TM 5-3895-383-24
Fuel Specifications
Fuel Recommendations
SMCS Code: 1250; 1280
Purchase fuel from a reputable suppler.
Use fuel that at least meets the specifications for
distillate fuel. These specifications are in table 22.
These
fuels
have
a
minimum
lubricity
level
of
3100 g. This result is obtained by conducting the
Scuffing Load Wear Test (SBOCLE). If a High
Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) is used for
testing, you may expect a wear scar of .45 mm (0.018
inch) maximum at 60°C (140°F) or a wear scar of .38
mm (0.015 inch) at 25°C (77°F).
Keep the fuel storage tank clean of water, debris and
sediment.
Drain water and sediment from the fuel storage tank
weekly. Drain water and sediment before the tank is
refilled.
Keep the area around the fuel tank filler neck clean of
debris in order to prevent contamination of the fuel tank.
As required, clean the inside of the vehicle's fuel tank.
Drain water and sediment from the vehicle's fuel tank
daily. Drain the tank at the start of a shift. After the fuel
tank has been filled, allow the fuel to settle for ten
minutes. This will allow the water and sediment to
separate from the fuel. Then, drain the water and
sediment from the tank.
Install water separators.
Drain the water from the water separator daily.
For some applications, Caterpillar high efficiency fuel
filters are required in order to provide maximum life to
the fuel system.
Change fuel filters at the scheduled interval. Never fill
the new fuel filter with fuel before installation. Use the
fuel priming pump to remove air from the system.
Install breather filters on the fuel tanks.
Fuel Information for Gasoline Engines
Use a regular grade of fuel or use an unleaded grade of fuel.
These fuels must have a minimum octane rating of 87.
Fuel Information for Engines That Use LP Gas
Use grade HD5 LPB. LP Gas is a highly volatile fuel. LP Gas
has an octane rating of 100 to 140. Follow local ordinances
regarding the storage of tanks of LP Gas. Follow local
ordinances regarding the filling of tanks for LP Gas.
Fuel Information for Diesel Engines Only
When diesel fuel is stored outdoors, the water will freeze after
the water separates from the diesel fuel. Any effect that is
caused by storing the fuel outdoors should immediately appear
in the fuel. Fuel that is stored in underground tanks or fuel that
is stored in a heated area will be easier to pump. However,
moisture in the fuel will not freeze until the fuel is in the
machine. Any effect that is caused by cold weather will not
appear until the fuel has cooled to the outside temperature. It
is
preferable
to
determine
any
detrimental
effects
of
temperature before the fuel is in the machine.
The two basic types of diesel fuel are No. 2 diesel fuel and No.
1 diesel fuel. No. 2 diesel fuel is a heavier diesel fuel than No.
1 diesel fuel. Heavier fuels can cause problems with fuel
filters, fuel lines, fuel tanks, and fuel storage in cold weather.
Heavier diesel fuels such as No. 2 diesel fuel can be used in
diesel engines that operate in cold temperatures with a
minimum amount of pour point depressant additive. For more
information on fuels which include blends of No. 1 and No. 2
diesel fuel, consul your fuel supplier.
When you use No. 2 diesel fuel or other heavier fuels, some of
the fuel's qualities may interfere with successful cold weather
operation. See the topic "Characteristics of Diesel Fuel and
Modification to 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.
Maintenance Section
Fuel Specifications
1-32
