Normal Starting
Warning: Do not use any starting aid, such as ether, in engines with an air intake heater. This could cause an explosion and serious personal injury or death.
Note: Cummins engines are run on a dynamometer before being shipped from the factory. They do not require a break-in period.
Important: Special break-in oils are not recommended for new or rebuilt Cummins engines.
Notice: If a vehicle does not start on the first attempt, make sure that the engine has completely stopped rotating before reapplying the starter switch. Failure to do so can cause the pinion to release and re-engage, which could cause ring gear and starter pinion damage.
Moving a vehicle with the starter and/or using the starter to bump the engine for maintenance procedures is strictly prohibited. Use of these methods to bump the engine over or move the vehicle can cause the pinion to release and re-engage, which could cause ring gear and starter pinion damage.
Important: Ring gear and starter pinion damage caused by improper starting procedures is not warrantable.
Notice: Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time. Wait two minutes after each try to allow the starter to cool. Failure to do so could cause starter damage.
Notice: If the engine is equipped with a turbocharger, protect the turbocharger during start-up by not depressing the accelerator pedal until normal engine idle oil pressure registers on the gauge.
- Before engine start-up, complete the pre- and post-trip inspections and maintenance procedures, see Safety Precautions.
- Set the parking brake.
- Place the transmission in neutral.
- Turn the key to the ON position and allow the gauge sweep
to complete. The audible alert will sound for approximately four seconds.During cold conditions, the WAIT TO START lamp may illuminate. Wait until the lamp goes out before turning the key to START.
- After the gauge sweep has completed, turn the key to the START position.
- Apply load gradually during the warm-up period.
- Check the oil pressure gauge for any drop in lubricating oil pressure or mechanical malfunction in the lubricating oil system. Minimum oil pressure at idle is 7 psi (50 kPa).
Notice: Do not rev the engine if the oil pressure gauge indicates no oil pressure. Shut down the engine if oil pressure does not build within approximately ten seconds. Check to determine the cause of the problem. Operating the engine with no oil pressure will damage the engine.
Notice: If the oil pressure gauge indicates no oil pressure, shut down the engine within approximately ten seconds to avoid engine damage.