INDUSTRIAL POWER

Get the Most From Your Machine During the Cold Months

914K Compact Wheel Loader, Sweden, Snow removal
914K Compact Wheel Loader, Sweden, Snow removal

Winter Diesel Engine Checklist

Diesel engines ignite fuel using combustion temperature, which gets harder to do in cold winter temperatures. These low temperautres affect different areas of the engine, such as fuel, coolants, oils, and starting systems. To help get the most from your machine during the cold months, prepare for winter temperatures and follow this diesel engine checklist for optimal winter performance.

Fuels

  • Use #1 diesel fuel or a winter blended fuel. If you need help, ask your fuel supplier.
  • Use only approved fuel additives to prevent fuel gelling – fuel gelling occurs at around 10ºF (-12ºC) or lower. Consult your operation and maintenance manual for approved fuel additives.
  • Fill fuel tanks at the end of each working day to prevent any condensation in the tank. Condensation can’t form if the tank is full.
  • Drain the fuel water separator & fuel filter (if applicable) after each day of use. If there is any water, it will be drained and cannot freeze in the filter overnight.
  • Drain water from fuel in storage tanks/containers regularly. Also, be mindful of the filters on the storage tanks.
  • Don’t add gasoline or any unapproved fuels to the diesel fuel to make it “more suitable” for wintertime use.

Fuel Filters

  • Keep extra filters on hand in case of fuel gelling or freezing.
  • Change the filter before winter arrives. This reduces the change of filter plugging in cold weather.
  • Don’t use any heat source to thaw or un-gel a frozen or gelled filter. It’s a fire hazard. Simply change the filter if the filter freezes or gels.
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914K Compact Wheel Loader, Sweden, Snow removal
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914K Compact Wheel Loader, Sweden, Snow removal
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Engine Oil

  • Use the correct weight of engine oil suggested by the manufacturer for the expected temperatures. Generally, lighter engine oil is recommended in colder climates. Lighter oils ensure the oil is quickly sent to critical components in cold weather.
  • Don’t use any oil additives or fuels to dilute the oil.
  • Don’t use too light of an oil; once the engine reaches temperature, it may be too thin. Don’t use too heavy of an oil either; it may not ensure proper lubrication when a cold engine is first started.

Coolant

  • Check the coolant freezing point with a hydrometer before and during winter. A hydrometer measures the glycol level in your coolant.  Generally, 50/50 coolant is suitable for -37*F(-38*C).
  • Use the correct coolant for your system. Check your operation and maintenance manual for more information.
  • Don’t top off cooling systems with plain water. Freezing water will cause cracked coolers, radiators, and possibly engine blocks. Always use a 50/50 coolant/water mix to refill cooling systems.

Overcooling

  • Pay attention to coolant gauges and use corrective actions in cases of overcooling.
  • Use approved winter cooling aids (cold front, radiator guards, cooling packages) to help avoid overcooling.
  • Don’t allow the engine to idle more than needed. Idling in cold temperatures will prevent the engine from maintaining the proper temperature.

DEF

  • Store bulk DEF above freezing temperatures. DEF is 67.5% water, and it will freeze. Store in a climate-controlled area if available.
  • Don’t be concerned about DEF freezing in a machine/engine-mounted tank. These tanks are designed to freeze and thaw and have heaters. 

Starting

  • Use a battery warmer to help keep the battery warm. This helps retain the charge.
  • Use a block and engine oil heater.
  • Allow several minutes of warm-up before working the machine or engine. This allows critical components and systems to build some heat before being stressed from work.
  • Check glow plugs, air inlet heaters and starting fluid systems before winter months to ensure proper operation.
  • Don’t use starting fluid unless the engine has a factory-installed automatic system. Excessive use of starting fluid can cause catastrophic engine failure and personal injury from fire/explosion.
  • Don’t ignore battery maintenance.
  • Don’t crank the engine longer than 30 seconds at a time. Allow the starter and starting components to cool after 30 seconds of cranking time. 

Storage

  • Store engines/machines in a sheltered location if possible. Even if it’s not climate controlled, this will help reduce the chance of snow and ice buildup.
  • Use approved heaters (battery, coolant, oil) when possible.
  • Use a battery tender to keep the batteries up to charge.
  • Don’t allow batteries to lose charge and stay in a low state of charge. This is very hard on batteries.
  • Don’t park a machine without draining the fuel water separator, filling the fuel tank and checking the coolant freeze point.
DIESEL ENGINE
WINTER CHECKLIST

Want to print a copy for your workshop? Download a PDF of this checklist to help keep you moving all winter long.

Download Winter Checklist
Download PDF
Download PDF
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For all of your engine needs, look no further than your local Cat dealer. From maintenance work to tips on how to get more mileage out of your engine, your dealer has you covered. Plus, your dealer knows exactly the right parts, components, filters and fluids to keep your engine running. Our dealer locator can help you find a dealer near you. Get in touch today.

 
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