Cold-Weather Operation

Satisfactory performance of a diesel engine operating in low ambient temperatures requires modification of the engine, surrounding equipment, operating practices, and maintenance procedures. The lower the temperature, the greater the amount of modification required. For service products approved for use in cold weather for your engine, see the engine manufacturer's engine operation manual, supplied in the vehicle documentation package.

If satisfactory engine temperature is not maintained, maintenance costs will increase due to greater engine wear. If the engine coolant temperature becomes too low, raw fuel will wash the lubricating oil off the cylinder walls and dilute the crankcase oil, causing all moving parts of the engine to suffer from poor lubrication.

If the engine is in good mechanical condition and the precautions necessary for cold-weather operation are taken, ordinary cold weather will not cause difficulty in starting or loss of efficiency.

The following points are important to observe when operating in cold weather:

• Check for cracks in the batteries, for corrosion of the terminals, and for tightness of the cable clamps at the terminals.

• Charge the batteries to full capacity. Replace any battery that is damaged.

• If equipped, turn off the load disconnect switch after the engine is shut down, to prevent battery discharge.

• Have the alternator output checked at an authorized service provider.

• Check the condition and tension of the drive belts.

• Refer to the engine manufacturer's engine operation manual for recommended heaters, low-viscosity lubricating oils, wintergrade fuels, and approved coolants.

A winterfront may be used to improve cab heating while idling. If a winterfront is used, at least 25% of the grille opening should remain open in sectioned stripes that run perpendicular to the charge air cooler tube-flow direction. This assures even cooling across each tube, and reduces header to tube stress, and possible failure. Winterfronts should only be used when the ambient temperature remains below 10°F (-12°C).