Monaco 2008 Knight, Owner'S Manual

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chassIs InformatIon — 10
21
2 0 0 8 K n I G h t
Test kits are available from the engine
manufacturer as well as aftermarket. Litmus
paper is time and light sensitive. Check the
SCA content at each oil change following the
directions in the test kit.
Refer to the engine OEM manual for further
information.
NOTE
SCA test kits are time and light
sensitive. Store test kit in a dry and
dark location. Discard if out of date.
Pink colored antifreeze may not be
compatible with certain test kits.
Cooling System Maintenance:
Refer to the engine OEM manual for detailed
information regarding cooling system service
and maintenance intervals. Services include
draining and replacing the coolant, flushing the
cooling system, inspecting the water pump and
standpipe and replacing the thermostat, gasket or
seal.
Coolant Overheated:
The engine can overheat for a number of
reasons. Before engine temperature reaches a
critical point, it is preceded by illumination of
dash indicator lamps as well as above normal
temperature gauge readings. It is best to adhere
to these indicators and take corrective action
before the engine is subjected to extreme heat
and potential engine damage.
If the engine should begin to severely
overheat, engine protection software will begin
to decrease fuel regardless of throttle position
(derate) to reduce heat created by combustion.
Damage to the engine will occur if engine
operation continues and cause of the overheat
condition is not immediately corrected. At this
point it is best to shut off the engine as soon as
possible to avoid further engine damage.
WARNING
It is advised to shut off the engine
should the engine overheat. It may take
several hours before engine temperature
has lowered to a safe operating range.
Do not remove the coolant reservoir
cap as severe burns may result. Never
add cold water to an overheated engine
as this will cause uneven rapid cooling
and possibly result in further engine
damage.
Freeze Protection:
Coolant freeze protection is checked using a
refractometer for accuracy. This meter checks at
what point the coolant begins to freeze. Refer to
the engine OEM manual for test procedures.
Coolant System - Thawing:
If the coolant system becomes frozen,
the motorhome must be towed. Place the
motorhome in a warm area until completely
thawed. If the engine is operated when the
cooling system is frozen, the engine may
overheat due to insufficient coolant circulation.
Once thawed, check the engine, radiator and
related components for damage caused by
expansion of frozen coolant.
Coolant Hoses:
Inspect coolant hoses and connections when
checking engine or transmission fluids. Look for
any signs of chaffing at hose restraints or sharp
edges. Indications that hoses have reached the
end of service life include cracking or swelling
around clamps and connections. Oil leaks can
also deteriorate hoses.
Overheating can be caused by a collapsed
hose. Old hoses can also deteriorate on the
inside causing partial clogs reducing cooling
efficiency. Replace any hose found to be
cracked, swollen or damaged. Periodically check
hose clamp torque.
Inspect:
Every 12 months - Inspect all hoses, clamps,
and fittings for leaks due to cracking, softness
and loose clamps/fittings. Look for signs of
fluid leaks, damaged end fittings or ballooning;
chafed, kinked, or crushed hoses; and loose
clamps and fittings. Correct any deficiencies
found.
Radiator/Charge Air Cooler
The diesel engine uses compression to ignite
the fuel/air charge. To increase compression
inside the combustion chamber (resulting in
increased power output) a turbocharger is added
to the engine. The turbocharger is a paired
housing assembly with impellers inside each
housing connected by a common shaft. One
impeller is propelled by the engine exhaust,
which drives the other impeller. The function
of the other impeller is to increase compression
inside the combustion chamber by forcing air
into the intake manifold.