824 TRACTOR Starting The Engine Caterpillar

There are two available starting systems for the diesel engine which employ either an electric starting motor or a gasoline starting engine. The following topic applies regardless of the starting system used.

Before Starting: Check the diesel engine crankcase oil level to be sure it is considerably above the "add oil" mark on the gauge. Check the oil level in the starting engine crankcase, when so equipped, to be sure it is to the "full" mark on the gauge. The oil level in the transmission should be checked to be sure oil is at the proper level on the gauge.

1. Apply the parking brake and lock the range selector lever (2) in neutral position with safety lock (3). (Applying the parking brake will automatically position the range selector lever in neutral position.)

2. Turn the disconnect switch (5) to the ON position. A manual reset circuit breaker is located on the instrument console. If the circuit breaker is open, reset it by pushing in the reset button (6). See the topic, CIRCUIT BREAKER.

If the engine is started when the range selector lever is in any position other than neutral, it will be necessary to move the selector lever to neutral position before the machine can be driven.

CONTROLS IN START POSITION
1-Accelerator. 2-Range selector lever. 3-Safety lock. 4-Heat-Start switch. 5-Disconnect switch. 6-Reset button.

Start the engine as described in one of the following topics, whichever applies, ELECTRIC STARTING or GASOLINE STARTING ENGINE.

Electric Starting

The diesel engine electric starter can be used successfully at altitudes below 2500 feet in temperatures of 15° F. (-9° C.) or above with the use of ether as a starting aid. Without the use of the ether starting aid attachment, electric starting can be used successfully in temperatures of 32° F. (0° C.) or above. In altitudes above 2500 feet, successful use of electric starting can be expected in temperatures above 25° F. (-4° C.) when ether aids are used and 45° F. (7° C.) without the use of ether aids. In temperatures below 60° F. (16°C.), it is recommended that the glow plugs be used to assist starting. When starting in temperatures below 32° F. (0° C.), it is advisable to use crankcase lubricating oil of a lower viscosity in the engine crankcase to reduce the cranking effort. See the topic, OPERATING STARTING AIDS and STARTING IN COLD WEATHER.

The engine must be kept in the best mechanical condition possible, the batteries kept fully charged and all terminals kept clean and tight for satisfactory performance of the starting system.

Position Controls for Starting: Before attempting to start the diesel engine the controls should be correctly positioned. See the topic, BEFORE STARTING.

1. Normally, the compression release remains in the run position unless it is desired to turn the engine for some purpose other than starting.

2. Depress the accelerator (1) until it snaps over the detent to turn on the fuel injection pumps, and on compactors move also the governor hand control to about half engine speed position.

Starting the Diesel Engine: After positioning the controls correctly, the diesel engine may be started as follows:

1. Move the HEAT-START switch (4) to the START position.

If the engine does not start in a few seconds, continue to crank the diesel engine but shut off the fuel supply by lifting the accelerator past the shut off position for about ten seconds to clear the cylinders of raw fuel.

If the diesel engine fails to start within thirty seconds, release the switch and wait two minutes to allow the engine starter to cool before using it again.

If the electric starter pinion disengages for any reason before the engine starts, release the switch and wait until the electric starter stops rotating and the diesel engine stops "rocking" before again turning the switch to the START position.

2. As soon as the engine starts release the HEAT-START switch.

3. Refer to the topic, AFTER STARTING, for information about engine warming and gauge readings.

Gasoline Starting Engine

The starting engine, if so equipped, may be started by means of the starting engine electric starter or manually.

Helpful suggestions for starting the starting engine in cold weather are in the topic, STARTING IN COLD WEATHER.

Position Controls For Starting: Before attempting to start the starting engine, position the controls of both the diesel and starting engine. See the topic, BEFORE STARTING, and proceed as follows:

1. Pull out the compression release control (3) to the start position.

2. Lift the accelerator past the low idle stop position to shut off the fuel injection pumps.

3. Open the starting engine fuel valve (4) by pulling out.

4. Pull out the starting engine choke control (2).

5. Pull out the starting engine throttle control (1) to the 1/4 to 1/2 engine speed position.

STARTING ENGINE CONTROLS
1- Throttle control. 2- Choke control. 3- Compression release control. 4- Fuel valve.

