TM 5-3805-296-10
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OPERATION IN EXTREME COLD
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General
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N OT E
Refer to FM 9-207, Operation and Maintenance of Ordnance Materiel in Cold Weather, and ATTP 3-97.11 Cold
Region Operations for additional information on cold weather operation and maintenance.
Extreme cold causes many problems that you as an operator must be aware of, such as:
1. Lubricants thicken or congeal.
2. Batteries may freeze or lose their electrical efficiency.
3. Electrical insulation may crack and cause short circuits.
4. Fuel may not readily atomize for combustion.
5. Various materials will become hard, brittle, and easily damaged.
6. The cooling system requires adequate protection from extreme cold.
7. Fuels, lubricants, and antifreeze compounds require special storage, handling, and use.
8. Any water in the fuel/water separator may freeze if not drained.
9. Tires may be frozen to ground.
Checks
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1. Perform all Before PMCS procedures (WP 0012).
2. Lubricate in accordance with LO 5-3805-296-13.
3. Check to ensure tires and bowl are not frozen to ground.
WARN I N G
Diesel fuel is combustible and an irritant. Skn and eye protection is required. Ensure work
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area is well ventilated.
Keep away from open flame and other ignition sources. Failure to follow this warning may
cause injury or death to personnel.
4. Drain a small amount of fuel from the fuel/water separator to ensure fuel is not gelled and no water is present
C AU T I O N
If oil is too cold to drip from oil level gauge (dipstick), do not attempt to start engine. Failure
to follow this caution may result in damage to equipment.
5. Check that engine oil is thin enough to flow. Oil must be thin enough to drip from oil level gauge (dipstick).
6. Ensure ether starting aid cylinder is in place and not empty (WP 0017).
Starting Procedures
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1. Start engine (WP 0005).
2. Allow engine to idle for at least five minutes before moving machine.
a. If temperature is 32F (0C) or lower, warm up machine for a total of approximately 30 minutes.
b. If temperature is 0F (-18C) or lower, or if hydraulic functions are sluggish, additional time may be
needed.
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