D379, D398, D399 LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES-Operating Instructions

Operating Instructions

Altitude Operation

The fuel system settings and altitude limits are stamped on the engine information plate. When an engine is moved to a higher altitude, these settings must be changed by your Caterpillar dealer in order to prevent damaging the turbocharger, and to provide maximum engine efficiency.

If the engine is moved to a lower altitude than that which is stamped on the engine information plate, the engine can be operated safely; however, it will deliver less than rated horsepower, and the fuel settings should be changed by your Caterpillar dealer to obtain rated horsepower.

Pre-Start Inspection And Procedures

1. Make a "Walk-around" inspection of the engine and components for the oil, water or fuel leaks and general appearance. Correct minor adjustments before they develop into major repairs.

2. Check for dragging brake rods or equipment. Check air hoses and electric jumper cables for proper connections.

3. Check the crankcase oil level. Maintain the oil level between the ADD and FULL marks on the dipstick. See OIL SPECIFICATIONS for type of oil to use.

4. Check the oil level in the governor sight glass. Oil must be at, but not over, the FULL mark on the sight gauge.

NOTICE
Do not fill above full mark. This may cause aeration of the oil which will cause surging of the engine.

5. Check oil level(s) on driven equipment.

6. Check the engine jacket coolant glass guage. Never operate the engine if water level is below the low mark. Fill the cooling system as required. The filler pipe may be either outside above the water tank, or inside the carbody connected into the jacket coolant system.

7. Check for restrictions to the fan or radiator.

8. Check the fuel supply. Keep fuel tanks full. See the FUEL SPECIFICATIONS for type of fuel.

Prime the fuel system if the engine has not been started for several weeks. See the LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES.

9. Check each air cleaner service indicator. If the red piston is visible with the engine stopped, or remains visible while the engine is running, have the air cleaner serviced.

10. Reset shutoff devices. See the topic, ATTACHMENTS, Emergency Shutoff Devices and Alarms.

OIL PRESSURE RESET

RESETTING SHUTOFF LEVER

11. Check the air brake system as instructed by the manufacturer's instructions.

12. Disconnect the battery chargers or the train's service connections.

13. Perform all other checks required by the other equipment manufacturers.

Starting The Engine

Electric Starting (If air starting is used, see topic, Air Start.)

1. Perform all cab starting procedures as per locomotive instructions.

2. Prepare the locomotive for starting as recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Move the control handle to approximately half engine speed position.

4. Turn the master electrical control switch to ON position, if so equipped.

5. Push the start button to motor the diesel engine either using the generator or the starting motor. If the engine fails to start within 30 seconds, release the start button and allow the starter motors to cool 2 minutes before repeating the starting procedure.

6. As soon as the engine starts, release the button.

7. Check the oil pressure gauge or the oil pressure light. If no oil pressure is indicated and immediate stopping action has not been taken, the oil pressure safety shutoff control should stop the engine in approximately 7 seconds.

8. Reduce engine speed to low idle and allow the engine to warm.

Air Starting

1. Fill the oiler. See the LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE CHART for proper oil to use.

2. Check the air supply. The air starter must have 100 PSI available for starting.

3. Perform all cab starting procedures as per locomotive instructions.

4. Prepare the locomotive for starting as recommended by other manufacturers.

5. Move the control handle to approximate half engine speed position.

6. Turn the master electrical control switch to ON position, if so equipped.

7. Pull upward on the air starter valve lever located on the engine, or operate the air starter control provided in the cab.

8. As soon as the engine starts:

a. Release the air starter valve lever.

b. Check the low oil pressure gauge or the oil pressure light. If no oil pressure is indicated and immediate stopping action has not been taken, the oil pressure safety shutoff control should stop the engine in approximately 7 seconds.

c. Reduce engine speed to low idle and allow the engine to warm.

Starting D399 Engines

The D399 Engine uses a prelube pump to lubricate all moving engine parts prior to starting the engine. To start a D399 Engine, follow the Electric or Air Starting instructions as required. When the starter motor is actuated, the prelube pump motor starts running and pumps oil throughout all oil passages. When oil pressure is achieved, a pressure switch closes, and the engine then begins to crank. When the engine starts, and the starter switch or lever is released, the prelube pump stops and the engine oil pump provides the lubrication. Prelube time varies with oil temperature. More time is required to achieve oil pressure with hot oil than with cold oil.

After Engine Starts

NOTICE
If oil pressure is not indicated within 5 seconds, stop the engine and have necessary repairs made.

1. Check the operation of the headlights, marker lights, running lights and rear warning lights.

2. Check the operation of the bell.

3. Observe all guages for proper readings as explained in the topic, GAUGES.

4. In the engine room, check the engine crankcase oil level with the engine running. Oil level should be between the ADD mark and the FULL mark. Add oil if required.

5. Check for water leaks. Observe the water level gauge.

6. Perform all checks and operations required by the manufacturers of the locomotive and running gear.

Starting The Locomotive Or Train

Because this engine may be powering the locomotive through one of several available drive mechanisms, see the locomotive manufacturer's recommendations for starting, operating and stopping the train.
When accelerating, operate the controller to obtain a smooth rate of acceleration and travel. Allow the engine to pickup the load before notching to the next position.

Stopping The Engine

1. Stop the train or locomotive as per the locomotive manufacturer's instructions.

2. Place the operating control lever in neutral with brakes applied.

3. Move the throttle control lever to half engine speed position, and allow the engine to idle five minutes.

4. While the engine is running, do the shutdown inspections required by the other manufacturers.

5. Reduce engine speed to low idle.

6. Check engine oil level while oil is hot. Add oil if necessary.

7. Stop the engine by pushing the engine fuel control to shutoff position. Hold the control until the engine stops.

8. Follow the locomotive instructions and your Mechanical Department Instructions for leaving the locomotive.

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