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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 starting the engine. Inspect the engine room. This inspection can help prevent major repairs later. See this Operation and Maintenance Manual (Maintenance Section), "Maintenance Interval Schedule".
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For any type of leak (coolant, lube, or fuel) clean up the fluid. If leaking is observed, find the source and correct the leak. If leaking is suspected, check the fluid levels more often than recommended until the leak is found or fixed, or until the suspicion of a leak is proved to be unwarranted. |
To obtain maximum service life for your engine, make a thorough inspection before starting the engine. Make a walk-around inspection of the installation. Look for items such as oil or coolant leaks, loose bolts, and trash buildup. Remove any trash. Arrange for repairs, as needed.
- The guards must be in the proper place. Repair damaged guards or replace missing guards.
- Ensure that the areas around the rotating parts are clear.
- Ensure that the air inlet piping and the air filters are in place.
- Ensure that all clamps and connections are secure.
- Inspect the cooling system for leaks or loose connections.
- Inspect the cooling system hoses for cracks and for loose clamps.
- Inspect the water pumps for evidence of leaks.
- Check the coolant level. Add coolant, if necessary. For information on the proper coolant to use, see this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" (Maintenance Section).
Note: If the engine is equipped with a system for external support, prepare the system before starting the engine. Perform all prestart checks for the control system.
- If necessary, check the oil levels of the driven equipment. Perform any maintenance that is required for the driven equipment. See the literature that is provided by the OEM of the locomotive or the driven equipment.
- If the engine is equipped with a clutch, ensure that the clutch is disengaged.
Inspect the wiring for the following conditions:
- Loose connections
- Wiring that is worn or frayed
Inspect the alternator belt for cracks and for deterioration.
Ensure that the grounds are secure.
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All valves in the fuel return line must be open before and during engine operation to help prevent high fuel pressure. High fuel pressure may cause filter housing failure or other damage. |
- Inspect the fuel lines for loose fittings and leaks. Ensure that the fuel lines are properly clamped.
- Ensure that fuel is supplied to the engine.
If the engine has not been started for several weeks, fuel may have drained from the fuel system. Air may have entered the filter housing. Also, when fuel filters have been replaced, some air space will be left in the filter housing. In these instances, prime the fuel system. For information on priming the fuel system, see this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System-Prime" topic (Maintenance Section).
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| Illustration 1 | g00799668 |
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Oil level gauge (1) "ADD" mark (2) "FULL" mark | |
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Excessive engine oil will increase oil consumption and result in excessive deposits in the combustion chamber. Do not overfill the engine with oil. |
Note: Ensure that the engine has been stopped for a minimum of 45 minutes to prevent overfilling.
- Check the engine crankcase oil level. Maintain the oil level between the "ADD" and "FULL" marks on the "ENGINE STOPPED" side of the oil level gauge. For information on the proper oil to use, see this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities and Recommendations" (Maintenance Section).
- Check for leaks at the following components: crankshaft seals, crankcase, oil filters, oil gallery plugs, sensors, and valve covers.
- Inspect the tubes, tee pieces, and clamps on the crankcase breathers.
- Inspect the instrument panel and the control panel for good condition.
- Reset the shutoff and alarm components.
Air Starting Motor (If Equipped)
- Drain moisture and sediment from the air tank and from any other air piping.
- Check the oil level in the lubricator. Keep the lubricator at least half full. Add oil, if necessary. For temperatures above
0 °C (32 °F) , use a nondetergent 10W oil. For temperatures below0 °C (32 °F) , use air tool oil. - Check the air pressure for starting. The air starting motor requires a minimum of
690 kPa (100 psi) . The maximum allowable air pressure is1030 kPa (150 psi) . Open the air supply valve.
- Disconnect any battery chargers that are not protected against the high current drain that is created when the electric starting motor engages.
Inspect the wiring, the electrical cables, and the battery for the following conditions:
- Loose connections
- Wires that are worn or frayed
- Corrosion