Instructions Before the Cummins Engine Starts

New and Rebuilt Engine Break-in

Cummins engines are run-in on dynamometers before being shipped from the factory and are ready to be put to work in applications such as emergency fire trucks, rail car applications and generator sets.

In other applications, the engine can be put to work but the operator has an opportunity to establish conditions for optimum service life during initial 100 hours of service by:

1. Operating as much as possible at three-quarterthrottle of load range.
2. Avoiding operation for long periods atengineidle speeds, or at the maximum horsepower levels in excess of five minutes.
3. Developing the habit of watching theengineinstruments closely during operation and letting up on the throttle if the oil temperaturereaches250°F[121°C] or the coolant temperature exceeds 195°F[91°C].
4. Operating with a power requirement that allowsaccelerationto governed speed when conditions require more power.
5. Checking the oil level every 8 to 10 hours duringthe break-in period.

Pre-Starting instructions-First Time or Seasonal

Priming The Fuel System

1. Fill the fuel filter with clean No.0 diesel fuel oilmeeting the specifications outlined in Section 3.
2. Remove the fuel pump suction line and wet thegear pump gears with clean lubricating oil.
3. Check and fill the fuel tanks.
4. If the injector and valve or other adjustmentshave been disturbed by any maintenance work check to be sure they havebeen properly adjusted before starting the engine.

Priming the Lubricating System

Note: On turbocharged engines, remove the oil inlet line from the turbocharger and prelubricate the bearing by adding 2 to 3 oz.[50to60cc] of clean lubricating oil. Reconnect the oil supply line.

1. Fill the crankcase to the“L”(low) mark on the dipstick. See Lubricating Oil Specifications ,Section 3.
2. Remove the plug from the front of the oil coolerhousing.

Caution: Do not prime the engine lubricating system from the by-pass filter.

3. Connect a hand or motor-driven priming pump line from a source of clean lubricating oil to the plug boss in the housing.

4. Prime until a 30 psi [207 kPa] minimum pressureiş obtained.

5. Crank the engine at least 15 seconds (with fuel shut-off valve closed or disconnected to prevent starting), while maintaining the external oil pressure at a minimum of 15 psi [103 kPa].

6. Remove the external oil supply and replace the plug. Tighten to proper torque valve.

Warning: Clean the area of any lubricating oil spilled while priming or filling the crankcase.

7. Fill the crankcase to the "H" (high) mark on the dipstick with oil meeting specifications, listed in Section 3. No change in oil viscosity or type is needed for new or newly rebuilt engines.A dipstick oil gauge is located on the side of the engine, Fig. 1-4. The dipstick has an "H" (high) (1) and "L” (low) (2) level mark to indicate lubricating oil supply. The dipstick must be kept with the oil pan, or engine, with which it was originally supplied. Cummins oil pans differ in capacity with different type installations and oil pan part numbers. Check the dipstick calibration. If in doubt, your Cummins Distributor can verify that you have the proper oil pan and dipstick calibration.

Check Hydraulic Governor

Many engines used in stationary power applications are equipped with hydraulic-governed fuel pumps which use lubricating oil as an energy medium. same weight as used in the engine. Oil level in the governor sump must be at the full mark on the dipstick.

Note: Engine applications in a cold environment should use a lighter weight oil in the governor sump.

Check Air Connections

Check the air connections to the compressor and the air equipment, as used, and to the air cleaners and air crossovers to assure that they all are secure and have no damage.

Check Engine Coolant Supply

1. Remove the radiator or heat exchanger cap andcheck the engine coolant supply.Add coolant as needed.

2. Make a visual check for leaks and open the water filter shut-off valves.