CHASSIS INFORMATION — 10
240
2008 IMPERIAL
STARTING PROCEDURE
Normal Starting
The engine is equipped with an intake
manifold grid heater. The grid heater helps
engine starting in cold weather. Intake manifold
air temperature is monitored by the Electronic
Control Module on the engine. The manifold
grid heater will activate if intake manifold
temperature is below approximately 40º F. Grid
heater activation is indicated by the
WAIT TO
START
indicator lamp.
WARNING:
Use of ether starting fluids may cause an
explosion upon grid heater activation.
To Start the Engine:
With the throttle in idle position, turn ignition
to ON. Allow the WAIT TO START lamp to
extinguish. Turn key to the start position. When
the engine starts the grid heater will again
energize for a time period determined by the
Electronic Control Module. Allow the engine
to idle with no load for three to
fi
ve minutes.
The engine coolant temperature should be up to
normal operating range (140º F./60 º C to 212º
F./100º C) before operating the engine under full
throttle.
CAUTION:
DO NOT idle the engine for long periods
of time. Consistent periods of long
idle wastes fuel and may cause engine
damage.
Cold Weather
In extreme cold temperatures, engine oil
becomes thick and battery output is reduced.
Thick oil, combined with less amperage
available from the battery, increases dif
fi
culty in
starting the engine.
Depending on ambient temperature it may be
necessary to pre-heat the engine. Located in the
coolant passage in the engine is a heating unit
(block heater) that operates from 120 Volt AC.
If it is necessary to pre-heat the engine due to
ambient temperature, activate the block heater
the night before, allowing several hours for the
block heater to warm the engine.
Another method to preheat the engine is to use
the Aqua-Hot. The Aqua-Hot engine pre-heat
function will heat engine coolant and the interior
on the Aladdin.
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 de
fi
ned 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 manufacturer
speci
fi
cation 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 speci
fi
cation
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 manufacturers
Owner’s Manual for more detailed
information.
NOTE:
The engine is filled with
Texaco Ursa
Premium TDX EC SAE 15-40w (with CJ-4
rating)
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 an 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 the
engine before making further attempts
to start.
020165h
