SENSOR GP-TEMPERATURE 1978392 - Caterpillar

A water separator is a very important component if water contaminated fuel is ever used. Be sure to tell customers that water separators are especially needed on engines with the sleeve metering fuel systems (SMFS). The SMFS is used in 3208, 3304, and 3306 Engines, except later 3304 Engines with serial number prefix 43V and later 3306 Engines with serial number prefix 44V.
A water separator is not needed for long component life or good performance if the machine user always keeps water out of his fuel. But, water which can and does cause damage to all types of diesel fuel injection systems is not always easily seen. With Caterpillar systems, the SMFS is more easily damaged than the scroll system. Water in the fuel can cause rust and wear in the SMFS because the parts in this fuel system get all their lubrication from the fuel and not from the engine lubrication system. Water also causes short life for fuel filters. The injection pump housing for SMFS becomes a "water separator" and holds water that comes out of the fuel. Much damage can be done after the system fills with water before the user can see or hear a change in performance of the engine.
Recommendations To Users
It is important that all users and operators know of the need to buy (get) fuel with no water in it, and then keep water out of the fuel until it is burned in the engine. Much effort must be made so users will understand the need to buy clean fuel with no water and to keep water out of the fuel until it is burned. If it is possible for water at any place or time to get in the fuel, a water separator is needed.
The water separator available from Caterpillar is very basic. The flow of fuel through a sock-like material makes the fuel go slower and causes the heavier drops of water to go outside of the material. The water drops then fall into a sump of the element where the water can be drained as needed.
You may have to make a recommendation to the user that he install a water trap, separator, or filter on the fuel storage tank. If condensation of water is a problem, he will need to keep his storage tanks full at all times.
If you know of any reason why an owner can have or will have water in his fuel storage system or in his machines due to the quality of maintenance on the machine, tell him that a water separator can be installed. A 6N7621 Water Separator Group is available complete with a mounting bracket, extra fittings, and the manufacturer's installation instructions. Also, a 7N950 Water Separator Group is available without the mounting bracket. This group includes Installation Instructions SMHS6822.
Our recommendation is that you order it as an attachment on all new machines expected to work in conditions where there is a good possibility of water in the fuel either because of