STIFFENER 3038646 - Caterpillar

engine can be started normally at temperatures above 0 °C (32 °F). Heating aids are required in order to start the engine in lower temperatures.Note: Oil pan immersion heaters are not recommended for heating the lube oil. To ensure the compatibility of the components, only use equipment that is recommended by Caterpillar.For temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F), a jacket water heater and a lube oil heater are necessary. Also, a fuel heater will maintain the temperature of the fuel above the cloud point.Jacket water heaters are available as optional equipment. Jacket water heaters are recommended for improving startability in cold temperatures. These heaters are recommended for all installations that have automatic starting.Oil viscosity affects the amount of torque that is needed to crank the engine. Oil temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F) require cranking torque that is excessive. For applications that require rapid start-up and loading, oil heaters are recommended for heating the lube oil to 10 °C (50 °F) when the ambient conditions are below this temperature.To start the engine at colder temperatures, a larger volume of starting air and/or a higher air pressure is necessary. Ensure a sufficient supply of air pressure for cold weather starting. Do not exceed the maximum air pressure for the starting motor. See the engine's Application and Installation Guide for information on cranking torque and air starting motors at various temperatures.Condensation of vapor in the air supply can freeze in cold weather. Ice that forms in the supply lines will restrict the air supply. If particles of ice enter the inlet of the starting motor, the starting motor can be damaged.Dry air is required for cold weather in order to help prevent ice from forming in the supply lines. A water separator is recommended in order to remove vapor from compressed air prior to the air storage tank.If the engine operates in a humid environment with temperatures that are below 0 °C (32 °F), an air dryer is needed in order to prevent condensation from freezing in the piping. If the starting air is also used for pneumatic controls, an air dryer is essential.Consult your Caterpillar dealer for more information on the starting aids that are available for cold weather starting.