Specifications

STARTING AND OPERATING THE VEHICLE
Medium Duty
(R05/09) Y53-6008A – 91 –
Engine Block Heater (Option)
To preheat the engine before starting, plug the optional
engine block heater into a properly grounded AC electrical
source. Do not start the engine with the heater plugged in.
WARNING! Engine block heaters can cause
fires resulting in serious personal injury and/
or property damage if not properly maintained
and operated. Regularly inspect the engine
block heater wiring and connector for dam-
aged or frayed wires. Do not use the heater if
there are any signs of problems. Contact your
Authorized Service Center or the manufac-
turer of the heater if you are in need of repairs
or information.
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 Cater-
pillar 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 146 for more informa-
tion.
• 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 start-
ing aid in your Medium Duty. Engine conditions are auto-
matically monitored and in cold weather the fuel/air
mixture is preheated in the manifold.
WARNING! Do not use ether or other starting
fluids as a cold-starting aid in your Medium
Duty. Your engine uses either an electrical
grid or an open flame inside the manifold, to
heat the air/fuel mixture for cold weather start-
ing. If ether or another starting fluid is used,
the air/fuel will ignite inside the manifold,
which could cause an explosion and severe
injury.