Engine Operation - freightliner WALK-IN VAN CHASSIS Operator's Manual

Cold-Weather Starting
See the engine manufacturer's operation manual for
starting aids that are approved for specific engines.
If the unit is equipped with a block heater, start the
block heater two to four hours before travel.

Engine Operation

Normal Operation
WARNING
Do not operate the engine in an area where flam-
mable vapors such as gasoline or diesel fumes
are present. Shut off the engine when in an area
where flammable liquids or gases are being
handled. Failure to observe these precautions
could result in serious injury or death.
Engines produce high horsepower and peak torque
characteristics at low rpm. Because of this, it is not
necessary to operate the engine at high rpm to de-
liver the required horsepower at the wheels. These
characteristics may also result in less shifting and
make shifting at lower rpm (to peak torque) more
practical.
Depending on the vehicle gearing, the posted speed
limit can sometimes allow operation in either of the
top two gears. However, for improved operating effi-
ciency (fuel economy and engine life), operate in the
top gear at reduced rpm, rather than in the next
lower gear at the maximum rpm. Cruise at partial
throttle whenever road conditions and speed require-
ments permit. This driving technique permits operat-
ing within the most economical power range of the
engine.
When approaching a hill, accelerate smoothly to start
the upgrade at full power (2000 rpm or higher is rec-
ommended), then shift down as desired to maintain
the optimum vehicle speed.
Engines are designed to operate over a wide speed
range. More frequent shifting than necessary does
not allow proper utilization of this flexibility. The driver
who stays in top gear and uses the wider speed
range will achieve the best fuel economy.
NOTICE
Do not allow the engine to exceed its governed
speed, or serious engine damage could result.
The engine is effective as a brake on downhill
grades, but take care not to overspeed the engine
going downhill. Use a combination of brakes and
gears to keep the vehicle under control at all times
and to keep the engine speed below the rated gov-
erned rpm.
Cold-Weather Operation
Satisfactory performance of a diesel engine operating
in low ambient temperatures requires modification of
the engine, surrounding equipment, operating prac-
tices, and maintenance procedures. The lower the
temperature, the greater the amount of modification
required. See the engine manufacturer's operation
manual for service products approved for use in cold
weather engine operation.
If satisfactory engine temperature is not maintained,
maintenance costs will increase due to greater en-
gine wear. If the engine coolant gets too cold, raw
fuel will wash the lubricating oil off the cylinder walls
and dilute the crankcase oil, causing all moving parts
of the engine to suffer from poor lubrication.
If the engine is in good mechanical condition and the
precautions necessary for cold-weather operation are
taken, ordinary cold weather will not cause difficulty
in starting or loss of efficiency.
The following points are important to observe when
operating in cold weather.
•
Check for cracks in the battery cases, for cor-
rosion of the terminals, and for tightness of the
cable clamps at the terminals.
•
Charge the batteries to full capacity. Replace
damaged batteries.
•
If equipped, turn off the battery disconnect
switch after the engine is shut down to prevent
battery discharge.
•
Have the alternator output checked at an au-
thorized Freightliner dealer.
•
Check the condition and tension of the drive
belts.
Engines
4.2