3176B Marine Engine Caterpillar

Starting the Engine

Usage:

Refer to the Owner's Manual of the vessel for your type of controls. Use the following procedure to start the engine.

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DO NOT USE ETHER (starting fluids) unless specifically instructed to do so. If the engine is equipped with an Air Inlet Heater (electrically or fuel ignited manifold heater), DO NOT use ether (starting fluids) at any time. The use could result in engine damage and/or personal injury.

Place the transmission in NEUTRAL.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
The "DIAGNOSTIC" lamp will flash as a system check while the engine is cranking. The lamp should turn off after proper oil pressure is achieved. When cranking the engine and the "DIAGNOSTIC" lamp does not flash, then contact your Caterpillar dealer for assistance. If the "DIAGNOSTIC" lamp continues to flash after engine start-up, refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Diagnostic Flash Code Retrieval" for more information.
Note: If an optional air inlet heater is installed, and the indicator lamp activates ON, wait until the indicator lamp cycles to OFF before starting the engine. The air inlet heater will be disabled by attempting to start the engine before the indicator lamp cycles OFF. This could result in excessive white smoke at start-up. For more information on the operation of the air inlet heater, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Cold Weather Starting".

Turn the ignition switch to the START position in order to crank the engine.
Note: Do not advance the throttle while you crank the engine. The ECM will automatically provide the correct amount of fuel in order to start the engine.
Allow the ignition switch to return to the RUN position as soon as the engine starts.

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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.

Allow the engine to idle for three to five minutes, or allow the engine to idle until the water temperature indicator begins to rise. The engine should run at low idle smoothly until speed is gradually increased to high idle. Allow the white smoke to disperse before proceeding with normal operation.