Cold-Weather Operation
Satisfactory performance of a diesel engine operating
in low ambient temperatures requires modification of
the engine, surrounding equipment, operating prac-
tices, and maintenance procedures. The lower the
temperature, the greater the amount of modification
required. For service products approved for use in
cold weather for your engine, see the engine manu-
facturer’s engine operation manual, supplied in the
vehicle documentation package.
If satisfactory engine temperature is not maintained,
maintenance costs will increase due to greater en-
gine wear. If the engine coolant temperature be-
comes too low, raw fuel will wash the lubricating oil
off the cylinder walls and dilute the crankcase oil,
causing all moving parts of the engine to suffer from
poor lubrication.
If the engine is in good mechanical condition and the
precautions necessary for cold-weather operation are
taken, ordinary cold weather will not cause difficulty
in starting or loss of efficiency.
The following points are important to observe when
operating in cold weather:
•
Check for cracks in the batteries, for corrosion
of the terminals, and for tightness of the cable
clamps at the terminals.
•
Charge the batteries to full capacity. Replace
any battery that is damaged.
•
If equipped, turn off the load disconnect switch
after the engine is shut down, to prevent bat-
tery discharge.
•
Have the alternator output checked at an au-
thorized service provider.
•
Check the condition and tension of the drive
belts.
•
Refer to the engine manufacturer’s engine op-
eration manual for recommended heaters, low-
viscosity lubricating oils, wintergrade fuels, and
approved coolants.
A winterfront may be used to improve cab heating
while idling. If a winterfront is used, at least 25% of
the grille opening should remain open in sectioned
stripes that run perpendicular to the charge air cooler
tube-flow direction. This assures even cooling across
each tube, and reduces header to tube stress, and
possible failure. Winterfronts should only be used
when the ambient temperature remains below 10°F
(-12°C).
Engine Shutdown
1.
With the vehicle stopped, apply the parking
brake and place the transmission in neutral.
NOTICE
Idle the engine one to two minutes before shut-
ting it down. After hard operation, shutting down
the engine without idling may cause damage to
the turbocharger.
2.
Allow the engine to idle one to two minutes be-
fore shutting it down. This allows the lubricating
oil and the coolant to carry heat away from the
combustion chambers, bearings, shafts, and
seals. The extreme heat may cause bearings to
seize or oil seals to leak.
IMPORTANT: Bearings and seals in the turbo-
charger are subjected to the high heat of com-
bustion exhaust gases. While the engine is run-
ning, this heat is carried away by oil circulation,
but if the engine is stopped suddenly, the turbo-
charger temperature may rise as much as 115°F
(46°C).
NOTICE
Except in an emergency, do not shut down the
engine when the coolant temperature is above
194°F (90°C). To do so could damage the engine.
3.
Turn off the ignition switch and shut down the
engine.
Engine Starting, Operation, and Shutdown
9.3
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