PLATE A RH 3A4482 - Caterpillar

Proper operation, driving techniques and maintenance are key factors in obtaining the maximum life and economy of the engine. Following the directions in this manual will lower operating costs.* Begin operating the engine at low load. After normal oil pressur is reached and the temperature gauge begins to move, the engine may be operated at full load.* To get the vehicle in motion, use a gear that will result in a smooth, easy start to move the load without increasing engine speed above low idle or slipping the clutch. Engage the clutch smoothly. Interrupted slipping and abrupt clutch engagement put stress on the drive train and waste fuel.* Use progressive shifting to reduce fuel consumption. Progressive shifting is using only the rpm required to make an upshift into the next gear. The amount of rpm required to make an upshift increases as the truck speed increases or if upshifts are made going uphill. Experience with your truck will show you how much rpm is required to make upshifts under various conditions.* If the truck can be operated in a higher gear after the desired speed is reached, select the highest gear available that will pull the load. By following this recommendation, you will lower your fuel costs. Your engine will be operating at the lowest rpm required to pull the load. Caterpillar manufactures both turbocharged (T and ATAAC) and naturally aspirated (nonturbocharged) 3208 engines. The operating requirements of each are different.The turbocharged engines may be operated at full load, at any rpm between rated engine speed and 1400 rpm.The naturally aspirated engines rated at or above 175 hp (131 kw) can be operated at full load down to 1900 rpm and may be operated for short periods at full load down to 1400 rpm. Operation at full load below 1400 rpm is not recommended.Naturally aspirated engines rated below 175 hp (131 kw) can be operated at full load down to 1400 rpm and may be operated for short periods at full load down to 1000 rpm. Operation at full load below 1000 rpm is not recommended.However, all 3208 naturally aspirated engines may be operated below the lower rpm limits at light loads and low truck speeds. In fact, operation below the lower rpm at light loads is recommended to achieve the best fuel economy, using the progressive shifting technique.Uphill Operation
Upgrade operation varies between turbocharged and naturally aspirated engine, due to the differences in minimum rpm, where full load operation is recommended. (See Preceeding NOTE).Truck performance on upgrades is normally improved by eliminating unnecessary shifting on either turbocharged or naturally aspirated engines. Turbocharged engines will operate at full load at a lower rpm and require less shifting than naturally aspirated engines.On upgrades, begin downshifting when the engine rpm starts to approach peak torque speed (1400 rpm). Fuel economy will be best if you let the engine lug back to around this speed before you downshift. Downshift until a gear is reached in which the engine will pull the load.For