In the United States, for best results use No. 2-D diesel
fuel year-round (above and below freezing conditions)
as oil companies blend No. 2-D fuel to address climate
differences. No. 1-D diesel fuel can be used in very
cold temperatures (when it stays below 0°F or−18°C);
however, it will produce a power and fuel economy loss.
Avoid the use of No. 1-D diesel fuel in warm or hot
climates. It can result in stalling, poor starting when the
engine is hot, and could damage the fuel injection
system.
It is acceptable to use diesel fuel containing up to
5% biodiesel (B5), but the final blended fuel must meet
the same specification, ASTM D 975 (Grades No. 2-D or
No. 1-D S15 commonly known as Ultra Low Sulfur
diesel), as other fuels used in your vehicle, and the
biodiesel used for making this fuel must meet the latest
version of ASTM specification D 6751. Biodiesel is
produced from vegetable oils or animal fat that have been
chemically modified to reduce the possibility of damage to
the fuel system and engine. Higher concentration (i.e.,
greater than B5) biodiesel-containing fuels or the use of
unmodified bio-oils blended into diesel fuel at any
concentration is not recommended and could damage the
fuel system and engine. Such damage would not be
covered by your warranty. If there are questions about
the biodiesel-containing fuels you are using, contact your
fuel supplier.Because of the cleansing properties of biodiesel,
switching from straight diesel to a biodiesel blend can
prematurely restrict the fuel filter with normal deposits in
the fuel system. A fuel filter replacement might be
required sooner than the recommended interval.
Diesel fuel can foam when you fill the tank. This can
cause the automatic pump nozzle to shut off, even
though the tank is not full. If this happens, just wait for
the foaming to stop and then try filling the tank more
slowly. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-20.
{CAUTION:
Heat coming from the engine can cause the
fuel to expand and force the fuel out of the
tank. If something ignites the fuel, a re could
start and people could be burned. To help
avoid this, try lling the tank more slowly and
ll the fuel tank only until the automatic nozzle
shuts off. Do not try to top it off.
5-10
What Fuel to Use in Canada
Notice:Use of diesel fuel other than Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur maximum) or engine oil
other than low ash CJ-4 oil will cause permanent
damage to the DPF and related components.
This damage would not be covered by your
warranty.
The emission control system requires the use of diesel
fuel with ultra low-sulfur (0.0015% by weight, or 15 ppm,
maximum) content. Both Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and Low
Sulfur Diesel fuels are available in the United States and
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel is available in Canada.
However, only higher sulfur diesel fuel is available
in Mexico.
At a minimum, the diesel fuel you use should meet the
latest version of specification CAN/CGSB-3.517 (ULS) in
Canada. In addition, the Engine Manufacturers
Association (EMA) has identified properties of an
improved diesel fuel for better engine performance and
durability (FQP-1A). Diesel fuels corresponding to the
EMA description could provide better starting, less noise,
and better vehicle performance. If there are questions
about the fuel you are using, contact your fuel supplier.Canadian fuels are blended for seasonal changes.
Diesel Type “A” fuel is blended for better cold weather
starting (below 0°F or−18°C); however, you might notice
some power and fuel economy loss. If Type “A” fuel is
used in warmer temperatures, stalling and hard
starting may occur. Diesel Type “B” fuel is blended for
temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
It is acceptable to use diesel fuel containing up to
5% biodiesel (B5), but the final blended fuel must meet
the same specification, CAN/CGSB-3.517 (ULS) in
Canada, as other fuels used in your vehicle, and the
biodiesel used for making this fuel must meet the latest
version of ASTM specification D 6751. Biodiesel is
produced from vegetable oils or animal fat that have been
chemically modified to reduce the possibility of damage to
the fuel system and engine. Higher concentration (i.e.,
greater than B5) biodiesel-containing fuels or the use of
unmodified bio-oils blended into diesel fuel at any
concentration is not recommended and could damage the
fuel system and engine. Such damage would not be
covered by your warranty. If there are questions about
the biodiesel-containing fuels you are using, contact your
fuel supplier.
