0309981 JOHNSON GASKET,Outer cover

Starting the Engine
DO NOT USE ETHER (starting fluids) unless specifically instructed to do so. The use could result in engine damage and/or personal injury.When using starting fluid, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, use it sparingly and spray it ONLY WHILE CRANKING THE ENGINE. Excessive ether cann cause piston and ring damage. Use ether for cold weather starting purposes only.
Startability will be improved at temperatures below 0°C (32°F) by the use of a jacket water heater or other means to heat the crankcase oil. This will help alleviate white smoke and misfire during cold weather start-up.If the vehicle/engine is equipped with a starting fluid (ether) injection system, begin cranking the engine, press the ether switch and hold the switch for three seconds before release. Additional injections may be necessary to start and/or achieve low idle speed.Start the engine using the following procedure.1. Engage the Parking Brake. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL. Depress the clutch pedal to disengage the flywheel clutch. This reduces transmission drag and prevents movement of the truck. Depressing the clutch pedal also reduces battery drain and can mean the difference between starting and not starting in cold weather.2. Turn the ignition key switch to the ON position.Depressing the throttle while cranking provides no benefit. The system will automatically provide the correct amount of fuel to start the engine.3. Push the start button or turn the ignition key switch to the START position to crank the engine.The YELLOW Lamp will flash as a system check. If the lamp fails to flash while the engine is cranking, notify your authorized Caterpillar dealer. If the lamp continues to flash after starting, the ECM has detected an engine system problem.4. If the engine fails to start within 30 seconds, release the ignition key switch and wait two minutes to allow the starting motor to cool before attempting to start the engine again.
Oil pressure should rise within 15 seconds after the engine starts. Do not increase engine speed until the oil pressure gauge indicates normal. If oil pressure is not indicated on gauge within 15 seconds, DO NOT drive the truck. STOP the engine, investigate and correct the cause.
5. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes, or until the water temperature gauge begins to rise. Check all gauges during the warm-up period.Starting Problems
Occasional starting difficulty may be caused by a low battery charge, lack of fuel, or a wiring harness problem. If those problems are suspected, perform the appropriate following procedure to start the engine.Jumper Cables
Improper jumper cable connections can cause an explosion resulting in personal injury.Prevent sparks near the batteries. Sparks could cause vapors to explode. Do not allow jumper cable ends to contact each other or the engine.
When boost starting an engine, follow the instructions below to properly start the engine. This engine may be equipped with a 12 or 24 volt starting system. Use only equal voltage for boost starting. The use of higher voltage will damage the electrical system.When using jumper cables always connect POSITIVE (+) cable to POSITIVE (+) terminal of battery which is connected to starting motor solenoid and NEGATIVE (-) cable from external source to starting motor NEGATIVE (-) terminal. If NOT equipped with starting motor NEGATIVE (-) terminal, connect to the engine block.Do not reverse the battery cables. The alternator can be damaged. Attach ground cable last and remove first.
1. Turn the START switch OFF. Remove the key and turn all electrical accessories OFF before attaching cables.2. Connect one end of the POSITIVE (+_ cable to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the battery being started. Connect the other end to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the power source.3. Connect one end of the NEGATIVE (-) cable to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of the power source. Connect the other end to the starting motor NEGATIVE (-) terminal or to the engine block. This prevents potential sparks from igniting combustible gases produced by some batteries.4. Allow sufficient time to partially charge the truck batteries. The engine will not continue to run after starting if the truck batteries do not have a partial charge.5. Start the engine. After the engine starts, disconnect the cable from the starting motor NEGATIVE (-) terminal or engine block. Disconnect the other end from the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of the power source.6. Disconnect the cable from the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the battery on the engine being started. Disconnect the cable from the POSITIVE (+) terminal of the power source.After the Engine Runs Dry of Fuel
If the engine fuel system is run dry, fill the fuel tank and perform the following special priming procedure.
Do NOT loosen fuel lines at the fuel manifold or ECM. The engine components may be damaged.DO NOT remove the fitting in the fuel filter base to release air from the fuel system while priming. Periodic removal of the fitting will result in increased wear of the threads in the fuel filter base and lead to fuel leakage.Do not allow dirt to enter the fuel system. Thoroughly clean the area around a fuel system component that will be disconnected. Fit a suitable cover over any disconnected fuel system components.
Fuel leaked or spilled onto hot surfaces or electrical components can cause a fire. Clean up fuel spills immediately.
3176B, C-10, and C-12 engines: fuel manifold (1) and AIR BLEED plug (2).
3406E engine: fuel manifold (1) and AIR BLEED plug (2).1. Locate fuel manifold (1). Loosen AIR BLEED plug (2) two full turns. Unlock and operate the priming pump plunger until fuel appears at the AIR BLEED plug fitting. A considerable number of pump strokes may be required to fill the fuel lines and the fuel filter. Clean up excess fuel immediately. The priming pump may be remote mounted in some applications. The fuel manifold is located either on top of the fuel filter mounting base or on the engine block.2. Tighten AIR BLEED plug (2). Continue to operate priming pump until a strong resistance is felt, and listen for an audible "click" from the fuel manifold. The "click" indicates