
SERIES 50 OPERATOR'S GUIDE
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR A FIRST TIME START
When preparing to start a new or newly
overhauled engine which has been in
storage, perform all of the operations
listed below. Failure to follow these
instructions may result in serious
engine damage. Before a routine start,
see the “Daily” checks for your engine
in the MAINTENANCE section.
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.
To avoid injury when working
near or on an operating engine,
remove loose items of clothing,
jewelry, tie back or contain long
hair that could be caught in any
moving part causing injury.
System Checks
Perform the following system checks
before starting for the first time.
Cooling System Checks
Check the cooling system as follows:
1. Make sure all drain cocks in
the cooling system are installed
(drain cocks are often removed
for shipping) and are closed
tightly.
2. Remove the radiator pressure
control cap and fill with genuine
Detroit Diesel
Power Cool
antifreeze or an equivalent quality
ethylene glycol or propylene
glycol-base antifreeze solution
in the required concentration.
In extremely hot environments,
properly inhibited
water may
be used in the summer. Keep
the coolant level at the bottom
of the filler neck to allow for
All information subject to change without notice.
(Rev. 01/ 04)
15
6SE550 0401
Copyright © 2004 DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION