Number 1-D or winter blend number 2-D fuel is recommended at
temperatures below 20°F (-7°C) (seeCold weather operationin the
Drivingchapter. Diesel fuel containing no more than 5% biodiesel may
be used. Biodiesel fuel is a product that has been converted from
renewable fuel sources, including vegetable oil, animal fat and cooking
oil. Raw or refined vegetable oil, animal fat, cooking oil or recycled
greases should not be used.
Since it is normal for a small amount of unburned fuel to enter the
crankcase and mix with the engine oil, the use of biodiesel requires that
the engine oil and filter be changed more often. Refer to theExceptions
section of theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for more
information.
Do not use home heating oil or any diesel fuel not intended for
highway use. Red dye is used to identify fuels intended for
agricultural and non-highway use. Damage to the fuel injection
system, engine and exhaust catalyst can occur if an improper fuel
is used. Do not add gasoline, gasohol or alcohol to diesel fuel.
This practice creates a serious fire hazard and engine
performance problems.
NOTE:Use of any fuel other than those recommended may cause
powertrain damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and repairs may not
be covered under warranty.
WARNING:Using low sulfur (16-500 ppm) or high sulfur
(greater than 500 ppm) diesel fuel in a diesel engine designed to
use only Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel increases the likelihood of engine
oil dilution with fuel which may lead to major engine damage.
WARNING:Using low sulfur (16-500 ppm) or high sulfur
(greater than 500 ppm) diesel fuel in a diesel engine designed to
use only Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel will cause certain emission
components to malfunction which may also cause the Service Engine
Soon (
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON) light to illuminate indicating an emissions-related
concern.
WARNING:Do not mix diesel fuel with gasoline, gasohol or
alcohol. This could cause an explosion resulting in personal
injury.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
188
WARNING:Do not use starting fluid such as ether or gasoline.
Such fluids can cause immediate explosive damage to the engine
and possible personal injury.
Fuel quality
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket additives to your fuel
tank if you use a properly formulated diesel fuel that meets ASTM D 975
specification. Aftermarket additives can damage the injector system or
engine. Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in
your fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Do not blend used engine oil with diesel fuel under any
circumstances.Blending used oil with the fuel will significantly increase
your vehicle’s exhaust emissions and reduce engine life due to increased
internal wear.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends diesel fuel specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Diesel fuel that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about fuel that meet the World-Wide
Fuel Charter.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel as this will allow air to enter the fuel system,
which will make restarting the vehicle difficult.
If you have run out of fuel:
•If your vehicle is equipped with dual fuel tanks,add at least
4–5 gallons (15–19 liters) of fuel to each tank before attempting to
restart the engine.
•The fuel system must be primed before attempting to restart the
engine. Refer to the engine operator’s manual for instructions on
priming the engine.
•Use caution not to overheat and damage the starterby cranking
the engine for an excessive period of time. You may need to crank the
engine for a longer time than normal. If the engine fails to start in
30 seconds, turn the ignition to the OFF position and wait for two
minutes before cranking the engine again.
•Any remaining trapped air will self-purge from the fuel system once
the engine starts running.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
189
•The engine may run rough and produce white smoke while air is in
the fuel system. This is normal and should stop after a short period of
time.
FUEL CONSUMPTION IMPROVEMENT MEASURES
There are two important factors you can control to improve fuel
economy: the mechanical condition of your vehicle and how you drive it.
A properly maintained vehicle will deliver better performance than a
neglected vehicle. Always follow your maintenance schedule to keep your
vehicle in top operating condition.
Also, your driving habits have a significant influence on use of fuel. By
following these suggestions, you can stretch your fuel use:
•Avoid changes in speed as much as possible.
•Anticipate changing traffic conditions. Sudden stops and fast
acceleration waste fuel.
•Avoid extensive idling.
•Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal.
Essentials of good fuel economy
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more
accurate measurement after 2,000–3,000 miles (3,000–5,000 km).
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank(s) on your vehicle is equal
to the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank(s) as listed inFuel tanksin
this chapter. The advertised capacity is the amount of the Indicated
Capacity and the Empty Reserve combined. Indicated Capacity is the
difference in the amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel
gauge indicates empty. Empty Reserve is the small amount of usable fuel
remaining in the fuel tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of Empty Reserve varies and should not be relied
upon to increase driving range. When refueling your vehicle after
the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be able to refuel
the full amount of the advertised capacity of the fuel tank due to
the empty reserve still present in the tank.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
190
Filling the tank
For consistent results:
•Use the same fill rate setting (low - medium - high) each time during
filling.
•Allow three automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel of a known quality, preferably a national brand.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
•When refueling a vehicle equipped with dual fuel tanks, if the two
tanks are not filled equally, the fuel gauge reading may fluctuate
slightly until the fuel level between the two tanks balance out and
become equal.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Note:For vehicles equipped with dual fuel tanks, engine performance
may degrade if fuel is not added to both tanks when refueling.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank(s) completely and record the initial odometer
reading (in miles or kilometers).
2. Each time you fill the tank(s), record the amount of fuel added (in
gallons or liters).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank(s) and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
•Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
•Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total kilometers traveled.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style - good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
191
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
Conditions
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Flat terrain driving improves fuel economy over hilly roads.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the accelerator.
•Close windows for highway driving.
