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M0109073
An electric block heater can be activated once the
engine is stopped. A block heater can be 110 V dc or
240 V dc. Consult your Perkins distributor for more
information.
Extended Idle at Cold Ambient
Temperature
The engine may automatically change speeds when
the engine is idling in cold ambient temperatures
(typically less than 0° C (32° F) for extended periods.
The purpose of the automatic speed change is
threefold: To maintain the desired operation of the
NOx reduction system, to maintain the desired
operation of the regeneration system and to keep the
engine coolant warm. The engine speed may rise to
1600 rpm for as long as 20 minutes.
The high exhaust system temperature lamp may
illuminate during extended idling conditions. This
illumination signals that a diesel particulate filter
(DPF) regeneration is in progress. Regenerations
during cold ambient extended idling may only last up
to 10 minutes.
Idling the Engine
The engine should not be "raced" to speed up the
warm-up process.
While the engine is idling, the application of a light
load (parasitic load) will help in achieving the
minimum operating temperature. The minimum
operating temperature is 80° C (176° F).
Recommendations for Coolant
Warm Up
Warm up an engine that has cooled below normal
operating temperatures due to inactivity. This warm
-up should be performed before the engine is
returned to full operation. During operation in very
cold temperature conditions, damage to engine valve
mechanisms can result from engine operation for
short intervals. This damage can happen if the
engine is started and the engine is stopped many
times without being operated to warm-up completely.
When the engine is operated below normal operating
temperatures, fuel and oil are not burned completely
in the combustion chamber. This fuel and oil causes
soft carbon deposits to form on the valve stems.
Generally, the deposits do not cause problems and
the deposits are burned off during operation at
normal engine operating temperatures.
When starting and stopping an engine many times
without being operated to warm-up completely, the
carbon deposits become thicker. This starting and
stopping can cause the following problems:
• Free operation of the valves is prevented.
• Valves become stuck.
• Pushrods may become bent.
• Other damage to valve train components can
result.
For these reasons, when the engine is started, the
engine must be operated until the coolant
temperature is 80° C (176° F) minimum. Carbon
deposits on the valve stem will be kept at a minimum.
The free operation of the valves and the valve
components will be maintained.
The engine must be warmed thoroughly to keep
other engine parts in better condition. The service life
of the engine will be generally extended. Lubrication
will be improved. There will be less acid and less
sludge in the oil. This condition will provide longer
service life for the engine bearings, the piston rings,
and other parts. However, limit unnecessary idle time
to 10 minutes to reduce wear and unnecessary fuel
consumption.
Insulated Heater Lines
A cab heater is beneficial in cold weather. The feed
from the engine and the return lines from the cab
should be insulated to reduce heat loss to the outside
air.
Radiator Restrictions
Perkins discourages the use of airflow restriction
devices that are mounted in front of radiators. Airflow
restriction can cause the following conditions:
• High exhaust temperatures
• Power loss
• Excessive fan usage
• Reduction in fuel economy
Reducing air flow over components will also affect
under hood temperatures. Reducing air flow can
increase surface temperatures during an
aftertreatment regeneration and could affect
component reliability.
If an airflow restriction device must be used, the
device should have a permanent opening directly in
line with the fan hub. The device must have a
minimum opening dimension of at least 770 cm
2
(120 in
).
A centered opening that is directly in line with the fan
hub is specified to prevent an interrupted airflow on
the fan blades. Interrupted airflow on the fan blades
could cause a fan failure.
49
Operation Section
Radiator Restrictions
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