TP-6376 3/08 39Section 4 Prestart and Operation
Section 4 Prestart and Operation
4.1 Introduction
Section 4 deals with prestart checks and procedures
prior to operating the generator set and during generator
set operation. This section may refer to other literature
for procedures and additional information. See the list of
related materials on page 9 of this manual for literature
part numbers.
The information in this section is for qualified generator
set operating technicians and/or maintenance
personnel.
4.2 Prestart Checklist
Check the following items before each startup. See the
engine operation/maintenance manual for specific
service procedures.
Air Cleaner. Prevent unfiltered air from entering engine
by cleaning the air cleaner element and ensuring correct
installation. Check the air cleaner restriction gauge.
Battery. Check battery connections and the level of
battery electrolyte.
Coolant Level. Maintain coolant level at just below the
overflow tube on the radiator filler neck when the engine
is cold. Open air bleed petcocks, if equipped, when
filling the radiator. Close air bleed petcock when coolant
begins to flow from the petcock. If the unit is equipped
with a coolant recovery tank, maintain a level in the tank
between 1/3 full (cold) and 2/3 full (hot).
Use a coolant solution of 50% ethylene glycol and 50%
clean, softened water to inhibit rust/corrosion and
provide freezing protection to --37_C(--34_F) and
overheating protection to 129_C (265_F). A coolant
solution with less than 50% ethylene glycol may not
provide adequate freezing and overheating protection.
A coolant solution with more than 50% ethylene glycol
can cause damage to engine and components. Do not
use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or mix them with the
specified coolant. Consult the engine manufacturer’s
operation manual for engine coolant specifications.
Do not add coolant to an overheated engine until the
engine has cooled. Adding coolant to a hot engine can
cause the cylinder block or cylinder head to crack.
Note: Do not turn on the block heater before filling the
cooling system. Before energizing the block
heater, run the engine until warm and refill the
radiator to purge air from the system. The block
heater will fail if the heater element is not
immersed in water.
Drive Belts. Check the belt condition and tension of
radiator fan, water pump, and battery charging
alternator belt(s).
Enclosure Doors. Check that the enclosure door to the
load connection panel is closed and secured. Some
units have a microswitch safety feature that will shunt
trip the main line circuit breaker if the load connection
panel is open.
Exhaust System. Keep the exhaust outlet clear;
ensure that the silencer and piping are tight and in good
condition.
Fire Extinguisher (optional). Verify that a fully
charged fire extinguisher is in place. See illustrations in
Section 1, Specifications and Features, for location.
Fuel System. Ensure that there is an adequate fuel
supply; keep tanks full. See Section 1.6, Generator Set
Accessories, for more information about fuel fill and fuel
gauge locations.
Drain the fuel/water separator. See Section 1.6,
Generator Set Accessories, for the procedure.
Lamp-Test. Press the lamp-test button to verify all
controller lamps are operational. See the generator set
controller operation manual for details.
Oil Level. Keep the engine oil pan level at or near, but
not over, the full mark on dipstick. If equipped with an
engine oil level regulator, fill the oil makeup system
reservoir as needed.
Note: Check that the valve at the oil level regulator inlet
hose is open. See 5.5, Engine Oil Makeup
System.
Operating Area. Check for obstructions that could
block the flow of cooling air. Keep the area clean. Do not
leave rags, tools, or debris on or near the generator set.
Check for and remove accumulated fluids in the trailer
using the fluid basin drain.
Work Lights. Verify that the work lights are operational
by activating the 60-minute timer switch. A work light
with timer switch is located at the electrical power panel.
In addition, work lights and a timer switch are also
located in the enclosure on the opposite side of electrical
power panel.
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