3. C13 FIRE TRUCK DIESEL ENGINE — 485 to 525 hp
FUEL AND LUBE OIL REQUIREMENTS
GEARING CONSIDERATIONS
FUEL
The C13 Fire Truck Diesel Engine offers a
Model year 2007 and newer Caterpillar on-
wide operating range and high torque rise,
highway diesel engines require the use of ULSD
which promotes the use of transmissions with
fuel in order to meet the United States (U.S.)
fewer gears. Even with this built-in feature,
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2007
heavy/specialty haulers must remember their
emissions regulations for on-highway diesel
trucks should be geared to achieve the
engines. Failure to use ULSD in these engines is
appropriate compromise between startability
punishable with civil penalties.
and desired road speed. The general principal
drivers should follow is that of the “gear fast,
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel will
run slow” strategy to achieve optimal
have ≤ 15 ppm (0.0015%) sulfur using the
performance.
ASTM D5453, ASTM D2622, or DIN 51400
For the best balance of performance and fuel test methods.
economy, spec axle ratios and tire sizes
according to the following: CRANKCASE LUBE OIL
Diesel engine oils meeting the Cat ECF-3
• 80,000 lb GCW or less
(Engine Crankcase Fluid-3) specification are
1400 rpm @ 65 mph (105 km/h)
strongly recommended for use in 2007 model
Maximum recommended engine speed at
year and newer Caterpillar on-highway diesel
cruise is 1500 rpm.
engines. The Cat ECF-3 specification was
The recommended startability requirements are developed in order to protect emissions control
14% (10% minimum) for on-highway; 20% for systems, help comply with the emissions
on/off highway, and 25% for off-highway. At standards, reduce engine wear, and control
peak torque rpm in top gear, the recommended piston deposits and oil consumption in 2007
gradeability is 1.8% (1.5% minimum). At cruise model year and newer on-highway diesel
speed in top gear, 1.0% is the ideal gradeability. engines that are designed to use fuels with ≤ 15
ppm (0.0015%) sulfur.
To optimize your Fire Truck’s performance
characteristics, a computerized spec’ing tool The combination of ULSD fuel and API CJ-4
called Design Pro is offered by your Caterpillar compliant diesel engine oil is strongly
dealer. It calculates effects of various driveline recommended for optimum engine system
variables on engine operation such as performance.
transmissions, axles, and tires. This analysis
Note: Oils that meet the API CJ-4 oil category
allows you to verify that your Fire Truck’s
requirements are Cat ECF-3 compliant.
driveline specifications are best suited to your
application.
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