Canadian Fuels
Diesel-powered trucks are now equipped with emission control systems that
require the use of diesel fuel with low-sulfur
(.05% by weight) content.
Both low- and higher-sulfur fuels will be available
in Canada. Only
low-sulfur diesel fuels are available
in the United States. It is important that
diesel-powered trucks are refueled with low-sulfur fuel. Use of fuels with
higher-sulfur content will affect
the function of the emission components
and may cause reduced performance, excessive smoke and unpleasant odor.
Cold Weather Operation
Follow the instructions listed previously under the heading “What Fuel to
Use.”
If you’re driving
in very toold temperatures and can’t get a “winterized”
Number
2-D that has been adapted to cold weather or a Number 1-D, you
can
use one gallon of kerosene for every two gallons of diesel fuel. Once
you add the kerosene, run your engine for several minutes
so the fuels will
mix. Add kerosene only when the temperature falls below 0°F (-1 S”C),
because the fuel economy of kerosene isn’t as good as that of diesel fuel.
NOTICE:
Never use home heating oil or gasoline in your diesel engine. \
They can cause engine damage.
In cold weather, your fuel filter may become clogged (waxed). To unclog it,
warm the filter to between
32°F and 50°F (OOC to 10°C). You won’t need
to replace
it.
Water in Fuel
Sometimes, water can be pumped into your fuel tank along with your diesel
fuel. This can happen
if a service station doesn’t regularly inspect and clean
its fuel tanks, or
if it gets contaminated fuel from its suppliers.
If this happens, a WATER
IN FUEL light will come on. If it does, the excess
water must be drained. Your dealer can show
you how to do this.
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L
WATER
IN
FUEL
If the light comes on at any other time, use this chart. This light also should
come on briefly when
you start your engine,
as
a check. If it
doesn’t, have it fixed
so it will be there to
let you know if you
ever do get water in
your fuel.
If you drive when this warning light is on, you can damage your
fuel injection system and your engine.
If the light comes on right
after you refuel,
it means water was pumped into your fuel tank.
Turn
off your engine immediately. Then, have the water drained
at once.
“WATER IN FUEL” LIGHT CHART
Problem Recommended Action
Light comes on intermittently. Drain water from fuel filter.
Light stays on:
1. At temperatures above freezing.
2. At temperatures below freezing.
3. Immediately after refueling -
large amount of water possibly
pumped into
fuel tank. Drain fuel filter
immediately.
If no
water can be drained and light stays
on, see your dealer for assistance.
Drain fuel filter immediately.
If no
water can be drained-water may
be frozen. Open the air bleed valve
to check for fuel pressure.
If no fuel
pressure is present, replace the fuel
filter.
Fuel tank purging required. See
your dealer for assistance.
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Hesitation or “flat” performance at high speed or during \
hard acceleration
may be an indication of premature fuel filter plugging due to dirty or
contaminated fuel. The fidter element may need to be changed
if this
happens. See your dealer for assistance.
To drain water:
1. Stop and park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn off the engine and apply
2. Remove the fuel tank cap.
the parking brake.
3. Place a
fuel-resistant container under the filter drain hose.
5.
6.
7.
8.
4. With the engine
off, open the
water drain valve
2 to 3 turns.
When standing in
front of the
vehicle, the valve
is located on the
right side of the
thermostat
housing.
Start the engine and allow it to idle until clear fuel is ob\
served.
Stop the engine and close the water drain valve.
Remove the fuel-resistant container and properly dispose of the
contaminated fuel.
To find out how to properly dispose of contaminated
diesel fuel see “What to Do with Used Oil” in the “E\
ngine Oil (Diesel
Engines)” part, later in this section.
Install the fuel tank cap.
If the WATER IN FUEL light comes on again after driving a short distance
or the engine runs rough or stalls-a large amount of water has probably
been pumped into the
fuel tank. The fuel tank should be purged.
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NOTICE:
If there is water in your diesel fuel and the weather is warm or
humid, fungus and bacteria can grow in the fuel. They can
damage your fuel system. You'll need a diesel fuel biocide to
sterilize your fuel system. Your dealer can advise
you if you ever
need this.
If your fuel tank needs to be purged to remove water, see your
dealer or a qualified technician. Improper purging can damage
your fuel system.
Running Out of Fuel (Diesel Engines)
If the engine stalls and you think that you've run out of fuel, do this:
First, open the fuel filter air bleed valve.
