Cold Climate Operation:Diesel Engines

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General Cold Climate Preparation

For cab climate control, prolonged idling may be necessary. Idle the engine at an RPM adequate to heat coolant above 140oF (60oC), around 800-1000 RPM. In 0oF (-18oC) 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

(oF) (oC)50 1045 740 435 230 -125 -420 -715 -910 -125 -150 -18 10W30-5 -21

-10 -23-15 -26-20 -29-25 -32-30 -34

Coolant Fuel DEF Air BatteryOil

Recommendations

Intake Manifold Heater and Coolant

Heater

Cloud Point of Fuel

Waxing Occurs:Fuel Warmer

Winter Fuel Blends

Verifying thawing

Winter front

Temperature

5W30

0W30

15W40

Fluid/Component

Idle periodically to ensure optimal

cranking capacity

Coolant and DEF line insulation/heating

Battery blanket and battery warmer

Route air intake around exhaust stack

Intake Manifold Heater or Coolant

Heater

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 30-50oF(-1 - 10oC) or colder, it is beneficial to use starting aids, such as a coolant heater, or intake manifold heaters.

At -10oF (-23oC) 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 15oF (-9oC) 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(-12oC). 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 32oF (0oC), 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 -25oF (-32oC), 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 0oF (-18oC), 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) 3379009 – Operation of Diesel Engines in Cold Climates

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