MBE 900 – Section 11.2 Starting the Engine

Section 11.2
Starting the Engine

Before operating the engine, do the work described under “Preparation for a First Time Start.” Start the engine as follows:‪

Note: As a safety function, the electronic engine control system allows the engine to start only if the transmission is in neutral.

NOTICE:
Never attempt to start the MBE 900 engine using ether or any other starting fluid. Serious engine damage could result.‪

PERSONAL INJURY ‪
To avoid injury when working near or on an operating engine, remove loose items of clothing and jewelry. Tie back or contain long hair that could be caught in any moving part causing injury.‪

1. Turn on the ignition switch.
2. With the accelerator pedal in the idle position, start the engine.
3. Check the engine for leaks.
   1. Check all hoses, hose clamps, and pipe unions on the engine for tightness. Shut down the engine and tighten them if necessary.
   2. Check the oil feed and return lines at the turbocharger for tightness. Shut down the engine and tighten them if necessary.
4. Shut down the engine.
5. Approximately five minutes after shutdown, check the engine oil level. If necessary, add oil up to the maximum fill level on the oil dipstick. Do not overfill.
6. Check all the mounting fasteners and belts on the engine for tightness.

Section 11.2.1
Checking the Coolant Level (Hot Check)

Check coolant level as follows:‪

1. Allow the engine to run for approximately five minutes at a moderate speed.

   HOT COOLANT ‪
   To avoid scalding from the expulsion of hot coolant, never remove the cooling system pressure cap while the engine is at operating temperature. Wear adequate protective clothing (face shield, rubber gloves, apron, and boots). Remove the cap slowly to relieve pressure.‪

2. Then, with the coolant temperature above 50°C (122°F), recheck the coolant level.
3. Add more coolant if necessary. Open the heater valves before adding coolant.
4. Do not close the heater valves until the engine has been run briefly and the coolant level again checked and corrected as necessary.

Section 11.2.2
Starting an Engine That Has Not Been Run for an Extended Period of Time

Before starting an engine which has not been run for an extended period, certain special work must be carried out.‪

Note: At outside temperatures below -20°C (– 4°F), a coolant preheater is recommended.

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.‪

1. Chock the tires, place the transmission in neutral, and set the parking brake.

   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.

2. Turn on the ignition switch and start the engine.
3. If the engine doesn't start after 20 seconds, stop. Try again after waiting about one minute.

   NOTICE:
   Do not rev the engine if the oil pressure gauge indicates no oil pressure. To avoid engine damage, shut down the engine if no oil pressure appears within approximately ten seconds. Check to determine the cause of the problem.‪

4. Monitor the oil pressure gauge immediately after starting the engine.

   Note: Do not place the engine under full load until it reaches operating temperature.