Note: Oil pan immersion heaters are not recommended for heating the lube oil. To ensure the compatibility of the components, only use equipment that is recommended by Caterpillar.
Startability will be improved at temperatures below
Note: The fluid that is heated must be continuously circulated. This will help to prevent localized overheating of the fluid.
A jacket water heater is available as an option for starting in temperatures as low as
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.
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
Extra battery capacity may be necessary for very cold temperatures.
Note: The maximum air pressure for starting must not exceed
To start the engine at colder temperatures, the following conditions may be necessary:
- Maximum air pressure for the starting motor
- An additional volume of air
Personal injury or property damage can result from alcohol or starting fluids. Alcohol or starting fluids are highly flammable and toxic and if improperly stored could result in injury or property damage. |
The optional ether starting aid is the only system that is recommended for the injection of starting fluid.
Perform the procedures that are described in this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Before Starting Engine" topic (Operation Section).
- Ensure that the driven equipment is unloaded. Place the transmission in neutral.
- Move the throttle so that fuel is provided to the engine.
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NOTICE Do not crank the engine continuously for more than 30 seconds. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes before cranking the engine again.
- Crank the engine. Use of the starting aid depends on these conditions:
- The engine control module controls the duration of automatic ether injection in these circumstances:
- The starting aid is in the automatic mode.
- The jacket water temperature is between
10 to −40 °C (50 to −40 °F) . - The engine rpm is more than 30 rpm and less than 1500 rpm.
- Manual ether injection can be performed in these circumstances:
- The starting aid is in the manual mode.
- The jacket water temperature is between
50 to 66 °C (50 to 166 °F) . - The engine rpm is more than 30 rpm and less than 1500 rpm.
Show/hide tableNOTICE Excessive starting fluid can cause piston and ring damage.
Use starting fluid for cold starting purposes only.
Do not use excessive starting fluid during starting or after the engine is running.
- The engine control module controls the duration of automatic ether injection in these circumstances:
- To inject ether manually, press the starting aid switch. Release the switch immediately.
Additional injections may be necessary in order to start the engine. Press the starting aid switch about every two seconds until the engine is running easily.