Product Manual A

6. Startup and Configuration PCC 2.3 7-2018

Cold Starting with Loads

NOTICE

Make sure that all pre-start checks are carried out before starting the

generator set. Do not attempt to start the generator set until it is safe to do

so. Warn all others in the vicinity that the generator set is about to start.

Use a coolant heater if a separate source of power is available. The optional heater

available from Cummins will help provide reliable starting under adverse weather

conditions. Be sure the voltage of the separate power source is correct for the

heater element rating.

Cummins recommends equipping standby generator sets (life safety systems) with

engine water jacket coolant heaters to maintain the coolant at a minimum of 32 °C

(90 °F) and, for most applications, accept the emergency load in ten seconds or

less. Although most Cummins generator sets will start in temperatures down to -32

°C (-25 °F) when equipped with engine water jacket coolant heaters, it might take

more than ten seconds to warm the engine up before a load can be applied when

ambient temperatures are below 4 °C (40 °F).

The Low Coolant Temp (Code 1435) message along with the lighting of the

Warning LED are provided to alert the operator of a possible delay in accepting the

load. The engine cold sensing logic initiates a warning when the engine water jacket

coolant temperature falls below 21 °C (70 °F). In applications where the ambient

temperature falls below 4 °C (40 °F), a cold engine may be indicated even though

the coolant heaters are connected and functioning correctly. Under these

conditions, although the generator set may start, it may not be able to accept load

within ten seconds. When this condition occurs, check the coolant heaters for

correct operation. If the coolant heaters are operating correctly, other precautions

may be necessary to warm the engine before applying a load.

Checking Coolant Heater Operation

WARNING

Hot Surfaces

Contact with the hot surfaces can cause severe burns.

Avoid contact with hot parts. Allow hot parts to completely cool.

Do not touch the cooling system outlet hose. The coolant heater is operating if

radiant heat can be felt with your hand held close to the outlet hose and the

engine is not running.