carbon from the cylinders.
Just as the ability to remove excess heat from fuel is an important design consideration in some applications, so is the ability to add heat to fuel in applications involving cold environments. Diesel fuel must not be too warm or too cool. Both cases will reduce life. With mid-distillate No. 1 or No. 2 diesel… Read More »
As mentioned earlier in the Basic Fuel System description, Cat diesel engine fuel delivery systems are designed to deliver more fuel to the engine than is required for combustion, with the excess being returned to the fuel tanks. This excess fuel, on many engines, is used for cooling and lubricating of the pumps and injection… Read More »
The fuel temperature supplied to the engine can affect unit injector life and maximum power capability. Reduced lubrication capability due to high temperature/low viscosity fuel may result in component scuffing. The minimum allowable viscosity at the injectors is 1.4 cSt. A maximum fuel temperature limit of 66°C (150°F) to the unit injectors, regardless of fuel… Read More »
Centrifuge seal water and control air requirements must be specified by the centrifuge manufacturer. Sample Points The centrifuge operating efficiency is checked by drawing samples from both sides of the centrifuge. Suction Strainer Install a simplex strainer ahead of the centrifuge supply pump and use a stainless steel basket with perforations sized nominally at 0.8… Read More »
The specs for primary fuel system elements are as below: 10 Micron Nominal Filtration For additional information see SENR9620 Fuel Systems – Improving Component Durability Duplex Fuel Filters Many Cat engines can be equipped with duplex fuel filters as shown in Figure 8. These filters may be serviced (change elements), without shutting off the engine.… Read More »
Caterpillar specifies actual filter capability, rupture strength, the capacity for holding dirt, flow resistance, filter area, etc. Caterpillar does not specify filter or filter paper by micron rating. Micron ratings are easily confused for the following reasons: – The test for micron ratings is not repeatable at different labs. One manufacturer may give a rating… Read More »
Clean fuel that meets Caterpillar fuel recommendations provides outstanding engine service life and performance. The use of lesser fuels is a compromise and the risk is the user’s responsibility. Fuels not meeting Caterpillar’s minimum specifications as described in SEBU 6251 will adversely affect: – The perceived performance of the combustion system and fuel filters. –… Read More »
Fuel Supply Piping Using shutoff valves in the delivery line may pull air into the system during shutdown and cause hard starting. The engine control system provides adequate shutdown options, but, if a shutdown solenoid is specified in the supply line, it should be timed to close after the engine stops rotating. Pressure The pressure… Read More »
The diesel engine fuel supply, delivery and governing systems are designed to deliver clean fuel in the precise quantity and time needed to produce the required engine performance. All connection lines, valves and tanks should be thoroughly cleaned before making final connections to the engine. The entire fuel system external to the engine should be… Read More »