5-11
Very Cold Weather Operation
Follow the instructions listed previously under the
heading “What Fuel to Use.”
Notice:Never use home heating oil or gasoline in
your vehicle’s diesel engine. They can cause
engine damage.
In cold weather, the fuel filter could become clogged
(waxed). To unclog it, move the vehicle to a warm
garage area and warm the filter to between 32°F and
50°F (0°C to 10°C). You will not need to replace it.
Additional information on the fuel filter follows.
Water in Fuel
{CAUTION:
Diesel fuel containing water is still ammable.
You could be burned. If you ever try to drain
water from your fuel, keep sparks, ames and
smoking materials away from the mixture.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. A diesel fuel biocide can be used to
sterilize your fuel system. However, your fuel system
may still need to be cleaned. Your dealer/retailer
can advise you of the appropriate solution.
If your fuel tank needs to be purged to remove
water, see your dealer/retailer or a quali ed
technician. Improper purging can damage your fuel
system.
Sometimes, water can be pumped into your fuel tank
along with your diesel fuel. This can happen if a service
station does not regularly inspect and clean its fuel
tanks, or if it gets contaminated fuel from its suppliers.
If this happens, the
water-in-fuel light, if
equipped, will come on in
the instrument panel. If it
does, the water must be
drained. Your dealer/
retailer can show you how
to do this.
If the light comes on, use this chart to determine what
action to take.
5-12
Water In Fuel Light
Problem Recommended Action
Light comes on
intermittently.Drain water from the fuel
filter.
Light stays on at
temperatures above
freezing.Drain the fuel filter
immediately. If no water
can be drained and the
light stays on, see your
dealer/retailer for
assistance.
Light stays on at
temperatures below
freezing.Drain the fuel filter
immediately. If no water
can be drained, water
may be frozen in the
water drain system, or in
the fuel lines. Move the
vehicle to a warm location
to thaw out, and then
drain the filter system.
Light stays on
immediately after
refueling, and a large
amount of water was
possibly pumped into the
fuel tank.Fuel tank purging is
required. See your
dealer/retailer for
assistance.Notice:If you drive when this warning indicator is
on, you can damage your fuel injection system
and your engine. If the indicator 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.
To drain water, do the following:
1. Stop and park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn off
the engine and apply the parking brake.
2. Remove the fuel cap.
3. Place a fuel-resistant container under the fuel filter.
The filter drain valve is located on the bottom of the
fuel filter.
If your vehicle has the 6.6L engine, the fuel filter is
located in the engine compartment on the driver’s
side of the vehicle. If your vehicle has either the
7.2L or 7.8L engine, the fuel filters are located in the
engine compartment on the driver’s side of the
vehicle, and on the driver’s side frame rail in front of
the fuel tank.
5-13
4. Open the drain valve
by turning two to three
turns. When fuel
empties from the valve,
all the water has been
drained. Close the
valve hand-tight.
5. Remove the fuel-resistant container and properly
dispose of the contaminated fuel. To find out how
to properly dispose of contaminated diesel fuel, see
Engine Oil (Caterpillar
®Diesel Engine) on
page 5-23orEngine Oil (Gasoline Engine) on
page 5-24orEngine Oil (DURAMAX
®Diesel Engine)
on page 5-28orEngine Oil (Isuzu Diesel Engine) on
page 5-32.
6. Install the fuel cap.
7. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
If the engine stalls, the fuel system may need to
be primed. While draining the water from the fuel
filter, air may enter the fuel system. If air has entered
the fuel system the fuel system will need to be
primed.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.
Fuel Priming
If your vehicle has a Caterpillar®diesel engine, see the
Caterpillar®Diesel Engine Operation and Maintenance
Manual provided with your vehicle.
