13468 Mercruiser CAP, OIL FILLER

Hints for Cold-Weather Operation
After starting the engine, the engine speed will be governed for up to a maximum of 30 seconds. After this period, the engine should be operated at low loads until a minimum coolant operating temperature of 80° C (176° F) is achieved.
Achieving operating temperature will help prevent the intake valves and exhaust valves from sticking.
The cooling system and the lubrication system for the engine do not lose heat immediately upon shutdown. This means that an engine can be shut down for a period and the retained heat within the engine will allow the engine readily start.
Install the correct specification of engine lubricant before the beginning of cold weather. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fluid Recommendations" for the recommended viscosity of oil.
Check all rubber parts (hoses, fan drive belts) weekly.
Check all electrical wiring and connections for any fraying or damaged insulation.
Keep all batteries fully charged and warm by ensuring that the engine is allowed correct operation at normal operating temperature.
Fill the fuel tank at the end of each shift.
Check the air cleaners and the air intake daily. Check the air intake more often when you operate in snow.
Ensure that the glow plugs are in working order. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Glow Plug Starting Aid- Test".
Personal injury or property damage can result from alcohol or starting fluids.Alcohol or starting fluids are highly flammable and toxic and if improperly stored could result in injury or property damage.
Do not use aerosol types of starting aids such as ether. Such use could result in an explosion and personal injury.
For jump starting with cables in cold weather, refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Starting with Jump-Start Cables." for instructions.Viscosity of the Engine Lubrication Oil
Correct engine oil viscosity is essential. Oil viscosity affects lubrication properties and the wear protection that the oil provides for the engine. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fluid Recommendations" for the recommended viscosity of oil.At temperatures below −10° C (14° F) damage to engine components can occur if the engine is allowed to operate at high load and speed immediately after starting.Recommendations for the Coolant
Provide cooling system protection for the lowest expected outside temperature. Refer to this Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Fluid Recommendations" for the recommended coolant mixture.In cold weather, check the coolant often for the correct glycol concentration to ensure adequate freeze protection.Engine Block Heaters
Engine block heaters (if equipped) heat the engine jacket water that surrounds the combustion chambers. This heat provides the following functions:
Starting ability is improved.
Warm up time is reduced.An electric block heater can be activated once the engine is stopped. A block heater can be 110 V DC or 240 V DC. The output can be 600/1000W. Consult your Caterpillar dealer for more information.Idling the Engine
After starting the engine, the engine speed will be governed for a maximum period of 30 seconds. When idling after the engine is started in cold weather, increase the engine rpm from 1000 rpm to 1200 rpm. This idling will warm up the engine more quickly. Maintaining an elevated low idle speed for extended periods will be easier with the installation of a hand throttle. The engine should not be “raced” to speed up the warm up process.Whilst the engine is idling, the application of a light load (parasitic load) will help in achieving the minimum operating temperature. The minimum coolant operating temperature is 80° C (176° F).Recommendations for Coolant Warm Up
Warm up an engine that has cooled below normal operating temperatures due to inactivity. This warm up should be performed before the engine is returned to full operation. During operation in very cold temperature conditions, damage to engine valve mechanisms can result from engine operation for short intervals. This damage can happen if the engine is started and the engine is stopped many times without being operated to warm up completely.When the engine is operated below normal operating temperatures, fuel and oil are not burned completely in the combustion chamber. This fuel and oil causes soft carbon deposits to form on the valve stems. Generally, the deposits do not cause problems and the deposits are burned off during operation at normal engine operating temperatures.When starting and stopping an engine many times without being operated to warm up completely, the carbon deposits become thicker. This starting and stopping can cause the following problems:
Free operation of the valves is prevented.
Valves become stuck.
Pushrods may become bent.
Other damage to valve train components can result.For these reasons, when the engine is started, the engine must be operated until the coolant temperature is 80° C (176° F) minimum. Carbon deposits on the valve stem will be kept at a minimum. The free operation of the valves and the valve components will be maintained.The engine must be warmed thoroughly to keep other engine parts in better condition. The service life of the engine will generally be extended. Lubrication will be improved. There will be less acid and less sludge in the oil. This condition will provide longer service life for the engine bearings, the piston rings, and other parts. However, limit unnecessary idle time to 10 minutes to reduce wear and unnecessary fuel consumption.The Water Temperature Regulator and Insulated Heater Lines
The engine is equipped with a water temperature regulator. When the engine coolant is below the correct operating temperature, jacket water circulates through the engine cylinder block and into the engine cylinder head. The coolant then returns to the cylinder block via an internal passage that bypasses the valve of the coolant temperature regulator. This return ensures that coolant flows around the engine under cold operating conditions. The water temperature regulator begins to open when the engine jacket water has reached the correct minimum operating temperature. As the jacket water coolant temperature rises above the minimum operating temperature, the water temperature regulator opens further allowing more coolant through the radiator to dissipate excess heat.The progressive opening of the water temperature regulator operates the progressive closing of the bypass passage between the cylinder block and head. This action ensures maximum coolant flow