MBE 900 – Section 11.1 Preparation for a First Time Start

Section 11.1
Preparation for a First Time Start

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Note: Before starting the engine, do all the recommended pre-trip inspections and daily maintenance. Check the engine oil and fuel levels, and drain contaminants from the fuel/water separator (optional).

Note: If you drain the fuel/water separator completely, you may have to prime the fuel system.

Note especially the location and function of the following:‪

• Oil Pressure Gauge
• Coolant Temperature Gauge
• Low Oil Pressure/High Coolant Temperature Warning Light
• Water In Fuel Warning Light
• Tachometer
• Air Restriction Indicator

When starting the engine, and while driving, watch for any signs of engine problems. If the engine overheats, uses excessive fuel or lubricating oil, vibrates, misfires, makes unusual noises, or shows an unusual loss of power, turn the engine off as soon as possible and determine the cause. Frequently, engine damage may be avoided by a quick response to early indications of problems.‪

Section 11.1.1
Checking the Batteries

Use only batteries that have been correctly filled and serviced. To provide corrosion protection, apply pumpable dielectric grease, part number 48-02349-000, liberally to the terminal pads. Approved suppliers are listed in Table "Approved Electrical Lubricants" .‪

Manufacturer‪	Lubricant or Part Number‪
Shell® is a registered trademark of Shell Oil Corporation.‪	No. 71032; No. 71306‪
Texaco® is a registered trademark of Texaco, Inc.‪	No. 955‪
Quaker State® is a registered trademark of Quaker State Oil Refinery Company.‪	No. NYK-77‪

Battery Explosion and Acid Burn ‪
To avoid injury from battery explosion or contact with battery acid, work in a well ventilated area, wear protective clothing, and avoid sparks or flames near the battery. If you come in contact with battery acid:‪ Flush your skin with water. Apply baking soda or lime to help neutralize the acid. Flush your eyes with water. Get medical attention immediately.

Section 11.1.2
Checking the Oil Level

Check the oil level as follows:‪

1. Check the oil level using the oil dipstick. See Figure "Oil Dipstick" .
   

   1. Maximum Fill Level‪

   2. Minimum Fill Level‪

   Figure 1. Oil Dipstick

   PERSONAL INJURY ‪
   To avoid injury from slipping and falling, immediately clean up any spilled liquids.‪

2. If necessary, top off by filling engine oil through the oil fill collar until the maximum fill level on the oil dipstick has been reached. See Figure "Oil Fill Collar" .
   

   Figure 2. Oil Fill Collar

Section 11.1.3
Checking the Coolant Level (Cold Check)

Check engine coolant level as follows:‪

1. Ensure that all coolant plugs in the bottom of the radiator and on the radiator outlet pipe are secure and tight.
2. Check the coolant level. The cooling system is correctly filled when the coolant is between the maximum and minimum marks on the surge tank.

Section 11.1.4
Adding Fuel

Note the following when adding fuel:‪

1. Add winter or summer grade fuel according to the season of the year.
2. Work in the cleanest conditions possible.
3. Prevent water from entering the fuel tank.

Section 11.1.5
Priming the Fuel System

Prime the fuel system as follows:‪

NOTICE:
Correct torque on the high pressure lines is critical. Incorrect torques could result in leaks or lack of power due to restricted fuel flow.‪

1. Make sure that all high-pressure lines have been tightened to 25 N·m (18 lb·ft) and all fuel banjo bolts to 40 - 50 N·m (30 - 37 lb·ft).
2. If equipped with a hand pump on the fuel/water separator, work the hand pump until a strong resistance is felt.

   Note: There should be a strong resistance in the hand pump, caused by the pressure build-up within the fuel system.

   PERSONAL INJURY ‪
   To avoid injury before starting and running the engine, ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface, parking brake is set, and the wheels are blocked.‪

   PERSONAL INJURY ‪
   Diesel engine exhaust and some of its constituents are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm.‪ Always start and operate an engine in a well ventilated area. If operating an engine in an enclosed area, vent the exhaust to the outside. Do not modify or tamper with the exhaust system or emission control system.

3. If not equipped with a fuel/water separator with a hand pump, use the Diesel Fuel System Primer, J-47912 to prime the fuel system. See Figure "Diesel Fuel System Primer J-47912" .
   

   Figure 3. Diesel Fuel System Primer J-47912

4. Fill the fuel system primer three-fourth full with fuel oil.
5. Connect the line from the primer tank to priming valve on the primary fuel filter. Close the valve on the priming line. See Figure 11-4.
6. Pump the primer tank numerous times to build up pressure.
7. Open the valve on the priming line and wait 60 seconds for system to fill.
8. Crank the engine for 30 seconds at a time, but no longer. Before cranking the engine again, wait at least two minutes. The engine should start within four 30-second attempts.
9. Once the engine starts, run for 30 seconds before closing the priming line valve.
10. After the engine starts and runs smoothly, remove the priming line from the primary fuel filter and install the dust cap on the priming fitting.
11. Slowly release the pressure on the fuel system primer, J-47912 by turning the pumping handle slightly. See Figure "Diesel Fuel System Primer J-47912" .