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)
Your vehicle is equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), as part of
the after-treatment exhaust system, to trap soot and other large particles
produced by the engine combustion process. The soot that accumulates
in the filter must be periodically reduced to ash to prevent excessive
exhaust restriction. The soot reduction process, also known as “filter
regeneration,” is generally performed automatically by your engine and
after-treatment system.
WARNING:The normal operating temperature of the exhaust
system is very high. Never work around, or attempt to repair,
any part of the exhaust system until it has cooled. Use special care
when working around the diesel particulate filter. The DPF heats up to
a high temperature after only a short period of engine operation, and
can remain hot even after the engine is turned off. Failure to follow
these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
192
Diesel particulate filter regeneration (Caterpillar engine only)
DPF regeneration requires no operator interaction and may occur at any
time. A small increase in engine sound-level during filter regeneration is
normal and should be no reason for concern.
A separate fuel injector/nozzle, which requires periodic cleaning, is used
in the regeneration process. Refer to Caterpillar’sOperation and
Maintenance Manualfor details regarding cleaning requirements.
Diesel particulate filter regeneration (Cummins engine only)
Under most operating conditions, DPF regeneration will be transparent
to the operator. A small increase in engine/turbo sound-level is normal
during filter regeneration. If, however, your engine is operated for
extended periods of time under one of the following conditions, operator
assistance may be required to facilitate the filter regeneration process:
•Vehicle is operated in stop-and-go traffic and/or maintains low speeds
as in a city/delivery driving
•Engine is started and shut-off frequently
•Vehicle payload is relatively light
•Vehicle is regularly operated in cold ambient temperatures (i.e. below
0°F [-18°C])
Diesel Particulate Filter Four–Level Loading Chart
Level/Lamp status Filter status Requested action
Level 1
DPF lamp solidRegeneration required. Drive on highway at
highway speedsOR
start “parked
regeneration” to
prevent loss of engine
performance. Level 2
DPF lamp flashing
(once per second)Nearly full. Engine
performance is limited.
Level 3
DPF lamp flashing +
Service Engine Soon
lamp solidFull. Engine is
increasingly limited.Perform “parked
regeneration” to
prevent loss of engine
performance.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
193
Diesel Particulate Filter Four–Level Loading Chart
Level/Lamp status Filter status Requested action
Level 4
Stop Engine lamp
solidOver full. Engine
performance is highly
limited. Continued
operation may result
in irreparable damage
to the filter.Pull vehicle safely off
roadway, turn on
hazard flashers and
shut down engine as
soon as possible. Seek
service immediately.
Instrument cluster lamp(s) will
illuminate and/or flash when
operator assistance is required. In
addition, engine performance will
become increasingly limited above
Level 1.
At Levels 1 and 2, two courses of action may be taken by the operator to
facilitate filter regeneration:
1. The vehicle may be driven on the highway at highway speeds,
2. The operator may perform a parked regeneration by following the
steps inParked regeneration procedure (Cummins engine only).
At Level 3, performing a parked regeneration is the only available course
of action (short of professional servicing) available to the operator for
regenerating the filter. At Level 4, professional servicing is the only way
to regenerate the filter.
Parked regeneration procedure (Cummins engine only)
WARNING:When performing the parked regeneration
procedure, make certain the vehicle is safely off roadway, and
the exhaust system is away from people, or any flammable materials,
vapors, or structures. Engine speed may increase during parked
regeneration.
Note:Parked regeneration is only available when the DPF lamp on the
instrument cluster is illuminated (solid or flashing).
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground and safely off the
road with the exhaust system away from people, flammable materials,
vapors or structures.
2. If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission and a
steering column shift lever, place transmission in P (Park). Otherwise,
place the transmission in N (Neutral).
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
194
3. Remove feet from the accelerator pedal and clutch pedal (if
equipped).
4. Set the parking brake.
5.Within 5 seconds of setting the parking brake,remove foot from
the service brake pedal.
When these steps are performed successfully in the order outlined above,
the DPF lamp will begin flashing at a rate of once every 10 seconds. The
engine speed may also increase slightly. To allow parked regeneration to
continue uninterrupted:
1. The vehicle must remain parked
2. The transmission must remain in P (Park) or N (Neutral) (as
previously described in Step 2).
3. The accelerator pedal, service brake pedal, and clutch pedal (if
equipped) must not be depressed
4. The parking brake must remain set
On average (depending on filter level and other factors), the process will
take 20–30 minutes to complete. The DPF lamp will turn off when the
process is complete. Repeat Steps 1–5, if parked regeneration is
interrupted.
To discontinue parked regeneration (Cummins engine only)
Depress any of the floor pedals to discontinue parked regeneration.
Diesel particulate filter maintenance and service
The DPF is designed to retain a relatively large amount of residual ash
and provide many miles and hours of maintenance-free operation. At
some point, generally beyond 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 5,000 hours
of operation (whichever comes first), the DPF will require professional
cleaning to remove the accumulated ash
The exact number of miles or hours of operation will vary greatly
depending upon vehicle/engine loading and operating conditions, ash
content of the engine oil, and quality of the diesel fuel used in your
truck. Adhering to your engine manufacturer’s recommended oil and fuel
specifications will maximize the miles and hours of operation before a
DPF professional cleaning is required. Refer to your engine
manufacturer’s owner’s manual for more details regarding recommended
maintenance and service of your DPF.
2009 F-650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
195