C15 Generator Sets Caterpillar

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Explosion hazard! Do not use ether! This machine is equipped with an air inlet heater. Using ether can create explosions or fires that can cause personal injury or death. Read and follow the starting procedure in the Operation and Maintenance Manual.

A jacket water heater is standard equipment on these models. Space heaters for the generator are standard equipment on these models. Use the jacket water heater and use the space heaters, as needed.

The ECM will turn on the air inlet heater automatically.

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

Startability will be improved at temperatures below 16 °C (60 °F) with a starting aid.

The jacket water heater is used 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.

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.

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