Regional Haul Model Operator's Manual - Peterbilt Motors Company

STARTING AND OPERATING THE VEHICLE
Use of Accelerator
• For mild to warm temperatures above 60°F (16°C)
keep your foot OFF the accelerator pedal while cranking.
If the engine does not start after 5 seconds, apply
full throttle while cranking.
• For below normal starting temperatures fully depress
the accelerator (throttle) pedal after engaging the
starter.
NOTE: Pumping the accelerator will not assist in
starting the engine.
CAUTION: To help avoid overtaxing the
starter motor or batteries, or causing engine
damage, follow the recommendations listed
below:
• Do not engage starter for more than 30 seconds at a
time.
• Wait two minutes between each attempt to start the
engine. This allows the starter motor to cool and time
for the batteries to regain power.
• If the engine fails to start after a couple of tries, there
could be a malfunction with the engine or other
related system. Make any adjustments or repairs necessary
before trying to start the engine again.
STARTING PROCEDURE — NORMAL TEMPERATURES
When the engine starts:
• Watch the oil pressure gauge. Oil pressure should
rise within 15 seconds after the engine starts. If the oil
pressure does not rise, stop the engine. Find what is
wrong before restarting. Check the Engine Operation
and Maintenance Manual for the right oil pressure for
your vehicle's engine. In most engines, idle pressure
should be about 15 psi.
CAUTION: Never operate the starter motor
while the engine is running. The starter and
flywheel gears could clash or jam, severely
damaging them.
• Wait until normal engine oil pressure registers on the
gauge before idling or accelerating the engine beyond
1000 rpm.
• Watch the air pressure gauge. Wait until both pointers
register at least 100 psi (689 kPa) before releasing
the spring brake and moving the vehicle. Also, check
the alarm system for any type of faults and correct
them before moving the vehicle.
Regional Haul (R05/10) Y53-6033 – 89 –