Usage:
In cold temperatures engines equipped to operate air compressors and drills with connected driven loads will be more difficult to start especially in high altitudes. But many cold temperature starting problems can be prevented. In addition to glow plugs and ether starting aids, other heating attachments are available that can be used to start these engines.
At temperatures from +50°F to +32°F (+10°C to 0°C), glow plugs are needed on precombustion chamber engines. From +32°F to + 10°F (0°C to - 12°C) glow plugs and/or a starting fluid will be needed. Keep all starting fluid at room temperature and do not use too much.
Direct injection engines without glow plugs will start immediately but they will not be ready to operate a load until they are warm. The clutch or unloading valve must be used to disconnect the drill or air compressor. If the engine does not have a clutch or unloading valve, the engine must be heated before it is started.
If the temperature is from +10° to -15°F (-12° to -25°C) the normal procedure is to let the engine idle. If this is not possible, glow plugs, a starting fluid, a pre-heater for the coolant, and an outside power source for batteries with permanent leads and/or heaters will be needed.
At temperatures lower than -16°F (-26°C), let the engine idle or keep it in a heated area. If this is not possible, the coolant and the oil must be heated for 4 to 8 hours. Heat the coolant and oil until the oil, the battery cell, and the water outlet temperature reach at least 0°F (-18°C). A heated battery compartment and an outside power supply will be needed.
After the engine starts, other compartments and fluids, still cold, will also have to heat before the air compressor or drill can be operated. The unit must be operated with no load or as light a load as possible for a minimum of one hour before normal operations are started.
The engine must have protection from wind while the coolant and oil are heating. The wind can decrease the heat of the engine faster than the heater can heat it.
If a cover is used for protection, it must be kept far enough from the exhaust system to prevent fire.
Two types of electric heaters for the coolant are available: the type that can be put into the coolant (in-block immersion) and the tank type. The type that can be put into the coolant are made to keep an engine warm after it has been stopped. They fit into the core plug or oil cooler connections of the cylinder block.
The tank type heaters are installed on the outside of the engine. A water temperature regulator controls the temperature of the coolant. During installation, make sure the cold water gets into the bottom of the heater. If electricity is not available, diesel, gasoline, propane, or other type non-electric water heaters can be used.
Battery heaters can increase the amperage available to crank the engine. If a battery heater blanket is used, the area must have good insulation to keep heat in.
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Battery gases must be vented out of the area. Keep open flames away from batteries.
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Use multi-viscosity or synthetic oil to prevent bearing damage on cold start and raise cranking speed. Do not use oil heaters that are put directly into the oil. Oil must be able to drip from the dipstick before a start.
Wax in the fuel and water freezing are two common causes of difficult engine starts. Change the fuel filter and thoroughly prime the system to correct the wax problem. Keep water and air out of the fuel lines to prevent water freezing. Fuel heaters will keep fuel temperatures warm enough to start the engine.
The names and addresses of suppliers for fuel heaters, water heaters, and oil heaters are available in Special Instruction, Recommendations For Cold Weather Starting Of Engines Equipped To Operate Air Compressors and Drills, Form Number SEHS7659.