Briefly crank the
engine and have
someone watch the
bleed valve. If there is
air, then you are
probably
out of fuel.
To restart your engine:
I. If you're parked on a level surface, add at least two gallons of fuel.
However, if you're parked
on a slope, you may need to add up to five
gallons of fuel.
2. With the air bleed valve open, turn your ignition key to START for 10
to
15 seconds to crank (but not start) your engine. Wait one minute
between intervals
of cranking to allow the starter motor to cool.
Overheating the starter motor could damage it. Keep doing this until
you can just see some clear fuel at the air bleed valve. (If, during this
step, the engine starts, turn the ignition off and close the valve before
restart.)
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A CAUTION:
Diesel fuel is flammable. It could start a fire if it gets on hot
engine parts. You could be burned. Don't let too much fuel flow
from the air bleed
valve, and wipe up any spilled fuel with a
cloth.
3. Close the air bleed valve.
4. Turn the ignition key to START for 10 to 15 seconds at a time until
your engine starts.
Fuel Filter Replacement (Diesel Engines)
If you want to change the fuel filter yourself, here's how to do it:
A CAUTION:
Diesel fuel is flammable. It could start a fire if something ignites
it, and you could be burned. Don't let it get on hot engine parts,
and keep matches or other ignition sources away.
First. drain any water from the filter following the procedure for draining
water listed previously.
Your vehicle's engine should be off until the end
of the following procedure.
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Take off the fuel tank cap. This releases vacuum in the tank.
3. Unscrew and
remove the ring
nut from the top
of the
filter head.
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7.
8.
9.
10.
4. Lift the element
out
of the filter
head.
5. If there is any dirt
on the element
sealing surface
of
the filter head,
clean
it off.
6. Line up the
widest slot in the
top of the new
element with
the
widest key on
then top of the
filter head. Push
the element in
until the mating
surfaces touch.
Replace and tighten the ring
nut to the top of the filter head
With
the air bleed valve open, turn your ignition key to START for 10
to 15 seconds. Wait one minute for your starter to cool. Do this until
you can see clear fuel coming from the air bleed valve.
Close the air bleed valve and replace the fuel cap.
Start your engine and let it idle for five minutes. Check your
fuel filter
and air bleed valve for leaks.
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Engine Coolant Heater
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have to park outside in
very cold weather, 0°F (-1 8OC) or colder. If your vehicle has this option,
see “Engine Coolant Heater’’ in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay
on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. (See the manufacturer‘s warnings about the use
and disposal of
oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to
the environment. If you change your own oil,
be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disposal. Don’t
ever dispose
of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies
of water. Instead. recycle it by taking it to
a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of
your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center
for help.
Engine Oil (Diesel Engines)
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil level every time you get fuel. In
order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and
the vehicle must
be on level ground.
Turn off the engine
and give the oil
a few
minutes
to drain back
into the
oil pan. If you
don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the
actual level.
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CranKcase Capacity
ENGINE
4.3L 5 .OL
5.7L“
6.5L
6.5L
6.5L
7.4L>$
VIN
Z
€4
K
P
S
F
N
QUANTITY WITH
FILTER*
4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters)
5 Quarts (4.8 Liters)
5 Quarts (4.8 Liters)
7 Quarts (6.5 Liters)
7 Quarts
(6.5 Liters)
7 Quarts (6.5 Liters)
7 Quarts (6.5 Liters)
After refill, the level
MUST be checked as outlined under “Engine Oil And
Filter Recommendations”
in Section 5.
All quantities are approximate.
“Add one additional quart for
C3500 HD Models.
+Oil filter should be changed at EVERY oil change.
Fuel Tank Capacity
TYPE
Gasoline/Diesel
with Short Bed
with Long Bed
Crew Cab
Standard
Chassis-Cab Models
Standard (Side Tank)
Optional (Rear Tank)
3500 HD Models
Standard (Side Tank)
Optional (Rear Tank)
QUANTITY
26 Gallons (98 Liters)
34 Gallons
(1 28 Liters)
34 Gallons
(1 28 Liters)
23 Gallons (87 Liters)
3
1 Gallons (1 17 Liters)
23 Gallons (87 Liters)
3 1 Gallons ( 117 Liters)
All quantities are
for a completely dry tank and are approximate.
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