Startability will be improved at temperatures below 16 °C (60 °F) with a starting aid. A jacket water heater may be needed and/or the crankcase oil may need to be warmed.
A jacket water heater is available as an option for starting in temperatures as low as 0 °C (32 °F). The jacket water heater can maintain the water temperature at approximately 32 °C (90 °F). The heated water will help to keep the oil in the engine block warm enough to flow when the engine is started.
Maintain the proper level of electrolyte in the batteries. Keep the batteries fully charged.
To maximize the battery power, heat the battery compartment or store the batteries in a warm location. Typically, batteries only have 50 percent of the capability at -10 °C (14 °F) versus 27 °C (80 °F).
Extra battery capacity may be necessary for very cold temperatures.
When No. 2 diesel fuel is used, a fuel heater will maintain the temperature of the fuel above the cloud point. Fuel line insulation will help to maintain the fuel temperature.
Consult your Caterpillar dealer for more information on the starting aids that are available for cold weather starting.