G3408C and G3412C Engines Caterpillar


Starting the Engine

Usage:

G3408C 3WR

------ WARNING! ------

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.



NOTICE

For initial start-up of a new or rebuilt engine, and for start-up of an engine that has been serviced, make provision to shut the engine off should an overspeed occur. This may be accomplished by shutting off the fuel supply and/or the ignition to the engine.


------ WARNING! ------

Unburned gas in the air inlet and exhaust system may ignite when the engine is started. Personal injury and/or property damage may result.

Before starting an engine that may contain unburned gas, purge the unburned gas from the air inlet and exhaust system. Refer to the topic on purging unburned gas in the "Starting the Engine" section.


Do not start the engine or move any of the controls if there is a "DO NOT OPERATE" warning tag or similar warning tag attached to the start switch or to the controls.

Ensure that no one will be endangered before the engine is started and when the engine is started.

Perform the procedures that are described in this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Before Starting Engine" (Operation Section).

Purging Unburned Gas

The following events cause unburned gas to remain in the air inlet and in the exhaust manifold:

  • Emergency stop

  • Engine overspeed

  • Unsuccessful successive attempts to start the engine

Unburned gas may remain in the air inlet and exhaust system after several unsuccessful attempts to start the engine. The unburned gas may increase to a concentration that may ignite during a successive attempt to start the engine.

Perform the following procedure in order to purge the unburned gas:

  1. Turn the manual gas shutoff valve to the CLOSED position.

  2. Disable the ignition by disconnecting one of the wires that is labelled "M200" from the emergency stop button.

  3. Turn the engine control switch to the START position. Crank the engine for one full crank cycle in order to purge the unburned gas.

  4. Enable the ignition by connecting the wire that was disconnected in Step 2.

  5. Turn the manual gas shutoff valve to the OPEN position.

  6. Continue with your previous procedure.

Operation of the Generator Set Control Panel

For information on operation for a specific generator set control panel, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for the generator and the control panel.

Automatic Starting

------ WARNING! ------

When the engine is in the AUTOMATIC mode, the engine can start at any moment. To avoid personal injury, always remain clear of the the engine when the engine is in the AUTOMATIC mode.


If the engine control switch is in the "AUTO" position, the engine will automatically start when the remote start/stop initiate contact closes. The engine will accelerate to rated rpm when the oil pressure is sufficient.

Manual Starting

  1. Ensure that fuel is supplied to the engine. Ensure that no gas is leaking.

  2. Ensure that the driven equipment is unloaded.

    1. For generator set engines, open the main circuit breaker.

    2. For industrial engines, unload the compressor or pump. Disengage the clutch (if equipped). Place the transmission and/or other attachments for the power take-off in NEUTRAL.

    Note: Before starting an industrial engine, move the governor control lever to the position for 1/2 of rated rpm.


    NOTICE

    Do not engage the starting motor when flywheel is turning. Do not start the engine under load.

    If the engine fails to start within 30 seconds, release the starter switch or button and wait two minutes to allow the starting motor to cool before attempting to start the engine again.


  3. The method that is used for starting depends on the equipment:

    1. For electric starting, press the "START" button or turn the start/stop switch to the "START" position.


      Illustration 1g00523569
      "START" valve on an air starting motor

    2. For starting with air, push the "START" valve. Release the valve as soon as the engine starts. Shut off the air supply to the starting motor.

      Note: After starting an industrial engine, move the governor control lever to the position for low idle rpm.

  4. Allow the engine to idle for three to five minutes. The engine speed should stabilize at low idle rpm. Check all of the pressure gauges. Inspect the engine for leaks and listen for unusual noises. When all systems are normal, the rpm may be increased.

Starting Failure

If the engine fails to start after cranking for 30 seconds, stop cranking. Perform the following procedure:

  1. Turn the start switch to the "OFF" position.

  2. Turn the gas supply OFF.

  3. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes. Crank the engine for approximately 15 seconds in order to evacuate any unburned gas from the engine and the exhaust system.

  4. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes. Turn the gas supply ON. Repeat the starting procedure.

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