At temperatures below −10° C (14° F) damage to
engine components can occur if the engine is
allowed to operate at high load and speed
immediately after starting.
Recommendations for the Coolant
Provide cooling system protection for the lowest
expected outside temperature. Refer to this
Operation and Maintenance Manual, “Fluid
Recommendations” for the recommended coolant
mixture.
In cold weather, check the coolant often for the
correct glycol concentration to ensure adequate
freeze protection.
Engine Block Heaters
Engine block heaters (if equipped) heat the engine
jacket water that surrounds the combustion
chambers. This heat provides the following functions:
• Startability is improved.
• Warm up time is reduced.
An electric block heater can be activated once the
engine is stopped. A block heater can be 120 V ac
600W or 240 V ac 550W. The output can be 550 or
600W. Consult your Perkins dealer or your Perkins
distributor for more information.
Idling the Engine
When idling after the engine is started in cold
weather, increase the engine rpm from 1000 to 1200
rpm. This idling will warm up the engine more quickly.
Maintaining an elevated low idle speed for extended
periods will be easier with the installation of a hand
throttle. The engine should not be “raced” to speed
up the warm-up process.
While the engine is idling, the application of a light
load (parasitic load) will help in achieving the
minimum operating temperature. The minimum
operating temperature is 80° C (176° F).
Recommendations for Coolant
Warm Up
Warm up an engine that has cooled below normal
operating temperatures due to inactivity. This warm
up should be performed before the engine is returned
to full operation. During operation in cold temperature
conditions, damage to engine valve mechanisms can
result from engine operation for short intervals. This
damage can happen if the engine is started and the
engine is stopped many times without being operated
to warm up completely.
When the engine is operated below normal operating
temperatures, fuel and oil are not burned completely
in the combustion chamber. This fuel and oil causes
soft carbon deposits to form on the valve stems.
Generally, the deposits do not cause problems and
the deposits are burned off during operation at
normal engine operating temperatures.
When starting and stopping an engine many times
without being operated to warm up completely, the
carbon deposits become thicker. This starting and
stopping can cause the following problems:
• Free operation of the valves is prevented.
• Valves become stuck.
• Push-rods may become bent.
• Other damage to valve train components can
result.
For these reasons, when the engine is started, the
engine must be operated until the coolant
temperature is 80° C (176° F) minimum. Carbon
deposit on the valve stems will be kept at a minimum.
The free operation of the valves and the valve
components will be maintained.
The engine must be warmed thoroughly to keep
other engine parts in better condition. The service life
of the engine will be extended. Lubrication will be
improved. There will be less acid and less sludge in
the oil. This condition will provide longer service life
for the engine bearings, the piston rings, and other
parts. However, limit unnecessary idle time to 10
minutes to reduce wear and unnecessary fuel
consumption.
The Water Temperature Regulator and
Insulated Heater Lines
The engine is equipped with a water temperature
regulator. When the engine coolant is below the
correct operating temperature, jacket water circulates
through the engine cylinder block and into the engine
cylinder head. The coolant then returns to the
cylinder block via an internal passage that bypasses
the valve of the coolant temperature regulator. This
return ensures that coolant flows around the engine
under cold operating conditions. The water
temperature regulator begins to open when the
engine jacket water has reached the correct
minimum operating temperature. As the jacket water
coolant temperature rises above the minimum
operating temperature, the water temperature
regulator opens further allowing more coolant
through the radiator to dissipate excess heat.
The progressive opening of the water temperature
regulator operates the progressive closing of the
bypass passage between the cylinder block and
head. This action ensures maximum coolant flow to
the radiator to achieve maximum heat dissipation.
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