Minimizing The Effect Of Cold Weather On Diesel Engines - Worldwide Construction And Forestry Division 380GLC Operator's Manual

Minimizing the Effect of Cold Weather on Diesel Engines

John Deere diesel engines are designed to operate
effectively in cold weather.
However, for effective starting and cold weather operation,
a little extra care is necessary. The following information
outlines steps that can minimize the effect that cold
weather may have on starting and operation of your
engine. See your John Deere dealer for additional
information and local availability of cold weather aids.
Use Winter Grade Fuel
When temperatures fall below 0°C (32°F), winter grade
fuel (No. 1D in North America) is best suited for cold
weather operation. Winter grade fuel has a lower cloud
point and a lower pour point.
Cloud point is the temperature at which wax will begin to
form in the fuel and this wax causes fuel filters to plug.
Pour point is the lowest temperature at which movement
of the fuel is observed.
NOTE: On an average, winter grade diesel fuel has a lower
BTU (heat content) rating. Using winter grade fuel
may reduce power and fuel efficiency, but should not
cause any other engine performance effects. Check
the grade of fuel being used before troubleshooting
for low power complaints in cold weather operation.
Air Intake Heater
An air intake heater is an available option for some
engines to aid cold weather starting.
Ether
An ether port on the intake is available to aid cold weather
starting.
CAUTION: Ether is highly flammable. Do not
use ether when starting an engine equipped
with glow plugs or an air intake heater.
Coolant Heater
An engine block heater (coolant heater) is an available
option to aid cold weather starting.
Seasonal Viscosity Oil and Proper Coolant
Concentration
Use seasonal grade viscosity engine oil based on the
expected air temperature range between oil changes
and a proper concentration of low silicate antifreeze as
recommended.
Diesel Fuel Flow Additive
Use John Deere PREMIUM DIESEL FUEL
CONDITIONER (winter formula), which contains antigel
Maintenance—Machine
chemistry, or equivalent fuel conditioner to treat non-winter
grade fuel (No. 2D in North America) during the cold
weather season. This generally extends operability
to about 10°C (18°F) below the fuel cloud point. For
operability at even lower temperatures, use winter grade
fuel.
IMPORTANT: Treat fuel when outside temperature
drops below 0°C (32°F). For best results, use
with untreated fuel. Follow all recommended
instructions on label.
BioDiesel
When operating with biodiesel blends, wax formation
can occur at warmer temperatures. Begin using John
Deere PREMIUM BIODIESEL FUEL CONDITIONER
(winter formula) at 5°C (41°F) to treat biodiesel fuels
during the cold-weather season. Use B5 or lower blends
at temperatures below 0°C (32°F). Use only winter grade
petroleum diesel fuel at temperatures below -10°C (14°F).
In colder weather, engines operating with biodiesel may
have more frequent parked cleanings, soot accumulation,
and increased intervals for ash removal from the exhaust
filter.
Winterfronts
Use of fabric, cardboard, or solid winterfronts is not
recommended with any John Deere engine. Their use
can result in excessive engine coolant, oil, and charge
air temperatures. This can lead to reduced engine life,
loss of power and poor fuel economy. Winterfronts may
also put abnormal stress on fan and fan drive components
potentially causing premature failures. If winterfronts are
used, they should never totally close off the grill frontal
area. Approximately 25% area in the center of the grill
should remain open at all times. At no time should the air
blockage device be applied directly to the radiator core.
Radiator Shutters
If equipped with a thermostatically controlled radiator
shutter system, this system should be regulated in such a
way that the shutters are completely open by the time the
coolant reaches 93°C (200°F) to prevent excessive intake
manifold temperatures. Manually controlled systems
are not recommended. If air-to-air aftercooling is used,
the shutters must be completely open by the time the
intake manifold air temperature reaches the maximum
allowable temperature out of the charge air cooler. For
more information, see your John Deere dealer.
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