Cold-Weather Operation-Cat, Cummins, Dde S60, M-B - freightliner CENTURY CLASS S Driver Manual

Engines and Clutches
Maintenance literature is also available for driv-
ers of Allison-equipped vehicles who desire
trouble-free performance and maximum life from
their equipment. These maintenance books are
available from any authorized Detroit Diesel en-
gine distributor.
9. As with all engines, prolonged idling of Detroit
Diesel engines is not recommended. An idling
engine wastes fuel, and left unattended is also
unsafe.
A Detroit Diesel Electronic Control (DDEC) en-
gine can be equipped to shut off automatically
after a specified idling time. The vehicle trans-
mission must be in neutral and the parking brake
must be set for the automatic shutoff option to
work. To start the engine, follow the normal
start-up procedure.
Engines equipped with DDEC will idle fast when
cold. As the engine warms up to operating tem-
perature, the idle speed will decrease. Warm the
engine until idle speed is normal before operat-
ing the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz
While you are driving, watch for any signs of engine
problems. If the engine overheats, uses excessive
fuel or lubricating oil, vibrates, misfires, makes un-
usual noises, or shows an unusual loss of power,
turn the engine off as soon as possible and deter-
mine the cause of the problem. Frequently, engine
damage may be avoided by a quick response to
early indications of problems.
1. Use the tachometer to determine when to shift.
Follow the pattern on the shift lever when moving
through the gears.
2. Depending on the vehicle gearing, the posted
speed limit can sometimes allow operation in ei-
ther of the top two gears; however, for improved
operating efficiency (fuel economy and engine
life), operate in the top gear at reduced rpm,
rather than in the next lower gear at the maxi-
mum rpm.
3. Cruise at partial throttle whenever road condi-
tions and speed requirements permit. This driv-
ing technique permits operating within the most
economical power range of the engine.
4. Use lower gears in steep downhill driving. Nor-
mally, the gear used to descend a hill is the
7.15
same gear used to climb a hill of the same
grade.
5.
Never allow the engine to exceed the rated
speed. Use the exhaust brake and the optional
constant-throttle brake, if installed, to lower en-
gine rpm below the rated speed.
6.
Never allow the engine to idle for more than 30
minutes. Excessive idling can cause oil to leak
from the turbocharger.
CAUTION
Stop the engine at the first sign of malfunction.
Almost all malfunctions give some warning to the
operator before significant damage occurs. Many
engines are saved because alert operators heed
the warning signs (sudden drop in oil pressure,
unusual noises, etc.) and immediately shut down
the engine.
NOTE: Long periods of idling are not good for
an engine because the combustion chamber
temperatures drop so low that the fuel may not
burn completely. This will cause carbon to clog
the injector spray holes and piston rings, and
may result in stuck valves.
If the engine coolant temperature becomes too
low, raw fuel will wash the lubricating oil off the
cylinder walls and dilute the crankcase oil, caus-
ing all moving parts of the engine to suffer from
poor lubrication.
Cold-Weather Operation—CAT,
Cummins, DDE S60, M-B
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
temperatures, the greater the amount of modification
required; and yet with the modifications applied, the
engines must still be capable of operation in warmer
climates without extensive changes.
The following information is provided to engine own-
ers, operators, and maintenance personnel on how
the modifications can be applied to get satisfactory
performance from their diesel engines.
There are three basic objectives: