Section IV. OPERATION UNDER UNUSUAL CONDITIONS
2-12. OPERATION UNDER UNUSUAL WEATHER. The air compressor unit is designed to operate normally within a
wide range of climatic conditions. However, some extreme conditions require special operating and servicing procedures
to prevent undue loading and excessive wear on the equipment. These unusual conditions and the special steps to be
performed are listed in the following paragraphs.
a. Operation in Extreme Cold. 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 the
unit 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 Lubrication
Order 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, and
injectors. Water in the fuel can also make the engine hard to start and may make the engine run very roughly.
NOTE
Before attempting to use the electric starter motor to start the engine in cold weather, be sure
to check the battery. For cold starting of the engine, the battery must be able to supply a full
12 volts DC at a rating of 60 amps. If the battery is not able to supply this amount of
electricity, 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) to
run the electric starter motor to rotate the engine a few times to distribute oil inside the engine crankcase and in the
compressor crankcase.
WARNING
Use of gasoline, paint thinner, or any other volatile liquid either as a fuel or as a starting aid
can result in serious injury to operating personnel. Addition of highly volatile liquids put
directly into engine could cause an explosion or fire. Use only diesel fuel or specified jet fuel
to operate the air compressor unit.
CAUTION
Do not use more oil than specified as a starting agent or equipment damage could result. Too
much oil could result in engine reversal. Should this occur, engine exhaust will be emitted
from the air intake. Stop engine at once using speed control lever knob or decompression
lever. The oil pump in the engine does not work in reverse and severe engine damage could
result.
CAUTION
If rubber plug is not in place contaminants may enter engine and cause accelerated wear of
internal parts. Keep rubber plug in rocker arm cover except when adding oil.
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