Procedure for Starting an Engine in Cold Weather{1000, 1090, 1250, 1348, 1450, 1453, 1456, 1900} Caterpillar

Machine Engines: 3126B 3176C 3196 C-9

C7 (S/N: KHX1-UP)

C9 (S/N: THY1-UP; THX1-UP)

C-9 (S/N: SAN1-UP)

C11 (S/N: RSX1-UP)

Introduction

The problem that is identified below does not have a known permanent solution. Until a permanent solution is known, use the solution that is identified below.

Problem

The following article has the proper guidelines for starting Caterpillar Engines in temperatures 9 °C (48 °F) to −40 °C (−40 °F). Please follow the instructions below if your engine is experiencing cold starting problems.

Solution

Starting The Engine in Cold Temperatures

1. Make sure that the air inlet heater is turned on. Also make sure that the continuous flow ether is turned on. Use an electronic technician to make sure that both the air inlet heater and the continuous flow ether are turned on. Consult your local Caterpillar Dealer for more information.

2. Make sure that the ether bottle has enough ether in order to help start the engine. The ether bottle can be checked by removing the ether bottle and shaking the ether bottle. Replace the ether bottle if the bottle is empty.

3. Install the correct lubricant in each compartment before the engine is exposed to cold weather. See the chart below for the availability of oil for either Caterpillar or other commercial lubricants.

Category 1

Temperature Range for Starting the Engine 9 °C (48 °F) to −9.5 °C (15 °F)

Caterpillar Engines will not require any starting aid in this temperature range of altitudes less than 460 m (1509 ft). A starting aid might also be necessary for Caterpillar Engines in this temperature range of altitudes greater than 460 m (1509 ft).

Note: Continuous flow ether is controlled by the engine software. Continuous flow ether DOES NOT require manual operation during starting.

Note: Use only Caterpillar 15W-40, Caterpillar 10W-30 and any SAE multigrade that meets Engine Crankshaft Fluid (ECF)-1. Also refer to the engines Operation and Maintenance Manual or refer to Special Instruction, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations ".

Category 2

Temperature Range for Starting the Engine −9.5 °C (15 °F) to −18 °C (0 °F)

Note: Use only Caterpillar 10W-30 or a lower viscosity SAE multigrade that meets ECF-1. Also refer to the engines Operation and Maintenance Manual or refer to Special Instruction, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations ". Do not use SAE 15W-40 oil viscosity grade or any SAE 15W-XX multigrade oil in category 2.

Category 3

Temperature Range for Starting the Engine −18 °C (0 °F) to −30 °C (−22 °F)

Note: Consult with a local Caterpillar Dealer about availability for your machine model.

Note: Use only Caterpillar 5W-40 or a lower viscosity SAE multigrade that meets ECF-1. Also refer to the engines Operation and Maintenance Manual or refer to Special Instruction, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations ". Do not use SAE 15W-40 or 10W-30 oil viscosity grade or any SAE 15W-XX or 10W-XX multigrade oil in category 3.

Category 4

Temperature Range for Starting the Engine −30 °C (−22 °F) to −40 °C (−40 °F)

Note: Consult with a local Caterpillar Dealer about availability for your machine model.

Note: Use only Caterpillar 0W-40 or a lower viscosity SAE multigrade that meets ECF-1. Also refer to the engines Operation and Maintenance Manual or refer to Special Instruction, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations ". Do not use SAE. 15W-40, 10W-40, 10W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-30 oil viscosity grade or any SAE 15W-XX, 10W-XX and 5W-XX multigrade oil in category 4

Starting Diesel Engines Equipped With A Continuous Flow Ether System

The use of continuous flow ether as a starting aid in cold weather is controlled by the ECM (Electronic Control Module) and engine software. The continuous flow ether is dependent on coolant temperature and the altitude. The starting procedure is not affected during ether injection.

Note: Make sure that the ether is turned on. Use an electronic technician to make sure that ether is turned on. Consult with your local Caterpillar Dealer for more information.

Note: If your Caterpillar Engine is equipped with an air inlet heater and a continuous flow ether system, the indicator light will not stay on if the ECM selects the continuous flow ether system as a starting aid. The maps of the engine software ensure that ether injection will not occur when the air inlet heater is active.

Note: Make sure that the ether bottle has enough ether in order to help start the engine. The ether bottle can be checked by removing the ether bottle and shaking the ether bottle. Replace the ether bottle if the bottle is empty.

Starting Diesel Engines Equipped With An Air Inlet Heater

Note: When starting a engine equipped with an air inlet heater controlled by the ECM, the indicator light for the air inlet heater may come on during engine start-up. When the indicator light goes off, turn the engine start switch to the "START" position.

The use of additional cold weather starting aids is recommended when you are starting the engine at temperatures below −9.5 °C (15 °F) or below 9 °C (48 °F) at altitudes above 460 m (1509 ft). The following items are the recommended starting aids. coolant heater, fuel heater, oil heater, larger starter and extra battery capacity.

Note: Refer to Special Instruction, SEBU6250, "Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations " for the first choice of oils that are recommended by Caterpillar.