TM 10-3930-643-10 Section     IV.     OPERATION     UNDER     UNUSUAL     CONDITIONS. 2-23. OPERATION    IN    UNUSUAL    WEATHER. a.    Extreme    Cold. (1)     General. If    operating    an proper    operator    protection    is    worn. required    for    extremely    cold    weather. open    ROPS    in    extreme    cold,    ensure    that Extensive    preparation    of    the    forklift    is Extreme    cold    causes    many    problems: Lubricants    thicken    or    congeal. Batteries    may    freeze    or    lose    their    electrical    efficiency. Electrical    insulation    may    crack    and    cause    short    circuits. Fuel    may    not    readily    vaporize    for    combustion. Various    materials    will    become    hard,    brittle,    and    easily    damaged. (2)     Cooling     system. Inspect    for    leaks    and    general    condition.    Make    sure clamps    are    tight. Check    fluid    level    in    radiator.    Notify    organizational    mainte- nance    if    system    needs    service. (3)    Fuel    tank. Do    not    allow    fuel    tank    to    remain    partially    empty    for    a long    period    of    time    in    extremely    cold    weather.    Fill    after    each    work    period    to help    avoid    water    condensation    in    the    fuel    tank.    Remove    all    ice    and    snow    from around    the    fuel    filler    opening    before    refueling. (4)    Electrical    system.    Inspect    battery    cables,    wiring    harness,    and wiring.    Check    for    breaks    or    cracks    caused    by    cold    weather.    Report    any    damage    to organizational maintenance. Save    your    batteries.    Use    lights    and    other    electrical    equipment    as    little    as possible. (5) Lubrication. Lubricate    according    to    LO    10-3930-643-12.    You    will    be provided    with    lubricants    with    a    pour    point    below    the    lowest    expected    operating temperature. (6)     Engine     operation. (a)    Before    starting,    make    sure    fuel    and    oil    in    the    engine    and transmission are thin enough to flow. If the oil drips from the dipstick, it is thin    enough    for    the    engine    to    be    started. (b)    Use    the    ether    starting    aid.    Refer    to    paragraph    2-20. (c)    Run    the    engine    at    reduced    speed    only    long    enough    to    circulate    the oil    through    the    engine,    then    increase    speed    and    warm    up    the    engine.    Low    idling speeds    during    extremely    cold    temperatures    can    result    in    incomplete    combustion and    the    formation    of    heavy    deposits    on    the    valves. 2-53

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