Onan 200 DFP - Starting; Break-In; No-Load Operation; Exercise Period

The high engine temperature
shutdown system will not oper¬
ate if the coolant level is too low. The high engine
temperature sensor monitors coolant temper¬
ature. Loss of coolant will prevent sensor opera¬
tion and allow the engine to overheat causing
severe damage to the engine. Therefore, maintain
adequate coolant level to ensure the operation of
the high engine temperature shutdown system.
• Low Coolant Level Shutdown (Optional) - A float
actuated switch provides engine shutdown if cool¬
ant level falls too low. Italso turns on the high engine
temperature fault lamp.
STARTING
The following sections cover the three systems used to
start the generator set.
Starting at Control Panel
Move the Run-Stop-Remote switch on the DC panel
(Figure 1) to the RUN position. This will activate the
engine control system and the starting system. The star¬
ter will begin cranking and after a few seconds the
engine should start. The starter will disconnect when
the engine reaches a speed of 450 to 570 r/min.
If the engine does not start, the starter will disengage
after a specified period of time and the control will indi¬
cate an overcranK faull. Generator sets with the stand¬
ard overcrank control will crank continuously for up to
75 seconds before disengaging the starter. Generator
sets with the cycle cranking option will crank for 15
seconds and then stop for 15 seconds until 3 cycles
have been completed To clear an o vercrank fault, place
the Run-Stop-Remote switch >n the STOP position and
momentarily depress the Reset switch. Wait two min¬
utes for the starter motor to cool and then repeat the
starting procedure. If the engine does not run after a
second attempt at starting, refer to the Troubleshooting
section.
Starting From Remote Location
Move the Run-Stop-Remote switch on the generator set
DC panel to the REMOTE position. This allows the
generator set to be started from a remote switch. Clos¬
ing the remote switch initiates the starting sequence
described in the previous section.
Automatic Starting
Place the Run-Stop-Remote switch on the generator
set DC panel in the REMOTE position if an automatic
transfer switch is used. This allows the transfer switch to
start the generator set if a power outage occurs and stop
it when the power returns.
STOPPING
Before Stopping
Run the generator set at no load for three to five minutes
before stopping. This allows the lubricating oil and
engine coolant to carry heat away from the combustion
chamber and bearings.
To Stop
If the set was started at the set control panel or at a
remote control panel, move the Run/Stop/Remote
switch or remote starting switch to the STOP position. If
the set was started by an automatic transfer switch, the
set will automatically stop about 15 minutes after the
normal power source returns.
BREAK-IN
Drain and replace the crankcase oil after the first 50
hours of operation on new generator sets. Refer to the
MAINTENANCE section of this manual for the recom¬
mended procedures,
NO-LOAD OPERATION
Periods of no load operation should be held to a min¬
imum. If it is necessary to keep the engine running for
long periods of time when no electric output is required,
best engine performance will be obtained by connect¬
ing a “dummy” electrical load. Such a load could consist
of heater element, etc.
EXERCISE PERIOD
Generator sets on continuous standby must be able to
go from a cold startto being fully operational in a matter
of seconds. This can impose a severe burden on engine
parts.
Regular exercising keeps engine parts lubricated, pre¬
vents oxidation of electrical contacts and in general
helps ensure reliable engine starting. Exercise the
generator set at least once a week for a minimum of 30
minutes with load so the engine reaches normal operat¬
ing temperatures.
Onan automatic transfer switches have as an option an
exerciser that can be preset to provide regular exercise
periods. Typically the exerciser can be set for time of
start, length of run, and day of week.
ACAUTION
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