3512 Industrial Engine Caterpillar

Starting fluid is required for temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F). The use of other optional cold starting aids is recommended for temperatures below −18 °C (0 °F).

Heaters

Note: Oil pan immersion heaters are not recommended for heating the lube oil. To ensure the compatibility of the components, only use equipment that is recommended by Caterpillar.

Startability will be improved at temperatures below 12 °C (55 °F) with a starting aid. A jacket water heater may be needed and/or the crankcase oil may need to be warmed.

Note: The fluid that is heated must be continuously circulated. This will help to prevent localized overheating of the fluid.

A jacket water heater is available as an option for starting in temperatures as low as 0 °C (32 °F). The jacket water heater can maintain the water temperature at approximately 32 °C (90 °F). The heated water will help to keep the oil in the engine block warm enough to flow when the engine is started.

When No. 2 diesel fuel is used, a fuel heater will maintain the temperature of the fuel above the cloud point. Fuel line insulation will help to maintain the fuel temperature.

Consult your Caterpillar dealer for more information on the starting aids that are available for cold weather starting.

Electric Starting Motor

Maintain the proper level of electrolyte in the batteries. Keep the batteries fully charged.

To maximize the battery power, heat the battery compartment or store the batteries in a warm location. Typically, batteries only have 50 percent of the capability at −10 °C (14 °F) versus 27 °C (80 °F).

Extra battery capacity may be necessary for very cold temperatures.

Air Starting Motor

Note: The maximum air pressure for starting must not exceed 1030 kPa (150 psi).

To start the engine at colder temperatures, the following conditions may be necessary:

• Maximum air pressure for the starting motor

• An additional volume of air

Starting With Ether

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Personal injury or property damage can result from alcohol or starting fluids. Alcohol or starting fluids are highly flammable and toxic and if improperly stored could result in injury or property damage.

The optional ether starting aid is the only system that is recommended for the injection of starting fluid.

Perform the procedures that are described in this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Before Starting Engine" topic (Operation Section).

1. Ensure that the driven equipment is unloaded. Place the transmission in neutral.

2. Move the throttle so that fuel is provided to the engine.
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   NOTICE
   Do not crank the engine continuously for more than 30 seconds. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes before cranking the engine again.

3. Crank the engine. Use of the starting aid depends on these conditions:

   1. The engine control module controls the duration of automatic ether injection in these circumstances:

      • The starting aid is in the automatic mode.

      • The jacket water temperature is between 10 to −40 °C (50 to −40 °F).

      • The engine rpm is more than 30 rpm and less than 1500 rpm.

   2. Manual ether injection can be performed in these circumstances:

      • The starting aid is in the manual mode.

      • The jacket water temperature is between 50 to 66 °C (50 to 166 °F).

      • The engine rpm is more than 30 rpm and less than 1500 rpm.
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   NOTICE
   Excessive starting fluid can cause piston and ring damage. Use starting fluid for cold starting purposes only. Do not use excessive starting fluid during starting or after the engine is running.

4. To inject ether manually, press the starting aid switch. Release the switch immediately.

   Additional injections may be necessary in order to start the engine. Press the starting aid switch about every two seconds until the engine is running easily.