WIRING GP-ENGINE 4372568 - Caterpillar

Use the steps that follow to make engine starts easier and to protect engines during cold weather:
Preparation And Maintenance Recommendations
1. Before the engine is started, check to make sure the oil will flow through the system freely. The oil can be checked by two methods: A. Before the engine is started, remove the oil dipstick. If the oil will not drip off the dipstick it will not flow through the engine. Do not try to start the engine when the oil is this thick.B. Put the oil in a freezer set at the expected ambient temperature at which the engine will have to start. Allow time for the oil to get cold. If the oil can not be poured out of the container it will not be able to flow freely through the engine at this temperature. Procedures to warm the oil or a different type of oil must be used at this temperature so the engine can be started.2. Do not extend oil change periods. This can cause many problems especially in colder temperatures. When oil is used for longer than the recommended time period, the additives in the oil are destroyed. This can cause plugged oil filters, which permit debris in the oil to get in the engine and cause rapid wear of the bearings and other components. Also, when the additives are destroyed, the viscosity of the oil increases and the temperature at which the oil will get thick is higher.3. Change the oil and filters on 1145, 1150, 1160 and 3208 Truck Engines every 6000 miles or 150 hours, whichever occurs first. If CD type oil is used in the 3208 Engine, the change period can be increased to 8000 miles or 250 hours whichever occurs first. On these engines the oil must be changed every three months, at minimum.4. To start the engine in temperatures that are colder than -10°F (-25°C), use a jacket water heater to warm the oil.5. The use of a different starting procedure that primes (puts in working order) the lubrication system can prevent dry bearings upon starting. This procedure is: a. Turn fuel system off.b. Engage the starter for five to ten seconds.c. Wait.d. Do this three times.Check the Lubrication and Maintenance Guide for other precautions that are necessary to protect the engine during cold weather operation.
In addition, check all water and lubrication hoses to be sure they have not been damaged by hot weather operation. Check for cracks. Make sure they are flexible. This is particularly important for oil hoses.