TM 10-3930-671-24 ENGINE PREPARATION FOR WINTER USE More  than  90%  of  the  hard  starting  complaints  in  cold weather  are  the  direct  result  of  inadequate  attention  to preparation for winter use and proper  maintenance.    An engine   not   properly   prepared   requires   more   cranking energy and time, which puts a heavy load on batteries. So,   invariably,   batteries   run   down   and   the   engine   is blamed  for  hard  starting.    Putting  your  engine  in  proper condition  and  keeping  it  that  way  pays  big  dividends  by reducing   costly   down   time.      Use   the   checklist   which follows to get your engine ready for winter.  Then use the winter maintenance schedule to keep it in peak operating condition during the winter months. CHECKLIST Stop  engine  before  checking  battery terminals   or   electrical   connections. Sparks or flames near a battery could cause  an  explosion  or  fire.    Battery acid     can     cause     corrosive     burns. Always  wear  eye  protection.    use  of jumper    cables    or    battery    charging should  be  done  only  as  directed  by manufacturers’ safety instructions. 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM A. Battery    -    replenish    water    and    test    for condition  and  state  of  charge.    Replace  if required. B. Wiring - check battery cables, connections and other wiring.  Be sure connections are clean and tight and that cables and wiring insulation are in good condition. C. Alternator  and  Regulator  -  run  the  engine and   check   the   ammeter   to   be   sure   the alternator  is  charging  and  the  regulator  is functioning   properly.      Check   and   adjust alternator belt tension. 2. COOLING SYSTEM If  the  coolant  Is  hot  or  If  the  engine has been running, loosen the pressure  cap  to  the  first  stop  and  let the     pressure     out     of     the     cooling system  before  removing  the  radiator cap. Check    radiator,    hoses    and    engine    for    water    leaks. Tighten  hose  clamps,  repair  leaks  and  install  antifreeze to the level required for winter protection. 3. LUBRICATION SYSTEM A. Drain  oil  and  change  filter.    Add  oil  of  the proper winter grade. B. There    are    several    different    types    and manufacturers of transmissions and powertake-offs.    Caution  should  be  used when    determining    the    proper    seasonal grade  lubricant  to  assist  in  cold  weather starting. 4. FUELSYSTEM A. Check the fuel stop and throttle control for satisfactory operation and adjust as required. B. Fuel filters - must be checked more often, particularly    the    primary    stage    filter,    to remove all the moisture and condensation separated   from   the   fuel,   otherwise   this may freeze and stop the fuel flow. C. Clean  fuel  -  handled  by  a  reliable  source having a cetane number of 45 minimum, is a   definite   requirement   for   easy   starting and     efficient     operation.          We     cannot caution  you  too  seriously  about  obtaining fuel from a reliable source. D. Fuel recommendations - the type of fuel to be used should be suitable for the ambient temperature   to   be   expected.      To   insure against condensation in the fuel tank, fill to capacity   at   the   end   of   each   operating period. F-141