© 2020 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Operating the Engine / 5-35
OPERATION
5-16. Running the Engine
5-16.1 Engine-Specific Operation Instructions
IMPORTANT: Refer to the engine operator’s manual for additional information, troubleshooting, and
safety instructions.
5-16.2 Idling the Engine
NOTE: Refer to the engine manufacturer’s operator’s manual for further information on engine idling.
The diesel engine should only be allowed to idle for extended periods of time when operationally necessary. Avoid
unnecessary idling whenever possible. If low-load idling is operationally necessary, High Idle may be engaged. See
“Operation of the High Idle Feature” on page 5-36.
After a period of idling, driving the vehicle at highway speeds for a period of time afterwards may allow for a passive
regeneration cycle to reduce the hydrocarbon build-up.
Internal combustion engines give off hazardous fumes and gases while running. Do not operate the
engine in an area where exhaust gases can accumulate, or serious injury or death may occur.
Diesel engine exhaust and some of its constituents are known to the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, and other reproductive harm.
The exhaust system can get extremely hot without warning. Keep away from exhaust gas and do not
park vehicle near flammable material. Do not touch exhaust pipes or parts. Hot metal and exhaust gas
will burn skin.
Diesel engine manufacturers typically warn against excessive engine operating time (approximately 10
minutes or more) at low idle speed, particularly during cold weather. Excessive idling can have the
following detrimental effects on the engine:
• Fuel dilution of the lubricating oil.
• Loss of heat transfer to cooling system or inability of engine to maintain proper running
temperature.
• Carbon build-up in the cylinder, cylinder head valve sticking, smoking, and/or reduced
performance.
• High hydrocarbon (unburnt fuel) absorption in the exhaust after-treatment system.
• Torsional vibration levels for some engines may be higher at low idle speeds, leading to premature
wear of PTO splined shafts or other engine driven components.
Excessive idling of a diesel engine equipped with an exhaust after-treatment system may lead to the
build-up of hydrocarbons (unburnt fuel) in the after-treatment system, particularly at high idle speeds.
This may accelerate the need to perform a regeneration cycle. When the build-up of hydrocarbons in
the after-treatment system reaches a critical level, a passive or active regeneration must be performed.
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