Impact of the Hurricanes on Fuel Supplies and Caterpillar Engines [TIBU4648]

ENGINE ARRANGEMENT

Impact of the Hurricanes on Fuel Supplies and Caterpillar Engines

CONFIDENTIAL TIBU4648-00

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION BULLETIN	October 04, 2005
C7 C9 C11 C13 C15 C18 C32	KAL(00001-UP) SAP(00001-UP) WAX(00001-UP) YPG(00001-UP) C7B(00001-UP) C7X(00001-UP) KHX(00001-UP) JLW(00001-UP) JSC(00001-UP) MBD(00001-UP) 9DG(00001-UP) C9A(00001-UP) C9B(00001-UP) CSN(00001-UP) X9X(00001-UP) THX(00001-UP) GLS(00001-UP) KCA(00001-UP) LGK(00001-UP) JAM(00001-UP) KCB(00001-UP) LEE(00001-UP) JAS(00001-UP) JRE(00001-UP) BXS(00001-UP) MXS(00001-UP) SDP(00001-UP) LHX(00001-UP) RHX(00001-UP) SMP(00001-UP)
	Component Code(s) 1000 and 1280

SUBJECT: Impact of the Hurricanes on Fuel Supplies and AVSpare Engines.

PROBLEM:

Following the disaster of hurricane Katrina and then Rita, the EPA has authorized limited use of diesel fuel with higher sulfur content. This diesel fuel has sulfur content higher than 500 PPM (0.05%), and in some cases, as high as 5000 PPM. The diesel fuel contains a red dye. Several inquiries have been received concerning the use of these fuels and the potential damage to the engines that use these fuels. Higher sulfur levels have raised concern about the catalytic converter/mufflers as well. Using these fuels could increase exhaust backpressure, and the life of exhaust piping may also be reduced

SOLUTION:

Because of the technology used within our ACERT engines, the higher sulfur content fuels will not cause any internal engine damage. If fuel is used that contains more than 500 PPM (0.05%) there are some recommendations that should be considered. First, oil sampling should be used to determine oil change intervals. Second, a fuel/water separator is recommended with the use of these fuels. Refer to the Information Release Memo PELJ0521 for information regarding retrofitting fuel/water separators for on-highway truck engines.

The EPA has authorized the use of these fuels. There maybe some issues concerning fuel taxes as well as other regulatory issues that have not yet been considered. Keeping complete records of all the fuel purchased is recommended.