Weekly Test; Starting/Stopping The Engine; To Start Engine; Start Engine For Test Purposes ("Soft Start") - Clarke C18H Instruction Manual

DRIVESHAFT MAINTENANCE
1. To service the driveshaft, disconnect the
negative battery cables, remove the top of
guard and set aside.
2. Rotate engine shaft manually so the u-joint
grease fittings are accessible.
3. Using a hand-held grease gun with N.L.G.I.
grade 1 or 2 grease position on grease fitting.
Pump with grease until grease is visible at all
four cap seals.
4. Verify all driveshaft connecting bolts remain
tight. Re-torque per 2.4.1 if necessary.
5. Reinstall top of guard and connect negative
battery cables.

2.5 WEEKLY TEST

An experienced operator should be present during the
weekly test.
NOTE: This engine is designed to operate at rated load
conditions. For testing purposes the engine can be run
at lower load (lower flow) conditions. Running times
in any one period should not exceed a maximum of 30
minutes. Before starting the engine make sure of the
following:
1) The operator has free access to stop the engine
in an emergency.
2) The plant room ventilation ducts are open and
the engine has good access for air.
3) All the guards are in position and, if not, for
whatever reason, any rotating parts will be free
and clear without restriction.
4) Battery covers are in place and there is nothing
on top of or touching the engine, which is not
part of the original supply specification.
5) The raw water supply for cooling is available
without restriction. Typically, restriction
occurs from a plugged cooling loop strainer.
When engine is running make sure that the coolant
temperature, oil pressure and raw cooling water flow
are within the limits specified on the relevant
Installation & Operation Data Sheet (see Page 5).
If the coolant temperature is excessive, check:
a) Cooling loop strainers
b) Proper functioning of thermostat
c) Condition of heat exchanger tube bundle

2.6 STARTING/STOPPING THE ENGINE

2.6.1 To Start Engine

Use main pump controller for starting. Follow
instructions provided by controller manufacturer.
On UL/FM engines, use main pump controller for
starting and stopping the engine. Should the main
pump controller become inoperable, the engine can be
manually started and stopped from the engine gauge
panel. For manual starting and stopping of an engine
with a gauge panel: Position MODE SELECTOR to
MANUAL RUN. (Refer to Figure #8). Lift and hold
MANUAL CRANK #1, until engine starts, or release
after 15 seconds. If unit fails to start, wait for 15
seconds, use MANUAL CRANK #2 and repeat step.
If RAW COOLING WATER is not flowing or
engine COOLANT
TEMPERATURE is too HIGH, open cooling system
manual by-pass valves.
Note: On C18H Engines you can also start engines
using manual starting contactors.
IMPORTANT: Main pump controller selector should
be in the OFF position when starting from engine
gauge panel. Be sure to return selector on main pump
controller and engine gauge panel to AUTOMATIC
after completing manual run.

2.6.1.1 Start Engine for Test Purposes ("Soft Start")

During installation of the sprinkler system or initial
commissioning, it may be desirable to start the engine
at a reduced speed. Reducing the speed reduces the
pressure of the pump discharge. This allows leak
detection to be performed at reduced system pressure
and reduces the likelihood of water hammer at start.
The process is simple with a mechanical engine, as it
has a mechanical linkage that can be removed. No
provision exists on most electronic engines.
C18H models from Clarke are equipped with a "Soft
Start" feature to allow operation at a reduced speed.
To use the feature, the engine should be started
manually from the engine gauge panel. To use the
feature:
1) Switch the main fire pump controller to the
OFF position.
2) Switch the MODE SELECTOR to
MANUAL RUN. (Refer to Figure #8).
3) Press the "menu key" on the PV380 display
gauge.
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