OPERATION GUIDELINES
Engine Starting
- Perform daily maintenance before starting the engine.
- Set parking brake.
- Turn the ignition switch (key) to the ON position. Wait for the inlet air heater lamp to go off.
- Turn key to START position.
- Release key when engine starts.
- Wait for oil pressure gauge to indicate "normal." Oil pressure should rise within 15 seconds after engine starts.
- Drive moderately under light load until engine reaches operating temperature.
Note: If engine does not start after 15 to 20 seconds of cranking, refer to section Starting the Engine in the Operation & Maintenance (O & M) manual. Do not keep starter motor engaged for more than 30 seconds at a time.
Normal Operating Conditions
| Gauge | Range |
|---|---|
| Coolant Temperature | 180°F - 215°F |
| Ammeter | Slightly Positive |
| Tachometer | 700 - 2620 rpm |
| Warm Idle | 700 - 800 rpm |
| Cold Idle | 1000 rpm |
| Boost | 0 - 28 psi |
Engine Diagnostics (Flash Codes)
- Turn cruise control switch to OFF position.
- Move SET/RESUME switch to either position and hold.
- Record two-digit flash codes:
- short pause between digits
- long pause between codes
- Refer to Engine Diagnostics table in the O & M manual and consult your local Caterpillar dealer.
- Flash code 55 is "No Detected Faults."
Driving Tips (Fuel Economy)
- Lower coach speed = More MPG
- Use cruise control on the highway. SoftCruise is recommended.
- Use economy mode of the Allison transmission.
- Use lowest engine rpm possible (1440 to 1800 rpm).
- Minimize idle time -- limit time on warm-up and cool-down to no more than three minutes under normal driving conditions.
- Prior to shutdown, engine should be idled for three to five minutes after full throttle or high power operation such as climbing a steep grade.
- Anticipate traffic and avoid sudden starts and stops.
- Keep tires properly inflated to the tire manufacturer's recommendations.
Fuel Recommendations
- Use a fuel/water separator.
- Use No. 2 diesel fuel for best fuel economy.
- No. 2 and No. 1 blends acceptable in cold weather conditions.
- Use major fuel depots to assure quality fuels.
- Keep fuel tank full when in storage.
- Additives generally not recommended; however, biocides may be used to eliminate microorganism growth.
Cooling System Recommendations
- Use only distilled or deionized water.
- Antifreeze must be a low silicate type that meets TMC RP329, ASTM D5345, or D4985 specifications. DO NOT use commercial antifreeze with high silicate content formulated for gasoline engines.
- Use conditioner or inhibitor to maintain a three to six percent concentration in cooling system. Requirements are different for ELC (Extended Life Coolant) -- consult your dealer.
- Do not mix different antifreeze and conditioners.
- Cat ELC recommended for six-year protection. Meets Cat EC-1 specification.
Cat 3126 Publications
Customer Call Center Toll Free: 877-777-3126
Parts and Service Directory: LEKT4302
Lubrication Specifications
| Temperature Range | Oil Viscosity | API Grade |
|---|---|---|
| -4°F to +104°F | SAE 10W30 | CH-4 |
| +5°F to +122°F | SAE 15W40 | CH-4 |
Below 0°F, block heater or oil pan heater is recommended.
Cat Engine Oil
| Oil Viscosity | Cat DEO (1 gallon) | Cat DEO (5 gallon) |
|---|---|---|
| SAE 10W30 | 3E9904 | 3E9709 |
| SAE 15W40 | 3E9714 | 3E9713 |
PM Level 1
- Change oil and filter
- Scheduled Oil Sampling (S•O•S™) analysis
- Drain water from fuel tanks and replace fuel filter
- Test coolant (supplemental coolant additive
- Clean with soap and water (garden hose pressure is sufficient). High pressure water can damage fins.
- Inspect radiator and ATAAC aftercooler
- Clean crankcase breather (every other oil change)
- Check belts, hoses, and clamps
- Lube fan drive bearing -- zerk fitting 3126B and 3126E
- Inspect, clean batteries
- Replace air compressor filter (if equipped)
- Inspect cylinder head ground stud
PM Level 2
| Years | Miles | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 100,000 | 2,000 |
Initial valve adjustment should be done before 40,000 miles for optimum engine performance. Additional valve adjustments required at 100,000 miles.
Antifreeze Protection
| Protection Temperature | Concentration |
|---|---|
| To -34°F (-37°C) | 50% antifreeze/50% water |
| To -60°F (-51°C) | 60% antifreeze/40% water |
(Recommended 50/50 glycol water coolant mixture)
Cat Extended Life Coolant (ELC) (6-year life)
| Part Number | Size |
|---|---|
| 101-2844 | 1 gallon (3.8L) |
Cat Extender (Add at 3 years)
| Part Number | Size |
|---|---|
| 119-5152 | quart bottle |
Fan Drive
3126 with serial number HEP15357 and below have grease zerk fittings. 3126 above HEP15357 and all C7 engines have permanently lubricated bearings.
PM 1 Recommended Change Intervals*
| Oil Pan | Miles/Years |
|---|---|
| 26L (28 quarts) | 15 000/1 |
| 18L (19 quarts) | 11 000/1 |
*Refer to the O & M manual for S•O•S and storage recommendations.
Cat Filters
| Oil Filter - Advanced Efficiency | 1R1807 |
| Filter Group with Water Separator | 175-2949 |
| Primary Fuel Filter w/Water Separator (single filter system) | 198-6378 |
| Fuel Filter (secondary) | 1R0751 |
| Filter Kit (Antifreeze) | 173-5326 |
| Filter Kit [Extended Life Coolant (ELC)] | 173-5325 |
| Liquid Conditioner for Antifreeze | 6V-3542 |
| Test Kit for Antifreeze | 8T5296 |
| Test Kit for ELC | 172-8851 |
Thermostats
- Replace every three years