Electric Starting of the Gasoline Starting Engine: After positioning the controls correctly, the starting engine may be started as follows:

1. Turn the RUN-START switch to the START position to crank the engine. Do not run the starter for more than thirty seconds at a time.

RUN-START SWITCH

Then allow two minutes for cooling before using it again. If the electric starter pinion disengages for any reason before the engine starts, release the switch and wait until the starting motor stops turning and the engine stops "rocking" before again turning the switch to the START position.

2. As soon as the engine starts, release the switch to RUN position.

3. Push in the choke control when the engine will run with the choke off. Temperature and altitude will vary the length of time it is necessary to have the choke on. Actual experience in starting will determine this interval.

4. When the engine starts, keep the speed low until the crankcase lubricating oil has a chance to get warm and better lubricate the engine.

Manual Starting:

1. Insert the crank into position and crank until the engine starts. Pull the crank through a compression stroke. DO NOT attempt in any manner to spin or push the crank through a cranking arc.

2. Push in the choke control when the engine will run with the choke off. Temperature and altitude will vary the length of time it is necessary to have the choke on. Actual experience in starting will determine this interval.

CORRECT POSITION FOR CRANKING STARTING ENGINE

3. When the engine starts keep the speed low until the crankcase lubricating oil has a chance to get warm and better lubricate the engine.

Starting the Diesel Engine: The steps to start the diesel engine should be carefully followed to prevent damage to the starter pinion or the flywheel ring gear.

1. Check to see that the starting engine is running smoothly at high idle speed.

2. Apply sufficient pressure to the starting engine clutch brake to stop the starter pinion from rotating by pushing the clutch and starter pinion control (1) in, and hold it in the brake applied position for least 5 seconds.

3. Engage the starting engine clutch and pinion by pulling the control (1) out quickly until the clutch snaps over center.

4. If the engine slows to the stalling point when the clutch is engaged, as it might in cold weather, disengage the clutch and let the engine pick up speed again. See the topic, STARTING IN COLD WEATHER.

CONTROLS
1-Starting engine clutch and pinion control. 2-Compression release control. 3-Accelerator.

5. Push in the compression release control (2) to the run position when the starting engine is cranking the diesel engine at normal cranking speed.

The heat generated when the starting engine is cranking the diesel engine against compression, and the circulation of the starting engine exhaust through the tube in the diesel engine air inlet manifold warms the cylinders, pistons and combustion chambers to the starting temperature.

Allow the starting engine to crank the diesel engine against compression for a few minutes to add heat to the diesel engine before starting it. Actual experience will determine the length of time necessary to crank the diesel engine to warm it sufficiently to assure easy starting. Cold temperatures will require longer periods of cranking against compression before injecting fuel.

6. To start the engine, depress the accelerator (3) until it snaps over the detent to turn on the fuel injection pumps, and on compactors move also the governor hand control to about half engine speed position. Refer to the topic, AFTER STARTING, for information about engine warming and gauge readings.

If the diesel engine is thoroughly heated but does not start, make an inspection to see that everything is correctly set for starting. If smoke has been coming from the diesel exhaust, fuel has been reaching the cylinders. If no smoke has been evident with the fuel injection pumps turned on, check the fuel supply. If the diesel fuel tank is empty or the fuel tank valve is closed, it will be necessary to prime the system as outlined under the topic, PRIMING THE FUEL SYSTEM. In case there may be water or dirt in the fuel system, or if the fuel injection equipment is suspected, see the topic, FUEL INJECTION EQUIPMENT.

Push the starting engine throttle control in to the idling position. Stop the starting engine by closing the fuel valve control, allowing the engine to burn all the fuel in the carburetor, then turn OFF the RUN-START switch.