Regional Haul Model Operator's Manual - Peterbilt Motors Company

STARTING AND OPERATING THE VEHICLE
CAUTION: Always unplug the heater before
starting the engine. Damage to the cooling
system could occur if the heater is not turned
OFF (unplugged).
When the temperature falls below 0°F (–18°F) for Caterpillar
engines, or –10°F (–24°C) for Cummins engines, the
block heater is required.
• Use a solution of half ethylene glycol antifreeze and
half water for best heater performance. Do not exceed
60 percent concentration of antifreeze, as it can
shorten heater life. See page 175 for more information.
• After servicing the cooling system, operate the vehicle
for a day or two before using the heater. Trapped air
inside the engine needs time to escape.
Cold Weather Starting—Air Intake Heater
Do not use ether or any other starting fluid as a cold starting
aid in your Regional Haul vehicle. Engine conditions
are automatically monitored and in cold weather the fuel/
air mixture is preheated in the manifold.
STARTING PROCEDURE — COLD TEMPERATURES
WARNING! Do not use ether or other starting
fluids as a cold-starting aid in your Regional
Haul vehicle. Your engine uses either an electrical
grid or an open flame inside the manifold,
to heat the air/fuel mixture for cold
weather starting. If ether or another starting
fluid is used, the air/fuel will ignite inside the
manifold, which could cause an explosion
and death or severe injury.
With each engine make, the air intake heating system
works differently. To understand fully how your engine's
heating system operates, see the engine Operation and
Maintenance Manual for details.
On most systems the engine block temperature is monitored
at startup; other systems monitor the engine oil
pressure, coolant temperature, and time, as well. When
the pre-set conditions are met, the heater automatically
engages.
Air Intake Heater
The air intake heater system will alert you when the
engine requires preheat. On the dash is a “WAIT TO
START” warning light (See page 27). This light alerts you
to wait before starting the engine.
Regional Haul (R05/10) Y53-6033 – 91 –