3176C and 3196 Industrial Engines Cold Weather Starting Caterpillar

Refer to the Owners Manual of the OEM for your type of controls. Use the following procedure in order to start the engine.

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DO NOT USE ETHER (starting fluids) unless specifically instructed to do so. If the engine is equipped with an Air Inlet Heater (electrically or fuel ignited manifold heater), DO NOT use ether (starting fluids) at any time. The use could result in engine damage and/or personal injury.

Startability will be improved at temperatures below 10°C (50°F) from the use of a cylinder block coolant heater or from other means that are used to heat the crankcase oil. Some engine applications use a jacket water heater to improve startability. The jacket water heater will help reduce white smoke and misfire during start-up in cold weather.

For engines that are not equipped with an Air Inlet Heater, use ether when temperatures are below 0°C (32°F). If the engine is equipped with an injection system for starting fluid, crank the engine. Depress the ether switch for 3 seconds. Additional injections may be necessary in order to start the engine.

Note: If the engine has not been run for several weeks, fuel may have drained. Air may have moved into the filter housing. Also, when fuel filters have been changed, some air will be left in the filter housing. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fuel System - Prime" (Maintenance Section) for more information on priming the fuel system.

1. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL. Disengage the flywheel clutch in order to allow the engine to start faster and reduce the drain on the batter.

2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

   The "CHECK ENGINE/DIAGNOSTIC" lamp will flash while the engine is cranking. The lamp should turn off after proper engine oil pressure is achieved. If the lamp fails to flash, notify your authorized AVSpare dealer. If the lamp continues to flash, the Electronic Control Module (ECM) has detected a problem in the system. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Diagnostic Flash Code Retrieval" for more information.

3. Push the start button or turn the ignition switch to the START position in order to crank the engine.

   Do not push down or hold the throttle down while the engine is cranked. The system will automatically provide the correct amount of fuel that is needed to start the engine.

4. If the engine fails to start within 30 seconds, release the start button, or the ignition switch. Wait for 2 minutes in order to allow the starting motor to cool before attempting to start the engine again.
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   NOTICE
   Oil pressure should rise within 15 seconds after the engine starts. Do not increase engine speed until the oil pressure gauge indicates normal. If oil pressure is not indicated on the gauge within 15 seconds, DO NOT operate the engine. STOP the engine, investigate and correct the cause.

   Note: The "CHECK ENGINE/DIAGNOSTIC" lamp may come on after the engine is started. If the lamp comes on, the Electronic Control Module (ECM) has detected a problem with the system. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Diagnostic Flash Code Retrieval" for more information.

5. Allow the engine to idle for approximately 3 minutes. Idle the engine until the water temperature gauge has begun to rise. Check all gauges during the warm-up period.

Note: The oil pressures and fuel pressures should be in the normal range on the instrument panel. Do not apply a load to the engine or increase engine rpm until the oil pressure gauge indicates at least normal pressure. Inspect the engine for leaks and/or unusual noises.