General Information
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 temperatures, the greater the amount of modification required; and yet with the modifications applied, the engines must still be capable of operation in warmer climates without extensive changes.
The following information is provided to engine owners, operators, and maintenance personnel on how the modifications can be applied to get satisfactory performance from their diesel engines.
There are three basic objectives:
-
Reasonable starting characteristics followed by practical and dependable warm-up of the engine and equipment.
-
A unit or installation which is as independent as possible from external influences.
-
Modifications which maintain satisfactory operating temperatures with a minimum increase in maintenance of the equipment and accessories.
If satisfactory engine temperature is not maintained, higher maintenance cost will result due to increased engine wear. Special provisions to overcome low temperatures are definitely necessary, whereas a change to a warmer climate normally requires only a minimum of revision. Most of the accessories should be designed in such a way that they can be disconnected so there is little effect on the engine when they are not in use.
Important: If a winterfront is used on a vehicle with an electronic engine equipped with a charge air cooler, make sure that there are slit openings distributed across the face of the winterfront to allow airflow through the entire charge-air-cooler core. Do not use a winterfront with closed areas that block uniform air flow across all sections of the charge-air-cooler crossflow tubes. This will adversely affect the operation and durability of the charge air cooler.
On all engines, the following steps are necessary when operating in cold weather:
- Check for cracks in the battery cases, 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 unable to hold full charge or is physically damaged.
- Check the alternator output.
- Check the condition and tension of the drive belts.