Monaco 2009 Knight Owner's Manual page 229

It is possible
to operate diesel
engines in extremely
cold environments
when the engine is
properly equipped
with the correct lubricants, fuels and coolant.
Cold weather operation can be defined in two
categories: Winter and Arctic.
WINTER (32º to -25º F) (0º to -32º
C): Use a 50% antifreeze to 50% water
coolant mixture, use multi-viscosity oil
meeting manufacturers specifications and
fuel to have maximum cloud pour points
10º F (6º C) lower than the ambient
temperature in which the motorhome
operates.
ARCTIC (-25º to -65º F) (-32º to
-52º C): Use a 60% antifreeze to 40%
water coolant mixture. Use oil meeting
manufacturer specifications and fuel
to have maximum cloud pour points
10º F (6º C) lower than the ambient
temperature in which the motorhome
operates.
INFORMATION
Refer to the engine OEM manual for
more detailed information.
NOTE
The engine is filled with 15-40w
multi-viscosity oil from the factory.
Generally this will start the engine
in temperature down to 15º F. If
the engine has normalized to a
temperature below 15º F it will be
necessary to pre-heat the engine before
starting.
CAUTION
Upon cranking the engine in cold
temperature, the starter may rapidly
engage and disengage. If this occurs
STOP attempting to crank the engine
to prevent starter damage. Pre-heat
020165h
the engine before making further
attempts to start.
Block Heat:
The block heater is rated
between 850 and 1500
watts, depending on engine
size. For efficiency, hook
to shore power or plug
the block heater cord to a
separate power cord rated
for 15 Amps and a GFCI
protected outlet rated at
20 Amps. The engine may
require several hours of
pre-heating before starting.
It is recommended to start preheating the
engine the night before departure.
To Use the Block Heater:
Hook to shore power and plug the

block heater cord into the block heater
receptacle (both are located in the
roadside rear compartment).
Tips:
When operating below 32º F, the block

heater preheat can enhance engine
starting by easing cranking and helping
to prevent engine misfire and white
smoke during starting.
Always follow the recommended oil,

fuel, and coolant specifications as
outlined in the engine OEM manual.
Proper oil viscosity and coolant
concentration eases engine starting and
helps to avoid engine damage.
Allow the engine to idle until it

sufficiently warms for operation.
Utilize the fast idle feature to quicken
the process. Wait to operate the
motorhome for at least three minutes
090397
or until the coolant temperature begins
to rise.
Check the air inlet and filter daily, or
Located roadside

rear compartment
as necessary, when driving in snow
conditions.
The demand on batteries increase

during winter; check and service the
batteries frequently to help ensure
trouble-free starts.
Start out slowly with the motorhome

to allow the transmission and axle
lubricants time to circulate and warm
before putting them under full load.
WARNING
Use of ether starting fluids may
cause an explosion upon grid heater
activation.
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