Inspection of the Engine Compartment
Warning: Washer fluids may be flammable and poisonous. Do not expose washer fluid to an open flame or any burning material, such as a cigarette. Always comply with the washer fluid manufacturer's recommended safety precautions.
- Check the windshield washer reservoir fluid level. The reservoir is usually located near the right-hand frame rail. See Fig..
- After resetting the air intake restriction indicator during
the daily pretrip inspection, check the indicator again with the engine
off.
- Check an indicator with graduations to see if air restriction
exceeds the value shown in Table..Check a go/no-go indicator without graduations to see if the colored bar shows through the clear window.
Table 1, Air Intake Maximum Restriction Values (inH2O)
Air Intake Maximum Restriction Values (inH2O)
Engine Make
Pre-EPA07 Engines
EPA07 and EPA10 Engines
GHG14 and GHG17 Engines
Cummins
25
25
25
Detroit
20
22
18
Mercedes-Benz
22
22
–
Table 1, Air Intake Maximum Restriction Values (inH2O)
- If air restriction exceeds the maximum allowable value, operate the vehicle for one more day, making sure not to run the engine over rated rpm. Refer to the engine operation manual for more information on rated rpm for your engine.
- If air restriction exceeds the maximum value again, replace the air cleaner. For instructions, refer to Group 09 of the Cascadia Workshop Manual.
- Check an indicator with graduations to see if air restriction
exceeds the value shown in Table..
- Inspect water evacuation components.
- Inspect the vacuator valve(s) installed on the hood interior and air cleaner. Make sure the lips of each valve are undamaged and pliable, free of debris, and remain closed during inspection. See Fig. and Fig..
- Inspect the rain tray installed at the base of the windshield. Ensure that the seal on the forward edge of the rain tray is in good condition.
- Inspect the drain hoses installed on the rain tray. Both hoses should be securely attached to the rain tray and direct water down the aft side of the front fenders. See Fig..
- If the vehicle is equipped with an Allison automatic transmission, check the automatic transmission fluid level.
- Check for water in the fuel/water separator, if equipped.
- Place a suitable container under the fuel/water separator.
Note: A hose may be used to direct water into the container. On older DAVCO models, the drain valve has a 1/2-inch (12.7-mm) pipe with threads. Use a hose with a 1/2-inch pipe thread to fit correctly and open the drain valve by turning it one-quarter revolution. On new DAVCO models, the drain valve has a 3/4-inch (19-mm) slip-on hose connection; pipe threads are no longer used. Open the drain valve by turning it one to one-and-a-half revolutions.
- If the engine is equipped with a built-in water separator, loosen the drain valve, and allow the water to run out. Close the drain valve, taking care not to overtighten it.
- Detroit/Racor Models: Turn the drain plug counterclockwise
to open it. See Fig..
- Stop draining fluid when fuel begins to drain out.Detroit/Racor Models: turn the drain plug clockwise to close it.DAVCO Models: close the drain valve. Install and hand-tighten the vent cap.
- Place a suitable container under the fuel/water separator.
- Inspect the steering components.
- Inspect tie rods, steering arms, and the drag link for
signs of looseness (i.e., shiny spots or rust tracks). See Fig. for a rack
and pinion steering gear; see Fig. for an integral steering gear.
- Check the steering gear mounting bolts and pitman arm nut, if equipped, for signs of looseness.
- Check the drag link nuts for missing cotter pins.
- Inspect the steering intermediate shaft and end yokes for excessive looseness or other damage.
- Inspect tie rods, steering arms, and the drag link for
signs of looseness (i.e., shiny spots or rust tracks). See Fig. for a rack
and pinion steering gear; see Fig. for an integral steering gear.
- Inspect the serpentine drive belts for signs of glazing, frayed edges, breaks, cracks, or oil contamination.
Important: When draining fluid from a fuel/water separator, drain the fluid into an appropriate container and dispose of it properly. Many jurisdictions now issue fines for draining fuel/water separators onto the ground.
Notice: Do not drive with a drive belt that is visibly worn or damaged. If it fails, the lack of coolant flow could rapidly cause damage to engine components.