HOUSING 1340039 - Caterpillar

Diesel engines have the ability to burn a wide variety of fuels. These fuels are divided into two general groups. The two groups are called the preferred fuels and the permissible fuels.The preferred fuels provide maximum engine service life and performance. The preferred fuels are distillate fuels. These fuels are commonly called diesel fuel, furnace fuel, gas oil, or kerosene.The permissible fuels are crude oils or blended fuels. Use of these fuels can result in higher maintenance costs and in reduced engine service life.Diesel fuels that meet the specifications in Table 1 will help to provide maximum engine service life and performance. In North America, diesel fuel that is identified as No. 1-D or No. 2-D in "ASTM D975" generally meet the specifications. Table 1 is for diesel fuels that are distilled from crude oil. Diesel fuels from other sources could exhibit detrimental properties that are not defined or controlled by this specification.
Table 1
Caterpillar Specifications for Distillate Diesel Fuel
Specifications Requirements ASTM Test
Aromatics 35% maximum "D1319"
Ash 0.02% maximum (weight) "D482"
Carbon Residue on 10% Bottoms 0.35% maximum (weight) "D524"
Cetane Number 40 minimum (DI engines) "D613"
35 minimum (PC engines)
Cloud Point The cloud point must not exceed the lowest expected ambient temperature. -
Copper Strip Corrosion No. 3 maximum "D130"
Distillation 10% at 282 °C (540 °F)
maximum "D86"
90% at 360 °C (680 °F)
maximum
Flash Point legal limit "D93"
API Gravity 30 minimum "D287"
45 maximum
Pour Point 6 °C (10 °F) minimum below ambient temperature "D97"
Sulfur (1) 3% maximum "D3605"
or
"D1552"
Kinematic Viscosity (2) 1.4 cSt minimum and 20.0 cSt maximum at 40 °C (104 °F) "D445"
Water and Sediment 0.1% maximum "D1796"
Water 0.1% maximum "D1744"
Sediment 0.05% maximum (weight) "D473"
Gums and Resins (3) 10 mg per 100 mL maximum "D381"
Lubricity (4) 3100 g minimum "D6078"
0.45 mm (0.018 inch) maximum at 60 °C (140 °F) "D6079"
0.38 mm (0.015 inch) maximum at 25 °C (77 °F)
(1) Caterpillar fuel systems and engine components can operate on high sulfur fuels. Fuel sulfur levels affect exhaust emissions. High sulfur fuels also increase the potential for corrosion of internal components. Fuel sulfur levels above 1.0 percent may significantly shorten the oil change interval. For additional information, see this publication, "Engine Oil" topic (Maintenance Section).
(2) The values of the fuel viscosity are the values as the fuel is delivered to the fuel injection pumps. If a fuel with a low viscosity is used, cooling of the fuel may be required to maintain a 1.4 cSt viscosity at the fuel injection pump. Fuels with a high viscosity might require fuel heaters in order to bring down the viscosity to a 20 cSt viscosity. For additional information, see Special Publication, SEBD0717, "Diesel Fuel and Your Engine".
(3) Follow the test conditions and procedures for gasoline (motor).
(4) The lubricity of a fuel is a concern with low sulfur fuel. To determine the lubricity of the fuel, use either the "ASTM D6078 Scuffing Load Wear Test (SBOCLE)" or the "ASTM D6079 High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR)" test. If the lubricity of a fuel does not meet the minimum requirements, consult your fuel supplier. Do not treat