Usage:
Proper engine operation and maintenance are essential for long engine life and maximum performance. The basic operation and periodic maintenance procedures are outlined in this OPERATION GUIDE. Before starting the engine, familiarize yourself with these procedures.
Your Caterpillar dealer is available for troubleshooting, testing and servicing when required.
Safety Precautions
Safety is basically common sense. A general guide of safety precautions may be listed, but each installation has its own peculiarities which cannot always be predicted and covered by rules. Past experience and common sense are needed for the necessary safety measures. Lack of attention to safety can result in serious accidents. Be alert. Watch for hazards. Use preventive measures. Correct deficiencies promptly.
The following safety precautions are a guide to safe operation:
- 1. Install guards over all exposed rotating parts. If guards are missing, inadequate or in need of repair, repair or replace them.
- 2. Wear ear protective devices if working inside an enclosed engine room with engine running.
- 3. Wear a safety hat when working in the area of overhead equipment.
- 4. Do not wear loose clothing whenever working around engines or machinery.
- 5. Keep the engine room and floor clean. Wipe up spilled oil or fuel.
- 6. Keep batteries in a well ventilated area.
Hydrogen gas, which is present in the area of the batteries, is highly explosive. Do not smoke around batteries.
- 7. Provide adequate waste oil disposal.
- 8. Store oily rags in containers. Don't leave rags on an engine.
- 9. Remove all tools and electrical cords from the engine before starting.
- 10. Disconnect and tape the battery ground lead before working on an engine. Be sure an automatic start-stop system cannot operate and start the engine while working on it.
- 11. Never start, nor attempt to run, an engine with the governor linkage disconnected.
- 12. Never try adjusting or repairing either the engine, or the driven equipment, while the engine is running.
Safety is EVERYONE'S Business!!
Altitude Operation
The fuel system settings and altitude limits are stamped on the engine information plate. When an engine is moved to a higher altitude, these settings must be changed by your Caterpillar dealer in order to prevent damaging the turbocharger, and to provide maximum engine efficiency.
If the engine is moved to a lower altitude than that which is stamped on the engine information plate, the engine can be operated safely, but it will deliver less than rated horsepower.
Typical warning plate locations on several engines are shown below.
Cold Weather Starting
Many variables can affect cold weather starting. Use the above chart as a guide, but actual experience will determine when aids are necessary and how they should be used. The following starting aids are available:
Glow Plugs (Attachment)
Use glow plugs before cranking the engine, immediately after the engine has started, and until the engine is running smoothly.
Operation:
- 1. Push in and turn the HEAT-START switch to the HEAT position and hold for the approximate heating time shown in the Cold Weather Starting Chart.
- 2. Turn the HEAT-START switch to the START position.
- 3. As soon as the engine starts, turn the HEAT-START switch to the HEAT position. Hold the switch in this position until the engine is running smoothly.
- 4. Release the switch.
| NOTICE |
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NEVER use glow plugs when the engine is warm and running. |
Starting Fluid
| NOTICE |
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Spray starting fluid only while cranking the engine. |
If starting fluid is sprayed into an engine that is running, the fluid would cause severe preignition in all cylinders until the fluid is consumed.
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Starting fluid is volatile and must be stored away from heat and direct sunlight. If an aerosol container is used, follow the instructions on the container. |
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- 1. Heat the glow plugs for the approximate heating time shown in the Cold Weather Starting Chart.
- 2. Turn the HEAT-START switch to the START position. While cranking, discharge a quick spray of starting fluid into the air inlet or air cleaner.
- 3. If necessary, repeat the procedure.
- 4. After the engine starts, it may be necessary to return the HEAT-START switch to the HEAT position until the engine runs smoothly. Then release the switch.
Jacket Water Heater (Attachment)
In very low temperatures, the lubricating oil must be warmed to allow starting. A jacket water heater can maintain the jacket water temperature at approximately 90°F (32°C). The warm jacket water will keep the oil in the upper part of the engine block warm enough to flow when starting.
Dipstick Oil Heater
Contact your Caterpillar dealer before installing a dipstick crankcase oil heater.
Air/Fuel Ratio Control With Over-Ride
The large V-type engines are equipped with an air/fuel ratio control which has an over-ride lever. During extremely cold weather, more fuel and a richer fuel mixture may be necessary when starting.
If the engine is blowing white smoke, but will not start:
- 1. Release the start switch.
- 2. Move the over-ride lever to the START position.
- 3. Use starting aids and crank the engine.
As soon as the engine starts and runs, the lever will return to the RUN position.
