Electric Power|
FUEL CONTAMINATION CONTROL
Fuel system components are more sensitive than ever to fuel contaminants. You can maintain performance and extend component life by carefully managing your fuel-related operations and procedures.Dirty fuel is your engine's worst enemy  This unseen villain can rob your engine of power, accelerate wear of sensitive fuel system components and reduce fuel efficiency. Keeping your fuel and your fuel system clean should be a top priority, especially in construction, mining, and other dusty applications where higher horsepower engines are in use. With the higher injection pressures and closer tolerances of today's diesel engines, clean fuel delivers maximum performance, productivity and service life.One critical element in any fuel contamination control program is Cat® High Efficiency Fuel Filters. They're specially designed for today's diesels, using a super-fine filtration media for maximum filtration. Why clean fuel is so important Fuel contamination is, and always has been, a concern with all types of Cat Diesel Engines. It has become even more important in recent years as engineers have worked to make diesel engines more economical and environmentally friendly. As emissions and fuel consumption have decreased, injection pressures and tolerances between components have increased. Higher RPMs submit precision components to even more potential wear and abrasion.  Today's Cat Engines deliver more horsepower, better response and better fuel economy than ever. They are also more susceptible to wear and damage from fuel system contaminants. Damage can be caused by anything in your fuel system that should not be there, including particles, heat, water and air bubbles. Together or alone these contaminants can drain power from your engine, accelerate component wear and eventually lead to a breakdown.As little as one spoonful of dirt in a tank of fuel can ruin a fuel injector in only eight hours.  Out of sight is not out of mindThe most controllable contaminants are abrasive particulates, which can vary greatly in size, hardness and abrasion. The comparison illustrated here demonstrates the very tight clearances in your fuel system and the size of visible particles. As you can see, even particles that aren't visible can wear away at your fuel system and reduce performance. SOURCES OF FUEL CONTAMINATION In the fuel A reliable fuel supplier is your best defense against source contamination. Demand periodic sampling and testing to assure the consistent quality you need for top performance. During operation In dusty applications such as construction and mining airborne contaminants can be drawn into your fuel tank through the vent tube. Likewise, a vent in the fuel tank cap can ingest dust if it is not properly sealed. Contaminants can also develop during storage or enter the system through improper fuel transfer. During service Any time your fuel system is open, whether it is to change filters, make repairs or for refueling, contaminants can enter the system. WHERE CONTAMINANTS DO THEIR DAMAGE Abrasive contaminants accelerate wear as they move through the fuel system at very high velocities. In some cases, the contaminants in the fuel may be as abrasive as the materials used to machine parts in manufacturing. Contamination can cause problems throughout the fuel system, but there are two areas that are especially susceptible to wear and damage. Injector Plunger and Barrel Minimum clearances of 2.5 microns make it critical to maintain a fluid film between these rapidly moving parts. Microscopic abrasive particles cause scratching, which can eventually lead to scuffing, metal-to-metal contact and injector seizure. Control Valves Located throughout the fuel systems, these valves control fuel pressure. Contaminants can erode the mating parts of the valves, causing them to leak and perform below specifications. A loss of engine power is the result. GET MAXIMUM PROTECTION WITH CAT HIGH EFFICIENCY FUEL FILTERS  Cat High Efficiency Fuel Filters are specially designed for the higher injection pressures and precision components of today's engines. They use an exclusively designed filtration media to remove more than 98 percent of particles 2 microns and larger. More contaminants are removed, maximizing protection of injectors, pumps and other fuel system components.From top to bottom, Cat High Efficiency Fuel Filters are engineered for performance. Features like spiral roving and acrylic beads maintain pleat stability and spacing for maximum efficiency and capacity. The non-metallic center tube is stronger and prevents metal contamination. The self-lubricating, free-rotating seal prevents bunching and eliminates leaks. Talk to your Cat Dealer about how you can benefit with High Efficiency Fuel Filters.
* Cartridge ** Temporarily covered by 1P2299 *** Approximately 50 percent more capacity for 320 and 325 Excavator HOW TO MINIMIZE FUEL SYSTEM CONTAMINATION During storage and transfer Without proper storage and handling procedures, even the cleanest fuel can deteriorate or become contaminated. Here are steps you can take to keep sediment, dirt and environmental contaminants out of your fuel system.  Periodically drain and flush all fuel storage containers, including tanker trucks and stationary tanks. This will remove sediments that can easily enter the fuel stream. Keep all fuel nozzles, hoses and other equipment clean. If a nozzle is dirty, clean it thoroughly before fueling. Maintain all hoses, gaskets and seals in your fuel storage and transfer equipment. Use line filters on all fuel transfer equipment. Never transfer fuel with buckets, funnels or other open containers. Only purchase fuel from a reliable, reputable source. Demand periodic testing to assure you are getting a consistently high-quality product.During operation Fighting fuel contamination is a full-time concern for everyone from the machine operator to maintenance technicians. This checklist should be a part of any daily inspection program. Repair any fuel leaks immediately. Never operate a machine without the properly installed fuel cap. If a fuel cap does not seal properly due to deteriorated gaskets or other damage, replace it immediately. Make sure fuel tank vent tubes are open and functioning properly. Do not run machines to the point when the fuel tank is completely empty. Doing so can draw sediment from the bottom of the tank into the fuel system. Alert maintenance and service technicians immediately of any unexplained power loss, excessive smoke or hard starting, especially when the engine is warm.During service and maintenance Many fuel system failures occur immediately after the engine has been serviced. Planning and preparation are the keys to keeping contaminants out of your engine when it is "open" for service or repairs. When changing filters Maximize filtration protection with Cat High Efficiency Fuel Filters. The moderate cost difference is made up in greater protection. Follow the recommended filter change schedule. If premature filter plugging occurs, consider your fuel quality and other contamination sources. Remove filters carefully, making sure not to knock dirt and debris from the engine compartment into openings. Keep filters packed in their original box until they are installed. Never pre-fill a new filter - doing so allows some fuel to bypass the filter altogether.When performing engine service Clean dirt, dust and other debris from the engine compartment before removing filters and other fuel system components. Use a high pressure wash to blast mud, dust, dirt and other built-up grime off the engine before "opening" the engine for repairs. Tightly cap or plug all openings during repairs, even if they are needed only for a few minutes. Clean reusable parts with solvents using proper cleaning and drying methods. Never place components directly on the ground. Keep new parts in their original package until needed. Don't reuse seals, replace them. Perform routine inspection of fuel line connections from the tank to the fuel pump. Maintain a regular schedule for draining machine fuel tanks: weekly for severely dusty conditions, every three months for normal conditions. Your Cat Dealer has answersWhether you need Cat High Efficiency Fuel Filters, preventive maintenance services or diagnostic service, your Cat Dealer is always your best source. No one knows your fuel system better, and no one else can offer the level of expertise you need to minimize costs and maximize productivity. Call today for details. |
CONTACT INFORMATION
|
Main Office: | Concord - Power Division P.O. Box 5511 3131 Highway 7 West - Bldg. A, Concord, Ontario, L4K1B7 |
2008 © Toromont Cat Power Systems All Rights Reserved. Copyright Information & Legal Notice Website Privacy Statement
