Pierce Enforcer, Operator'S Manual

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OPERATION
5-42 / Operating the Engine
© 2018 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
5-24. Hand Throttle
5-25. Cold Weather Operation
As diesel engines have increased in efficiency, the amount of waste heat available to be drawn from the coolant has
decreased, particularly when operated at idle under a no-load condition. In cold weather with all the heaters
operating, the engine may not reach warm operating temperatures unless it is placed under load.
5-25.1 Cold Weather Pumper Operation
• Ensure that the engine cooler valve on the pump panel is in the closed position. This valve shuts off the flow of
tank water to the auxiliary engine cooler. This cooler is only required during pumping in high ambient conditions.
• Keep the pump panel heater (if so equipped) in the off position when not required. This will draw less heat from
the engine during warm-up.
• Turn the crew cab heater fan to low or off when the crew cab is not occupied. This will draw less heat from the
engine during warm-up.
• Operation of the engine in a high-idle mode will increase the engine heat output somewhat, but is of limited
benefit unless the engine is under load. To provide a load on the engine during long periods of idle time, operate
the pump in the recirculation mode with the engine at 1500 rpm.
Refer to the engine manufacturer’s operator’s manual for further information.
Never attempt to use a hand throttle as a cruise control. Doing so may cause lack of vehicle control
resulting in property damage, personal injury, or death.
Because diesel engines are highly efficient, they use very little fuel while idling. As a result, idling in
cold weather will not heat the engine to its normal operating temperature. Operation of a diesel engine
at low idle for extended periods of time can cause engine damage. The following cold weather
guidelines must be followed:
•
Avoid extended idling (beyond 10 minutes) whenever possible.
• Use a minimum 45 Cetane diesel fuel or utilize Cetane index improvers from a reputable
manufacturer.
• Maintain a minimum of 1250 rpm idle by use of the hand throttle or high idle system. Always make
sure that parking brake is applied and transmission is in neutral before applying hand throttle.
• Maintain engine cooling system.
• For pumpers: Shut off water flow to the auxiliary cooler using the valve at the pump panel and avoid
the use of pump panel heaters except when essential.
• Use engine block heaters when possible.