Recommendations For Cold Weather Starting Of Engines Equipped To Operate Air Compressors And Drills{1000, 1450} Caterpillar

The following recommendations are given in the order of their importance.

Auxiliary Heating Aids

For cold weather operation of Diesel Engines, auxiliary heating equipment is necessary. Know the type of application, expected low temperature, and make plans for auxiliary heaters before cold weather has started. To help find the level of auxiliary heaters needed, use the information below as a guide.

Different starting temperatures need different levels of engine preparation before starting. This guide is given for an engine that has been given correct regular maintenance. Given below are five temperature levels.

* Level (1) +50°F to +32°F (+10°C to 0°C)

* Level (2) +32°F to +10°F (0°C to -12°C)

* Level (3) +10°F to -15°F (-12°C to -25°C)

* Level (4) -16°F to -40°F (-26°C to -40°C)

* Level (5) below -40°F (-40°C)

The following procedures of engine preparation for starting, are the recommendations at the five temperature levels.

Fuel Heaters

a) Waxing of fuel and freezing water are the most common causes of difficult starting. A change of fuel filters and thoroughly priming the system can correct the waxing problem. Make sure water is kept out of the fuel; this is important. Fuel heaters can also be used.

Suppliers of fuel heaters are: (See page 8 for complete addresses)

* J/McQ Fuel Heater - Water Separator

* Phillips Temro, Inc.

* Webb Enterprises, Inc.

* South Wind Division of Stewart Warner Corporation

Types Of Auxiliary Heating Aids

Electric

If 110 or 220 volt (50 or 60 Hz) current is available, electric heaters can be used. There are two types of electric water heaters for engines:

Immersion Water Heaters

a) The in-block immersion water heaters are available from Caterpillar dealer parts departments. They are made to keep an engine warm after it has been shut down. Normal procedure is to put the unit near an electrical power supply to keep the engine warm until it is started again. These heaters are not made to heat a cold engine. They are installed in the cylinder block core plugs or oil cooler connections.

b) The chart below gives engine displacement, weight, thermostat opening temperature and water volume that should be sent to suppliers when heaters are ordered.

Available heaters from Caterpillar dealers are:

b) Other suppliers of immersion heaters are: (see page 8 for complete addresses)

* Phillips Temro Inc.

* Kim Hotstart Manufacturing Co.

The pictures below give the element installation location for in-block immersion water heaters.

a) Right side location for 3208 Engine.

b) Left side location for 3208 Engine.

NOTE: Do not damage the bore when the core plug is removed.

c) Element location for 3300 Series Engine.

d) Element location for 3406 Engine.

e) Right side location for 3408 and 3412 Engines.

f) Left side location for 3408 and 3412 Engines.

NOTE: Remove the cover and install a 7N210 Adapter.

Tank Water Heaters

a) Tank water heaters use a location outside the engine and need electrical power. The difference in temperature moves the water from the tank and through the engine. Thermostats control water temperature. Always install the heater so that cold water comes in at the bottom of the heater.

b) These heaters can be added to the engines; see your Caterpillar dealer for details. Other suppliers of tank heaters are: (see page 8 for complete addresses)

* Kim Hotstart Manufacturing Co.

* Phillips Temro, Inc.

Non-Electric Heaters

a) When electricity is not available from an outside power supply or auxiliary generators, water heaters that burn diesel fuel, gasoline, propane, etc., can be used. Use the engine specification chart on page 4 to give similar capacity information in a letter to the following suppliers: (see page 8 for complete addresses)

* Phillips Temro, Inc.

* South Wind Division of Stewart Warner Corporation

* Webasto North American

Wind Protection

a) Remember that the effect of wind chill (cold) factor is important to maintenance of a minimum operating temperature and to hold the heat from jacket water heaters. Keep coolant temperature above 170°F (77°C) during operation and keep oil sump temperature above 200°F (93°C).

b) Flexible covers can be used to completely cover the radiator, for protection of radiator coolant in engines not in operation, and can also be used over part of the radiator during engine operation, to keep the coolant at the necessary minimum temperature.

Battery Heaters

a) Battery heaters can increase cool cranking amperage. If battery heaters are used, make an enclosure from styrofoam or other insulation to keep in the heat. CAUTION: Battery gases must be ventilated (let out) through the enclosure. Suppliers of battery heaters are: (see page 8 for complete addresses)

* Kim Hotstart Manufacturing Co.

* Phillips Temro, Inc.

Oil Heaters

a) The use of immersion oil heaters is not a Caterpillar recommendation. Use of multi-viscosity or synthetic oil is our recommendation.

Below is a list of some suppliers of heaters and other cold weather starting aids.

Operating Controls

a) Check the engine and drill controls on the operator's panel to make sure that full travel is possible and that the controls are correctly engaged. Read and understand the machine Operation Guide for correct starting instructions and procedures.

b) Some hydraulic pumps can be destroked (put the pump in a neutral or by-pass condition). Also, it is the recommendation of some OEM's that pumps be destroked at shutdown to remove the oil from pump sections which would not normally drain.

c) Put the start-run switches on the air compressor in the start position to decrease compression resistance.

d) To decrease driven loads on equipment when starting the engine, use all available adjustments or unloading valves.

e) Make sure that low pressure and high temperature shut-down equipment operates correctly and can be by-passed for start-up.

Starting Aids

a) Starting aids are needed in cold weather for both precombustion chamber and direct injection type Caterpillar engines.

Precombustion Chamber Engines

b) Glow plugs are necessary when the engine is started at less than 60°F (15°C). If the temperature is below +10°F (-12°C), ether starting aids can also be used.

Direct Injection Engines

c) If the temperature is less than 60°F (15°C), ether starting aids must be used to help start the engine.

d) Ether Starting Aid Kits must be compatible (work together correctly) with your engine. For details of nozzle location, amount of ether and nozzle size see your Caterpillar Dealer, OEM Dealer or Caterpillar Tractor Co.

e) Glow plugs are not available on direct injection type engines.

Basic Maintenance

The need for basic maintenance becomes more important as ambient temperatures decrease or at higher altitudes.

A) FUEL

1. Check a fuel sample for waxing or cloudiness.

2. Drain the water from the fuel tank and water separators every day after shutdown.

3. Make sure fuel pressure is at minimum cranking pressure [replacement of plugged (full of restriction) fuel filters is necessary].

4. Prime the fuel system after the water is drained from the fuel tanks and water separators.

5. Make sure that all fuel line connections are tight on the suction line; this will keep air out of the fuel system.

B) OIL

1. Use the correct viscosity oil in the engine and driven equipment for the lowest expected ambient temperature.

C) ELECTRIC

1. Check for loose battery and starter connections.

2. Keep the batteries in good condition.

D) INTAKE AND EXHAUST

1. Snow and ice can cause a restriction in the engine inlet, exhaust and breather; check to make sure these are not plugged.