If your vehicle has a DURAMAX
®diesel engine, in
order for the fuel system to work properly, the fuel lines
must be full of fuel and contain no air. If air gets into the
fuel lines, it will be necessary to prime the fuel lines to
eliminate air before operating the vehicle.
Air can get into the fuel lines if any of the following
happen:
•The vehicle runs out of fuel.
•The fuel filter is removed for servicing or
replacement.
•The fuel lines are removed or disconnected for
servicing.
•The fuel filter water drain valve is opened while the
engine is running.
5-14
If one or more of the above occurred, it is very likely
that air has entered your fuel system and that you will
need to prime the fuel system before operating the
vehicle.
Air in the fuel lines will not harm the engine or the
vehicle. However, the engine may not be able to start
until the fuel system is primed and the air is removed.
Priming the 6.6L DURAMAX®Diesel
Engine
If your vehicle is equipped with the 6.6L DURAMAX®
diesel engine, it has a priming pump which is part of the
engine mounted fuel filter. The vent valve and the fuel
filter primer pump are located on top of the fuel filter
housing. The priming pump is hand operated and is
designed to bring fuel to the engine to eliminate any air
that may be in the fuel lines.
To prime the 6.6L DURAMAX
®diesel engine, do the
following:
1. Make sure there is fuel in the tank.
2. Make sure the fuel filter had been installed and
properly tightened.3. Make sure the fuel lines are properly connected
and the fuel filter is cool enough to touch.
4. Remove any dirt from the fuel filter head and vent
valve by wiping with a cloth.
5. Open the fuel filter vent
valve by turning the
screw counterclockwise
several full turns.
5-15
6. Repeatedly push down
on the fuel filter primer
pump with the palm
of your hand. Let the
pump return upward
between pushes.
7. Operate the priming pump until a small amount of
fuel seeps from the vent valve. When you see the
fuel, the filter is now full of fuel and the system
should be primed.
8. Close the vent valve.
9. Clean any fuel which accumulated on the fuel filter.
10. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes.
11. Check the filter for leaks.Priming the 7.8L DURAMAX®Diesel
Engine
If your vehicle is equipped with the 7.8L DURAMAX®
diesel engine, use the following procedure to prime the
engine:
1. Make sure there is fuel in the fuel tank.
2. Make sure the specified fuel filter is properly
installed.
3. Make sure the fuel lines are securely connected.
4. Make sure the fuel filter is cool to the touch.
5-16
5. Use a clean cloth to remove dirt and oil from the
fuel filter head and breather valve.
6. Use the palm of your hand to repeatedly press and
release the plunger at the top of the fuel filter
priming pump. Continue until the plunger resistance
becomes firm. This may take from 20 to 100 times,
depending upon fuel tank location.
7. Turn the fuel filter breather valve screw
counterclockwise several turns to open the breather
valve.
8. Use the palm of your hand to repeatedly press and
release the plunger at the top of the fuel filter
priming pump until fuel begins to seep from the
breather valve.
9. Tighten the fuel filter breather screw to the specified
torque, 4.9Y(43 lbs in).
10. Use the palm of your hand to press and release the
plunger at the top of the fuel filter priming pump
about 20 more times. This sends fuel to the engine.
11. Use a clean cloth to remove any fuel from the fuel
filter and surrounding area.
12. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a
few minutes.
13. Check the fuel filter for leakage.Running Out of Fuel
If the diesel engine stalls and you think that you have
run out of fuel, do this to restart your engine:
{CAUTION:
Diesel fuel is ammable. It could start a re if
it gets on hot engine parts. You could be
burned. Do not let too much fuel ow from the
air bleed valve, and wipe up any spilled fuel
with a cloth.
1. If you are parked on a level surface, add at least
2 gallons (7.6 liters) of fuel. However, if you are
parked on a slope, you may need to add up to
5 gallons (18.9 liters) of fuel.
2. Follow the fuel priming procedure earlier in this
section to prime the fuel filter.
3. Close the air bleed valve.
5-17