MAINTENANCE
UNUSUAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
17VX3
UNUSUAL
Special problems
in
maintenance and operation are
caused by unusual conditions such as extremes
in
heat, cold and humidity, high altitude, salt water, and
dusty or sandy work sites. When operating under
such conditions, special precautions must
be
taken
to prevent machine damage, minimize wear, and
avoid component deterioration.
• Extreme Cold
In
periods
of
extreme cold, the problems of freeze
damage, inadequate lubrication and battery failure
may become particularly trouble - some. With the
onset of very cold weather, it
is
advisable to
"winterize" the machine by servicing the cooling
system and switching to the lubricants
recommended for cold weather usage.
Follow the recommendations below when the
machine must be operated
in
very cold conditions.
1.
To prevent freeze damage to the cooling system
and cracking
of
the engine block or head, drain
and flush the cooling system. Clean the radiator
exterior, making certain the air passages
through the core and the cooling fins are free of
foreign matter.
Refill the cooling system, adding
an
antifreeze
solution recommended by the engine
manufacturer
in
an
amount and strength
appropriate to the anticipated temperatures. A
corrosion inhibitor
is
recommended.
Never use a chromatic base corrosion inhibitor
when the coolant contains ethyl-line glycol. Use
only non-chromatic base inhibitors.
Inspect the thermostat, clamps, radiator hoses
and radiator core for proper condition. Replace
or repair any cooling system component found to
be defective.
2.
Condensation
in
the fuel tank contaminates the
fuel supply with water, which can freeze
in
the
fuel lines and block the fuel flow to the engine.
To minimize this possibility, keep the tank as full
as
is
practical during cold weather.
This may entail refilling the tank more frequently
than usual, but the inconvenience
is
small
compared to clearing a blocked fuel line.
If water should be noticed
in
the fuel supply,
drain the tank and refill it with uncontaminated
fuel.
3.
Lubricate the machine with the lubricants
recommended for cold weather operation
in
the
Lubrication Section. If necessary, change the
engine oil and other lubricants
in
order to
conform to the recommendations.
4.
The battery
is
more likely to sustain freeze
damage if not kept fully charged because its
electrolyte will freeze at a higher temperature
than that
in
a fully charged battery. Be certain
the battery
is
charging when the engine
is
running and use
an
external charger to restore
full charge when the machine
is
not being
operated.
The battery can discharge if snow or ice short
circuits the terminals. Keep the battery posts and
cable connectors clean and dry. Remove any
corrosion with a solution of soda and water.
During extremely cold weather, it
is
advisable to
remove and store the battery
in
a heated area
when the machine
is
to remain idle overnight or
for any extended period.
----[mCAUTION
1]----
Water added to the battery can freeze before
it mixes with the electrolyte.
During very cold weather, add water to the
battery just prior to, or during operation of the
machine.
If the machine
is
not to be run, water may be
added if
an
external charger
is
connected to
the battery.
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