3618 Engine Caterpillar


Starting the Engine

Usage:

3618 2MW

------ WARNING! ------

Engine exhaust contains products of combustion which may be harmful to your health. Always start and operate the engine in a well ventilated area and, if in an enclosed area, vent the exhaust to the outside.

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NOTICE

For initial start-up of a new or rebuilt engine, and for start-up of an engine that has been serviced, make provision to shut the engine off should an overspeed occur. This may be accomplished by shutting off the fuel supply to the engine.


Do not start the engine or move any of the controls if there is a "DO NOT OPERATE" warning tag or similar warning tag attached to the start switch or to the controls.

Ensure that no one will be endangered before the engine is started and when the engine is started.

If the engine has not been operated for several weeks, fuel may have drained from the fuel filters and air may have entered the fuel filter housing. When fuel filters have been replaced, some air is left in the fuel filter housing. Prime the fuel system in these situations. See this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime".

Perform the procedures that are described in this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Before Starting Engine".

  1. Ensure that the barring device is disengaged.



    Illustration 1g00994262

  1. Ensure that "LOCAL SPEED CONTROL" (3) is in the low idle position.

  1. Turn "FUEL CONTROL ON/OFF" switch (2) to the "ON" position.


    NOTICE

    The engine must be prelubed before the crankshaft is rotated. Damage can result if the crankshaft is rotated on dry bearing surfaces.


  1. Turn "PRELUBE/START" switch (1) to the "PRELUBE" position. Allow the prelube pump to operate until "PRELUBE" indicator (4) illuminates.

    When the "PRELUBE" indicator illuminates, the oil pressure will be approximately 9 kPa (1.3 psi).

    Note: Marine vessels are generally equipped with an electric fuel priming pump.

  1. Activate the fuel priming pump. Operate the fuel priming pump until fuel pressure is indicated on the fuel pressure gauge.

  1. Start the engine at low idle rpm with no load. Turn "PRELUBE/START" switch (2) to the "START" position. When 180 to 200 rpm is achieved, release the "PRELUBE/START" switch.

    The starting motors will disengage when the engine reaches 170 rpm.

    Note: If the engine does not start after ten seconds, turn the "FUEL CONTROL ON/OFF" switch to the "OFF" position. Purge the cylinders. See this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Before Starting Engine" (Operation Section).

  1. Immediately after engine start-up, ensure that oil pressure and fuel pressure are indicated on the gauges. Allow the engine to idle for three to five minutes. The engine speed should stabilize at low idle rpm. Check all of the pressure gauges. Inspect the engine for leaks and listen for unusual noises. While the engine is at low idle and the lube oil has warmed up, check the lube oil. Maintain the oil level between the "ADD" and "FULL" marks on the oil level gauge. When all systems are normal, the rpm may be increased.

Ensure that the oil pressure and the fuel pressure are in the normal ranges. After the engine has started and the warm-up is complete, the engine can be operated at low rpm and low load. The engine will reach normal operating temperature faster if the engine is operated at low rpm and with a low power demand. This procedure is more effective than idling the engine with no load. The engine should reach normal operating temperature in a few minutes.

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