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Care must be taken to ensure that fluids are contained during performance of inspection, maintenance, testing, adjusting, and repair of the product. Be prepared to collect the fluid with suitable containers before opening any compartment or disassembling any component containing fluids. Refer to Special Publication, NENG2500, "Cat Dealer Service Tool Catalog" or refer to Special Publication, PECJ0003, "Cat Shop Supplies and Tools Catalog" for tools and supplies suitable to collect and contain fluids on Cat products. Dispose of all fluids according to local regulations and mandates. |
Fuel quality is critical to the performance and to the service life of the engine. Water in the fuel can cause excessive wear to the fuel system. Condensation occurs during the heating and cooling of fuel. The condensation occurs as the fuel passes through the fuel system and the fuel returns to the fuel tank. This causes water to accumulate in fuel tanks. Draining the fuel tank regularly and obtaining fuel from reliable sources can help to eliminate water in the fuel. The fuel tank utilizes a fuel tank vent to prevent an air lock or vacuum. Ensure that the vent is free of debris and not damaged.
Drain the Water and the Sediment
Fuel tanks should contain some provision for draining water and draining sediment from the bottom of the fuel tanks.
Prepare to catch water and sediment in an appropriate container. Connect a hose (if necessary) to the valve prior to opening the valve.
Open the drain valve on the bottom of the fuel tank in order to drain the water and the sediment. Close the drain valve.
Note: Failure to close the drain properly could result in fuel leakage, which could have detrimental results to performance.
Check the fuel daily. Drain the water and sediment from the fuel tank after operating the engine. Drain the water and sediment from the fuel tank after the fuel tank has been filled. Allow 5 to 10 minutes before performing this procedure.
Fill the fuel tank after operating the engine in order to drive out moist air. This procedure will help prevent condensation. Do not fill the tank to the top. The fuel expands as the fuel gets warm. The tank may overflow.
Some fuel tanks use stand pipes that allow water and sediment to settle below the end of the fuel stand pipe. Some fuel tanks use supply lines that take fuel directly from the bottom of the tank. If the engine is equipped with this system, regular maintenance of the fuel system filter is important.
Drain the water and the sediment from the fuel storage tank during the following conditions:
- Weekly
- Refill of the tank
This procedure will help prevent water or sediment from being pumped from the storage tank into the engine fuel tank. A four micron(c) absolute filter for the breather vent on the fuel tank is also recommended.
If a bulk storage tank has been refilled or moved recently, allow adequate time for the sediment to settle before filling the engine fuel tank. Internal baffles in the bulk storage tank will also help trap sediment. Filtering fuel that is pumped from the storage tank helps to ensure the quality of the fuel. When possible, water separators should be used.