GUARD GP-OVHD 4362848 - Caterpillar

As a source of power the diesel engine has two outstanding advantages over the gasoline engine. The first is its lower rate of fuel consumption- and second its ability to use less expensive fuels. In selecting a fuel, it should be pointed out that distillates are especially desirable because, in refining, they are heated to a vaporous state and condensed in another container; thus, all the sediment and residue remain in the still. Always buy the lowest priced distillate fuel giving satisfactory operation.In the United States and Canada, there are two general classes of fuel available for diesel engines. The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) has established these classes in their specifications. One class is that marketed as fuel oil (domestic furnace oil); the other is that marketed as diesel fuel oil. No. 2 fuel oil and No. 2D diesel fuel oil are recommended for use in Caterpillar Diesel Engines. More expensive "premium" fuels such as No. 1 fuel and No. ID diesel fuel oil are not necessary or recommended for normal operating conditions.There is considerable variation in the composition of fuels distributed under the No. 2 grade classifications. For desirable engine service, it is most important to give special attention to pour point, cloud point, filterability, sulphur content and cetane number of the fuel. Pour Point: The pour point of the fuel has no effect on engine performance, so long as the fuel is fluid enough to flow from the diesel fuel tank to the engine fuel transfer pump. The pour point of the fuel should be at least 10° F. below the lowest atmospheric temperature at which the engine must start and operate. This will generally provide a fuel that will flow readily from the fuel tank to the engine fuel transfer pump. In subzero (-18° C.) weather it may be necessary to use No. 1 fuel oil or No. 1D diesel fuel oil to obtain unusually low pour point fuels. Cloud Point: Cloud point is a low temperature property frequently not reported in fuel characteristics. It is the temperature at which wax crystals become visible, and it is generally above the pour point of the fuel. The cloud point should be below the lowest atmospheric temperature at which the engine will be operated so the filter will not be plugged with the wax formation. Filterability: A good clean fuel should contain no more than .1% sediment and water. Dirty fuels lead to early filter plugging and in addition, with some fuels, fuel stability and fuel compatibility can result in the formation of gums and resins which will also reduce filter life. Sulphur Content: As the sulphur content of the fuel increases, the oil change periods should be reduced as indicated in the topic, DIESEL ENGINE CRANKCASE LUBRICATING OIL CHANGE PERIODS. Cetane Number: This is an indication of a fuel's ignition quality and should never be less than 35 for Caterpillar Engines. A higher cetane number is required at higher altitudes and for easier starting