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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. |
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Note: The cold start strategy (cold mode) is activated at temperatures below 16 °C (60 °F). Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Cold Start Strategy" for more information.
Startability will be improved at temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) from the use of a jacket water heater or from other means that are used to heat the crankcase oil. This will help reduce white smoke and misfire during start-up in cold weather. Additional batteries or extra battery capacity may be required in order to start the engine at colder temperatures.
Note: Consult your Caterpillar dealer before installing an oil heater. Immersion oil heaters are NOT recommended for heating of the engine oil.
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When using ether (starting fluid), follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, use it sparingly and spray it only while cranking the engine. Excessive ether can cause piston and ring damage. Use ether (starting fluid) for cold weather starting purposes only. |
For engines that are not equipped with an Air Inlet Heater, use ether when temperatures are below 0 °C (32 °F). If the engine is equipped with an injection system for starting fluid, crank the engine. Depress the ether switch for three seconds. Additional injections may be necessary in order to start the engine.
Note: If the engine has not been run for several weeks, fuel may have drained. Air may have moved into the filter housing. Also, when fuel filters have been changed, some air will be left in the filter housing. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime" topic for more information.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
If the indicator lamp for the air inlet heater cycles OFF, then apply a load to the engine in order to further minimize white smoke.
Note: Operating the engine above idle speed will reduce the effectiveness of the air inlet heater. Maintain idle speed until the lamp cycles OFF.
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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. |
- Operate the engine at low load until all systems reach operating temperature. Check the gauges during the warm-up period.
Note: Oil pressures and fuel pressures should be in the normal range on the instrument panel, if equipped. Do not apply a load to the engine or increase engine rpm until the oil pressure gauge indicates at least normal pressure. Inspect the engine for leaks and/or unusual noises.