HEAVY FUELS FOR RAILROAD DIESELS

Railroad diesel locomotives have been powered with high grade all-distillate type fuels since their introduction. Such fuels have given excellent over-all performance. Recently, stationary locomotive tests conducted on the New York Central Railroad have indicated that a residual-distillate type fuel of 300 SSU viscosity at 100°F. gives satisfactory operation in an EMD F-7 freight locomotive equipped with a 567 B-16 engine when used in conjunction with a dual-fuel system. It is further indicated that the dual-fuel system appears practical for railroad operation. The use of the dual-fuel system was found to be necessary because operation with residual-distillate type fuel at the lower throttle positions was unsatisfactory. Distillate fuel is there fore required in these throttle positions.

A field test is now in progress on the EMD F-7 test locomotive equipped with a dual-fuel system and using 300 SSU at 100°F. viscosity residual-distillate type fuel. Some mechanical troubles have arisen which may be attributed to the use of the special fuel, and efforts are being made to correct them. It is also indicated that deterioration of the lubricating oil may be accelerated when using residual-distillate type fuel and this problem is also being investigated.

This paper confirms and supplements results presented by others. Information presented herein will, however, be of value to anyone contemplating work on heavy fuels for railroad use.