C3.4B Industrial Engine Cold Weather Starting Caterpillar

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Do not use aerosol types of starting aids such as ether. Such use could result in an explosion and personal injury.

Startability will be improved at temperatures below −18 °C (0 °F) from the use of a jacket water heater or extra battery capacity.

When Group 2 diesel fuel is used, the following items provide a means of minimizing starting problems and fuel problems in cold weather: Engine oil pan heaters, jacket water heaters, fuel heaters and fuel line insulation. For more information, refer to Commercial Diesel Engine Fluids Recommendations , SEBU6251.

Use the procedure that follows for cold weather starting.

Note: Do not adjust the engine speed control during start-up. The electronic control module (ECM) will control the engine speed during start-up.

1. Disengage any driven equipment.

2. Turn the keyswitch to the RUN position. Leave the keyswitch in the RUN position until the warning light for the glow plugs is extinguished.
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   NOTICE
   Do not engage the starting motor when flywheel is turning. Do not start the engine under load. If the engine fails to start within 30 seconds, release the starter switch or button and wait two minutes to allow the starting motor to cool before attempting to start the engine again.

3. When the warning light for the glow plugs is extinguished turn, the keyswitch to the START position in order to engage the electric starting motor and crank the engine.

   Note: The operating period of the warning light for the glow plugs will change due to the temperature of the engine.

4. Allow the keyswitch to return to the RUN position after the engine starts.

5. Repeat step 2 through step 4 if the engine fails to start.

   Note: After starting, the engine will be held at low speed. The time held at low speed will depend on ambient temperature and time since last run. The procedure is in order to allow the engine systems to stabilize. The engine should not be raced in order to speed up the warm-up process.

6. Allow the engine to idle for 3 to 5 minutes, or allow the engine to idle until the water temperature indicator begins to rise. When idling after the engine has started in cold weather, increase the engine rpm from 1000 to 1200 rpm. This operation will warm up the engine more quickly. Maintaining an elevated low idle speed for extended periods will be easier with the installation of a hand throttle. Allow the white smoke to disperse before proceeding with normal operation.

7. Operate the engine at low load until all systems reach operating temperature. Check the gauges during the warm-up period.