Cayman 2006 Chassis Information — Section 10 • 257
Extended Engine Shutdown
When the motorhome has been sitting for extended periods, 30 days or more, verify all the fl uid levels are
correct. Follow the normal starting procedures. If the oil pressure gauge does not register within 15 seconds, shut
off the engine immediately to avoid damage. Consult the engine manufacturer owner’s manual for guidelines
on troubleshooting low oil pressure, or contact a qualifi ed service technician. Allow the engine to idle for fi ve
minutes before operating under a load.
COOLANT SYSTEM
The cooling system consists of a radiator mounted at the rearside of the motorhome, cooling fan, transmission
cooler, and a charge air cooler. Steel tubes and radiator hoses allow engine coolant to fl ow between the radiator
and the engine. The fan draws air from the outside of the motorhome, through the radiator and into the engine
compartment. These components working together ensure that all the chassis systems maintain proper operating
temperatures as they are inter-related. A problem with one component may cause problems with an entirely
different system.
After the engine reaches proper temperature, the water regulator (thermostat) on the engine opens and allows
coolant to fl ow from the engine, through the upper radiator hose and into the radiator. The coolant is cooled in
the radiator and fl ows through the transmission cooler and back to the engine through the lower radiator tube. A
by-pass tube installed between the thermostat housing and lower radiator tube functions to supply coolant to the
transmission cooler under certain conditions to ensure proper cooling.
The charge air cooler cools intake air for the engine after it has passed through the turbocharger. This is
necessary due to the heat generated as the intake air is pressurized, and subsequently heated. With the components
working together to maintain the engine and transmission at the proper temperature, proper maintenance of the
cooling system is very important. One neglected component could result in cooling problems.
Maintenance of the cooling system includes maintaining proper coolant levels with coolant mixture, regular
inspection of system components, fl ushing the coolant system with approved cleaners and ensuring that the
exterior of the radiator and other external coolers are kept clean of debris.
The engine coolant level should be checked daily to ensure that it is at the proper level. At the rear of the
motorhome is a plastic translucent surge tank. Under certain lighting conditions it may be diffi cult to see the level
of the coolant in the surge tank and a fl ashlight held behind the surge tank should enable easier viewing.
Engine Coolant Reservoir:
The engine coolant reservoir is connected to the radiator by a hose. When the
motorhome is driven, coolant heats and expands. Expansion-displaced fl uid fl ows
from the radiator into the reservoir tank. The coolant cools and contracts when the
engine is stopped, and coolant is drawn back in the radiator by a vacuum. Thus,
the radiator is kept fi lled with coolant to the desired level at all times, resulting in
increased cooling effi ciency. The coolant level should be at, or slightly above, the
appropriate mark on the reservoir tank when the system is cold.
CAUTION:
To avoid scalding hot steam or coolant from being released from
the engine cooling system, never remove the reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot. Failure to follow this warning may result
in damage to the engine’s cooling system and possibly cause severe
personal injury.
030823
To Next Page