Section IV. OPERATION UNDER UNUSUAL CONDITIONS2-12. OPERATION UNDER UNUSUAL WEATHER. The air compressor unit is designed to operate normally within awide range of climatic conditions. However, some extreme conditions require special operating and servicing proceduresto prevent undue loading and excessive wear on the equipment. These unusual conditions and the special steps to beperformed are listed in the following paragraphs.a.OperationinExtremeCold. Cold weather causes the engine oil and the compressor oil to become quite thick.This can cause all of the internal components of the air compressor unit to resist any movement during starting of theunit in cold weather. To reduce this binding action, perform the following procedures before attempting to start the unit.(1)Be sure to use proper engine oil required for cold weather operation of the engine. Refer to LubricationOrder LO 9-4310-394-12 for the correct type of oil to use in the temperatures you will be experiencing.(2)Keep fuel tank full to prevent condensation. Condensation can freeze and clog the lines, filters, andinjectors. Water in the fuel can also make the engine hard to start and may make the engine run very roughly.NOTEBefore attempting to use the electric starter motor to start the engine in cold weather, be sureto check the battery. For cold starting of the engine, the battery must be able to supply a full12 volts DC at a rating of 60 amps. If the battery is not able to supply this amount ofelectricity, the engine may not be able to be started in cold weather.(3)(Refer to Figure 2-5). Hold the decompression lever (3) on the engine down and use the key switch (6) torun the electric starter motor to rotate the engine a few times to distribute oil inside the engine crankcase and in thecompressor crankcase.WARNINGUse of gasoline, paint thinner, or any other volatile liquid either as a fuel or as a starting aidcan result in serious injury to operating personnel. Addition of highly volatile liquids putdirectly into engine could cause an explosion or fire. Use only diesel fuel or specified jet fuelto operate the air compressor unit.CAUTIONDo not use more oil than specified as a starting agent or equipment damage could result. Toomuch oil could result in engine reversal. Should this occur, engine exhaust will be emittedfrom the air intake. Stop engine at once using speed control lever knob or decompressionlever. The oil pump in the engine does not work in reverse and severe engine damage couldresult.CAUTIONIf rubber plug is not in place contaminants may enter engine and cause accelerated wear ofinternal parts. Keep rubber plug in rocker arm cover except when adding oil.2-23
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