Inspection of the Engine Compartment

4700 d 23.03.000

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.

  1. Check the windshield washer reservoir fluid level. The reservoir is usually located near the left-hand hood support. See Fig..

    1. Washer Fluid Filler Cap

    Fig. 1, Windshield Washer Reservoir (Western Star 5700 shown)

  2. After resetting the air intake restriction indicator during the daily pretrip inspection, check the indicator again with the engine off.
    1. For an indicator with graduations, check to see if air restriction exceeds 18 inH2O.
      For a go/no-go indicator without graduations, check to see if the colored bar shows through the clear window.

      Table 1, Air Intake Maximum Restriction Values

      Air Intake Maximum Restriction Values (in H2O)

      Engine Make

      GHG14, GHG17, and GHG21 Engines

      Cummins

      25

      Detroit

      18

        Table 1, Air Intake Maximum Restriction Values

      1. 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.
      2. If air restriction exceeds the maximum value again, replace the air cleaner. For instructions, refer to Group 09 of the Western Star Workshop Manual .
    2. Inspect water evacuation components.
      1. Inspect the vacuator valve(s). Make sure the lips of each valve are undamaged and pliable, free of debris, and remain closed during inspection.
      2. 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.
    3. If the vehicle is equipped with an Allison automatic transmission, check the automatic transmission fluid level.
      1. Check for water in the fuel/water separator, if equipped.

          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.

        1. Place a suitable container under the fuel/water separator.

          2. 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.

        2. 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.
        3. Alliance/Racor Models : Turn the drain plug counterclockwise to open it. See Fig..
          DAVCO Models : Remove the vent cap and open the drain. See Fig. and see Fig..

          1. Washers (qty 2)

          2. Nuts (qty 2)

          3. Frame Rail

          4. Fuel Outlet Port

          5. Fuel Inlet Port

          6. Priming Pump

          7. Mounting Head

          8. Mounting Bolts (qty 2)

          9. Filter Element

          10. Sight Bowl

          11. Drain Plug

          Fig. 2, Alliance Fuel/Water Separator Assembly and Installation

          1. Inlet Port/Check Valve

          2. Lower Housing

          3. Bypass Valve

          4. Filter Element

          5. Spring

          6. Cover O-Ring

          7. Clear Cover

          8. Vent Cap O-Ring

          9. Vent Cap

          10. Collar

          11. 120VAC Pre-Heater

          12. 12VDC Pre-Heater

          13. Drain Valve

          Fig. 3, DAVCO Fuel Pro 482

          1. Drain Valve

          2. Drain Valve Cap

          3. 120VAC Pre-Heater

          4. Inlet Port/Check Valve

          5. Lower Housing

          6. Bypass Valve

          7. 12VDC Pre-Heater

          8. Filter Element

          9. Spring

          10. Cover O-Ring

          11. Clear Cover

          12. Vent Cap O-Ring

          13. Vent Cap

          14. Collar

          Fig. 4, DAVCO Fuel Pro 487

        4. Stop draining fluid when fuel begins to drain out.
          Alliance/Racor Models : turn the drain plug clockwise to close it.
          DAVCO Models : close the drain valve. Install and hand-tighten the vent cap.
      2. Inspect the steering components.
        1. Inspect tie rods, steering arms, and the drag link for signs of looseness (i.e., shiny spots or rust tracks). See Fig..

          1. Steering Gear Mounting Bolt

          2. Pitman Arm Pinch Bolt Nut

          3. Drag Link Nut

          Fig. 5, Integral Steering Gear Fasteners

        2. Check the steering gear mounting bolts and pitman arm pinch bolt and nut for signs of looseness.
        3. Check the drag link nuts for missing cotter pins.
        4. Inspect the steering intermediate shaft and end yokes for excessive looseness or other damage.

        3. 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.

      3. Inspect the serpentine drive belts for signs of glazing, frayed edges, breaks, cracks, or oil contamination.
      Note:
      Parent topic: Weekly Post-Trip Inspection and Maintenance
      Document Number: 0000119048
      Manual Publication Date: 2024-05-13
      Topic Publication Date: 2024-05-16