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Engine exhaust contains products of combustion which may be harmful to your health. Always start and operate the engine in a well ventilated area and, if in an enclosed area, vent the exhaust to the outside. |
Perform the required daily maintenance and other periodic maintenance before the engine is started. Inspect the engine compartment. This inspection can help prevent major repairs at a later date. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Walk-Around Inspection" topic (Maintenance Section) for more information.
- For the maximum service life of the engine, make a thorough inspection before starting the engine. Look for the following items: oil leaks, coolant leaks, loose bolts and trash buildup. Remove trash buildup and arrange for repairs, as needed.
- Inspect the cooling system hoses for cracks and for loose clamps.
- Inspect the alternator and accessory drive belts for cracks, breaks, and other damage.
- Inspect the wiring for loose connections and for worn wires or frayed wires.
- Check the fuel supply. Drain water from the water separator (if equipped). Open the fuel supply valve.
- Do not start the engine or move any of the controls if there is a "DO NOT OPERATE" warning tag or similar warning tag attached to the start switch or to the controls.
- Ensure that the areas around the rotating parts are clear.
- All of the guards must be put in place. Check for damaged guards or for missing guards. Repair any damaged guards. Replace damaged guards and/or missing guards.
- Disconnect any battery chargers that are not protected against the high current drain that is created when the electric starting motor (if equipped) is engaged. Check electrical cables and check the battery for poor connections and for corrosion.
- Reset all of the shutoffs or alarm components.
- Check the engine lubrication oil level. Maintain the oil level between the "ADD" mark and the "FULL" mark on the oil level gauge.
- Check the coolant level. Observe the coolant level in the coolant recovery tank (if equipped). Maintain the coolant level to the "FULL" mark on the coolant recovery tank.
- If the engine is not equipped with a coolant recovery tank maintain the coolant level within
13 mm (.5 inch) of the bottom of the filler pipe. - Observe the air cleaner service indicator (if equipped). Service the air cleaner when the yellow diaphragm enters the red zone, or when the red piston locks in the visible position.
- Ensure that any driven equipment has been disengaged. Remove any electrical loads.
Starting the engine and operation in cold weather is dependent on the type of fuel that is used, the oil viscosity, and other optional starting aids. For more information, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Cold Weather Operation" topic (Operation Section).
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DO NOT USE ETHER (starting fluids) unless specifically instructed to do so. The use could result in engine damage and/or personal injury. When using starting fluid, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Use starting fluid sparingly and spray it ONLY WHILE CRANKING THE ENGINE. Excessive ether can cause piston and ring damage. Use ether for cold weather starting purposes only. |
Use the following procedure in order to start the engine:
- Engage the parking brake. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL. If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, depress the clutch pedal in order to disengage the flywheel clutch. This reduces transmission drag and this prevents movement of the vehicle. Depressing the clutch in cold weather can mean the difference between starting the engine and not starting the engine. Depressing the clutch helps to reduce the battery drain.
The "CHECK ENGINE/DIAGNOSTIC" lamp will flash while the engine is cranking. The lamp should turn off after proper engine oil pressure is achieved. If the lamp fails to flash, notify your authorized Caterpillar dealer. If the lamp continues to flash, the ECM has detected a problem in the system. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Engine Diagnostics" topic (Operation Section).
- Turn the ignition key switch to the ON position.
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NOTICE Do not engage the starting motor when flywheel is turning. Do not start the engine under load.
If the engine fails to start within 30 seconds, release the starter switch or button and wait two minutes to allow the starting motor to cool before attempting to start the engine again.
- Turn the ignition key switch to the START position in order to crank the engine. Do not push the throttle or hold the throttle downward while the engine is cranked. The system will automatically provide the correct amount of fuel in order to start the engine. If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of cranking, release the ignition key switch. Turn the ignition key switch to the OFF position. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes. Repeat Steps 2 and 3.
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NOTICE Oil pressure should rise within 15 seconds after the engine starts. Do not increase engine speed until the oil pressure gauge indicates normal. If oil pressure is not indicated on the gauge within 15 seconds, DO NOT operate the engine. STOP the engine, investigate and correct the cause.
- Release the ignition key switch to the ON or RUN position immediately after the engine starts. After the engine starts, ensure that the transmission is still in the NEUTRAL position and release the clutch pedal (manual transmission). Once a normal engine oil pressure and air pressure are reached, the vehicle may be operated at a light load and low speed.
An occasional starting problem may be caused by one of the following items:
- Low battery charge
- Lack of fuel
- Problem with the wiring harness
If the engine fuel system has been run dry, fill the fuel tank and prime the fuel system. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime" topic (Maintenance Section).
If the other problems are suspected, perform the appropriate procedure in order to start the engine.
Problems with the Wiring Harness
Locate the ECM. Two harness connectors are attached to the ECM. The left connector is the engine harness and the right connector is the chassis harness. Check the connectors in order to ensure that the connectors are secure. Lightly pull each of the wires in the chassis harness.
- Pull each wire with approximately
4.5 kg (10 lb) of force. The wire should remain in the connector. - If a wire is loose, push the wire back into the connector. Pull the wire again in order to ensure that the wire is secure.
- Start the engine. If the engine does not start, consult the nearest Caterpillar dealer for assistance.