Operation and maintenance manual

70 SEBU8601-01
Operation Section
Cold Weather Operation
Note: Do not res
trict the air flow. Restriction of
the air flow can damage the fuel system. Perkins
discourages the use of all air flow restriction
devices such a
s radiator shutters. Restriction of the
air flow can result in the following: high exhaust
temperatures, power loss, excessive fan usage, and
reduction in
fuel economy.
A cab heater is beneficial in very cold weather. The
feed from th
eengineandthereturnlinesfromthe
cab should be insulated in order to reduce heat loss
to the outside air.
Recommendation for Crankcase Breather
Protection
Crankcase ventilation gases contain a large quantity
of water vapor. This water vapor can freeze in
cold ambie
nt conditions and can plug or damage
the crankcase ventilation system. If the engine is
operated in temperatures below −25° C (−13° F),
measures
must be taken to prevent freezing and
plugging of the breather system. Insulated hoses and
a heated canister assembly should be installed.
Consult with your Perkins dealer or your Perkins
distributer for the recommended breather
compone
nts for operation from −25° to -40°C
(−13° to -72.°F).
i02685960
Fuel and the Effect from Cold
Weather
Note: Only use grades of fuel that are recommended
by Perkins. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance
Manual, “Fl
uid Recommendations”.
The following components provide a means of
minimizing
problems in cold weather:
•
Glow plugs (if equipped)
•
Engine coolant heaters, which may be an OEM
option
•
Fuel heaters, which may be an OEM option
•
Fuel line
insulation, which may be an OEM option
The cloud point is a temperature that allows wax
crystal
s to form in the fuel. These crystals can cause
the fuel filters to plug.
The pour
point is the temperature when diesel fuel
will thicken. The diesel fuel becomes more resistant
to flow through fuel lines, fuel filters,and fuel pumps.
Be aware of these facts when diesel fuel is
purchased. Consider the average ambient air
temper
ature for the engine's application. Engines that
are fueled in one climate may not operate well if the
engines are moved to another climate. Problems can
resul
t due to changes in temperature.
Before troubleshooting for low power or for poor
perfo
rmance in the winter, check the fuel for waxing.
Low temperature fuels may be available for engine
oper
ation at temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F). These
fuels limit the formation of wax in the fuel at low
temperatures.
For more information on cold weather operation, refer
to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Cold
Wea
ther Operation and Fuel Related Components in
Cold Weather”.