TM 9-4310-394-13
Section I. DESCRIPTION AND USE OF
OPERATOR'S CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
2-1. INTRODUCTION. The air compressor unit is designed for operation in a wide range of climatic conditions.
Operators must be aware of any peculiarities or operational limitations for their specific installation. Before setting up
and operating this system, be sure that you have determined the type of terrain and climate in which you will use the unit
and that you have assembled and serviced the system to match the existing needs.
2-2. OPERATOR'S CONTROLS AND INDICATORS. For controls and indicators applicable to the ACU, refer to the
following descriptions and to Figure 2-1.
a.
Air Pressure Gauge (1). An air pressure gauge is mounted on the tank to determine the pressure of the
compressed air stored inside of the receiver tank.
b. Air Tank Drain Cock (2). A drain cock is attached to the bottom of the air tank to allow water to be drained from
the tank and to allow compressed air to be removed from the tank when maintenance must be performed on the tank.
c. Cold Weather Plug (3). During ACU operation in colder weather, engine starting can be further helped by
removing the cold weather plug on the top of the engine rocker arm cover and adding 5 or 6 drops of engine oil. This
reduces the additional friction caused by colder weather and makes the engine easier to start.
d. Compressor Lube Oil Drain Plug (4). In the event that the compressor oil must be changed, the oil can be
drained from the unit by removing the drain plug and allowing the oil to drain down the drain pan into a suitable container.
e. Decompression Handle (5). Because of the high internal cylinder pressure inside a diesel engine, it can be
difficult to start manually since the operator must overcome this internal pressure to start the engine rotation. To relieve
this internal cylinder pressure for starting purposes, an engine decompression handle is furnished to vent the cylinder
pressure and allow for easier engine starting.
f.
Diesel Engine Speed Control Knob (6). After the diesel engine has been started, the engine speed can be
controlled by loosening the engine speed control knob, moving it to desired speed, and then tightening speed control
knob.
g.
Engine Oil Dipstick (7). To provide a method of checking for the correct amount of oil in the diesel engine, the
engine is equipped with an engine oil dipstick. By removing this dipstick and checking the indicated oil level, proper
engine oil may be added as needed. Engine oil is added through the engine oil dipstick opening in the engine crankcase.
h.
Fuel Filter Handle (8). When maintenance must be performed on the fuel filter, a handle on the side of the fuel
filter can be used to turn off the fuel flow from the fuel tank.
i.
Fuel Tank Drain Plug (9). There are times when the fuel must be removed from the fuel tank. To accomplish
this task, a fuel tank drain plug is located on the bottom of the fuel tank.
j.
Fuel Valve (10). To control the flow of fuel from the fuel tank or auxiliary fuel source to the engine, a three way
fuel valve is included to select which fuel source is to be used.
k.
Fuel Tank Gauge (11). The amount of fuel in the engine fuel tank is shown by a fuel gauge located on the top
of the fuel tank.
2-2
