Cold Climate Operation: Diesel Engines 12/14

General Cold Climate Preparation  For cab climate control, prolonged idling may be necessary. Idle the engine at an RPM adequate to heat coolant above 140 o F (60 o C), around RPM. In 0 o F (-18 o C) ambient temperature, this is 1200 RPM.  There are a number of technologies that can reduce idle time, save fuel, and deliver comfort while minimizing the impact to the environment, such as: –Auxiliary Power Unit (APU): engine or battery powered –Fuel based heaters  Insulate exposed lines, filters, pumps, and reservoirs.  Check electrical systems daily and cold weather support systems weekly.  For more detailed information, reference QuickServe Online or contact your local Cummins distributor.

What Fluids or Components are Affected?

Detailed Effect of Cold Temperatures Recommended Action Key Necessary Action Needed

Coolant  In cold climates, coolant helps warm the engine and components, it is the first line of defense.  A coolant mixture with a higher concentration of ethylene glycol (>60%) will prevent freezing.  In temperatures at o F( o C) or colder, it is beneficial to use starting aids, such as a coolant heater, or intake manifold heaters.  At -10 o F (-23 o C) or colder, it is recommended to use a combination of starting aids. Coolant Heater (immersion*) * Coolant heaters are available as immersion or external types

Fuel  It is important to ensure fuel fluidity. Fuel begins to cloud below freezing and will start to wax or gel around 15 o F (-9 o C) depending on blend.  Keep tank full and drain fuel filter daily.  There are a couple ways to prevent fuel from waxing at these temps: –Fuel blends: No. 1 vs. No. 2 –Winterized diesel: includes additives that lower the cloud point. Be mindful that lubricity is key for fuel system components durability. –Fuel warmer: first fit or aftermarket fuel filter with integrated heating system

Diesel Exhaust Fluid  DEF freezes at approximately 11°F(-12 o C).  The DEF tank is designed to be frozen and thawed. It is heated by engine coolant, while the DEF lines and dosing unit are electrically heated. Heating and thawing is controlled automatically through a combination of OEM hardware and engine ECM software logic.  Under colder weather and light duty cycle conditions, heating the DEF to optimal operating conditions could take more time.

Air  Lower ambient temperature impacts ignition and the combustion process might not release all the energy in the fuel.  Under 32 o F (0 o C), intake air could be pulled from the engine compartment in vehicles with externally mounted air filter systems.  To sufficiently pre-heat air in temperatures consistently under -25 o F (-32 o C), consider pulling air from a compartment around the exhaust stack. –Oppositely, it is imperative your truck can pull outside air in warmer temperatures This illustrates a common, simple modification to provided heated air to the intake

Battery  While battery specifications require the ability to start at 0 o F (-18 o C), amperage may depend on charge levels.  Make sure your battery has good cranking capacity and holds charge before trips.  Battery warmers can help reduce temperature loss and ensure adequate cranking capacity in cold environments. Battery Warmer

Oil  As temperature drops, the viscosity of the oil increases. Higher viscosity hampers oil penetration leading to more friction in the system which can lead to increased parasitics and premature wear.  There are specific oils recommended for cold weather operation, depending on temperature:

Oil  Oil pans can be covered to limit heat loss.  Oil heaters may also be used to lower the viscosity.  Adhere to the oil change interval schedule to maintain clean oil. Check oil levels more frequently in extreme cold temperatures. Oil Heater

Resources  Guidelines are published in Owners Manual and Operation and Maintenance manual  Cummins Service Bulletin (SB) – Operation of Diesel Engines in Cold Climates 12