Perkins 400 Series Operation And Maintenance Manual page 49

SEBU8311-09
• Biodiesel is a fuel that can be made from a variety
of feedstock. The feedstock that is used can affect
the performance of the product. Two of the
characteristics of the fuel that are affected are cold
flow and oxidation stability. Contact your fuel
supplier for guidance.
• Biodiesel or biodiesel blends are not
recommended for engines that will operate
occasionally. This is due to poor oxidation stability.
If the user is prepared to accept some risk, then
limit biodiesel to a maximum of B5. Examples of
applications that should limit the use of biodiesel
are the following: Standby Generator sets and
certain emergency vehicles
• Biodiesel is an excellent medium for microbial
contamination and growth. Microbial
contamination and growth can cause corrosion in
the fuel system and premature plugging of the fuel
filter. The use of conventionalanti-microbial
additives and the effectiveness of conventional
anti-microbial additives in biodiesel is not known.
Consult your supplier of fuel and additive for
assistance.
• Care must be taken in order to remove water from
fuel tanks. Water accelerates microbial
contamination and growth. When biodiesel is
compared to distillate fuels, water is naturally
more likely to exist in the biodiesel.
Fuel for Cold Weather Operation
The European standard "EN590" contains climate
dependant requirements and a range of options. The
options can be applied differently in each country.
There are 5 classes that are given to arctic climates
and severe winter climates. 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Fuel that complies with "EN590" CLASS 4 can be
used at temperatures as low as −44 °C (−47.2 °F).
Refer to "EN590" for a detailed discretion of the
physical properties of the fuel.
The diesel fuel "ASTM D975 Grade 1-D S15 or S500"
that is used in the united states of america may be
used in very cold temperatures that are below −18 °C
(−0.4 °F).
In extreme cold ambient conditions, you may also
use fuels that are listed in the table 28 . These fuels
are intended to be used in temperatures that can be
as low as −54 °C (−65.2 °F).
Table 28
Light Distillate Fuels
Specification
"MIL-DTL-5624U"
(1)
Grade
JP-5
(continued)
(Table 28, contd)
"MIL-DTL-83133E"
"ASTM D1655"
(1) The use of these fuels is acceptable with an appropriate fuel
additive and the fuels must meet minimum requirements that
are stated in Tables 24 , 25 and 26 . Fuel samples should be
analyzed for the compliance. Fuels MUST NOT exceed 0.46
mm lubricity wear scar diameter that is tested on a HFFR . The
test must be performed at 60 °C. Refer to "ISO 12156-1". Fuels
must have minimum viscosity of 1.4 centistokes that is deliv-
ered to the fuel injection pump. Fuel cooling may be required in
order to maintain minimum viscosity of 1.4 centistokes that is
delivered to the fuel injection pump.
Mixing alcohol or gasoline with diesel fuel can
produce an explosive mixture in the engine
crankcase or the fuel tank. Alcohol or gasoline
must not be used in order to dilute diesel fuel.
Failure to follow this instruction may result in
death or personal injury.
There are many other diesel fuel specifications that
are published by governments and by technological
societies. Usually, those specifications do not review
all the requirements that are addressed in tables 24 ,
25 and 26 . To ensure optimum engine performance,
a complete fuel analysis should be obtained before
engine operation. The fuel analysis should include all
of the properties that are stated in the tables 24 , 25
and 26 .
Fuel Additive
Supplemental diesel fuel additives are not generally
recommended. This is due to potential damage to the
fuel system or the engine. Your fuel supplier or the
fuel manufacturer will add the appropriate
supplemental diesel fuel additives.
Perkins recognizes the fact that additives may be
required in some special circumstances. Fuel
additives need to be used with caution. The additive
may not be compatible with the fuel. Some additives
may precipitate. This action causes deposits in the
fuel system. The deposits may cause seizure. Some
additives may be corrosive, and some additives may
be harmful to the elastomers in the fuel system.
Some additives may raise fuel sulfur levels above the
maximum that is allowed by the EPA or the other
regulatory agencies. Contact your fuel supplier for
those circumstances when fuel additives are
required. Your fuel supplier can recommend the
appropriate fuel additive and the correct level of
treatment.
49
Maintenance Section
Fuel Specification
JP-8
Jet-A-1