Beaver Contessa - Cold Weather

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20 08 CONTESSA
CHASSIS INFORMATION — 10
If the engine fails to start follow the
procedures for “Engine Will Not Start -
Troubleshooting” in Section 9.
WARNING:
Never attempt to start the engine by
“jumping” relays or any means other
than using the ignition start switch
or the remote start switch. DO NOT
attempt to start the engine unless all
persons are clear of the engine before
starting.
Cold Weather
In extreme cold temperatures, engine oil
becomes thick and battery output is reduced.
Thick oil, combined with less amperage
available from the battery, increases difculty in
starting the engine.
Depending on ambient temperature it may be
necessary to pre-heat the engine. Located in the
coolant passage in the engine is a heating unit
(block heater) that operates from 120 Volt AC.
If it is necessary to pre-heat the engine due to
ambient temperature, activate the block heater
the night before, allowing several hours for the
block heater to warm the engine.
Another method to preheat the engine is to
use the Aqua-Hot. The Aqua-Hot engine pre-
heat function will heat engine coolant and the
interior.
It is possible to operate diesel engines in
extremely cold environments when the engine
is properly equipped with the correct lubricants,
fuels and coolant. Cold weather operation can
be dened in two categories: Winter and Arctic.
WINTER (32º to -25º F.) (0º to -32º
C.): Use a 50% antifreeze to 50%
water coolant mixture, use multi-
viscosity oil meeting manufacturer
specication and fuel to have
maximum cloud pour points 10º F. (6º
C) lower than the ambient temperature
in which the motorhome operates.
ARCTIC (-25º to -65º F.) (-32º to
-52º C.): Use a 60% antifreeze to
40% water coolant mixture. Use oil
meeting manufacturer specication
and fuel to have maximum cloud
pour points 10º F. (6º C.) lower than
the ambient temperature in which the
motorhome operates.
NOTE:
The engine is filled with Texaco Ursa
Premium TDX EC SAE 15-40w (with API
CJ-4 rating) multi-viscosity oil from the
factory. Generally this will start the engine
in temperature down to 15º F. If the engine
has normalized to a temperature below
15º F. it will be necessary to pre-heat the
engine before starting.
CAUTION:
Upon cranking an engine in cold
temperature, the starter may rapidly
engage and disengage. If this occurs STOP
attempting to crank the engine to prevent
starter damage. Pre-heat the engine
before making further attempts to start.
INFORMATION:
Refer to the engine manufacturers
Owner’s Manual for more detailed
information.
Block Heat:
The switch on the dash
labeled “Block Heat” controls
power to the 120 Volt AC
outlet located in the engine
compartment. The block heater
power cord is also located in
the engine compartment.
The block heater is rated
between 850 and 1500 watts, depending on
engine size. For efciency, hook to shore power
or plug the block heater cord into a separate
power cord rated for 15 Amps and a GFCI
protected outlet rated at 20 Amps. The engine
may require several hours of pre-heating before
starting. It is recommended to start preheating
the engine the night before departure.
To Use the Block Heater:
Hook to shore power and plug
the block heater cord into
the block heater receptacle
(both are located in the engine
compartment).
Turn on the Block Heat switch
located on the dash.
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090480
020165h
080375L