Detroit Diesel — Preparation for Starting Engine First Time

Operation · Engine (cooling, lubrication, fuel, air, battery systems)

From a Detroit Diesel service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.

Procedure

1. Install all drain cocks in the cooling system; open cooling system vents if equipped.
2. Remove radiator or heat exchanger pressure control cap and fill cooling system to the filler neck; close vents after filling.
3. On marine installations, prime the raw water cooling system and open any sea cocks in the raw water pump intake line.
4. Charge the engine lubrication system with a commercially available pressure prelubricator (25-35 psi) until oil flows from the rocker arms.
5. If turbocharged, disconnect oil supply lines and fill bearing housing cavities with approximately one pint of clean engine oil.
6. After twenty minutes, check crankcase oil level and bring to "full" mark on dipstick.
7. Disconnect the prelubricator hose, plug the main oil gallery hole and replace all components and gaskets.
8. Before initial start-up, crank the engine with the governor in the no-fuel position until oil pressure registers on the gage.
9. Fill oil bath air cleaner oil cups to the proper level with clean engine oil.
10. Fill the transmission case, marine gear or torque converter supply tank with recommended lubricant.
11. Fill the fuel tank and purge the fuel system of air (manual priming pump J 5956 or electrical type) until no air is present.
12. Fill all grease cups and lubricate all fittings with all purpose grease; fill hinged cap oilers.
13. Adjust all drive belts as recommended in Section 15.1.
14. Check the battery; terminals tight and protected with a coat of petroleum jelly; hydrometer reading should be 1.265 or higher.
15. Where applicable, fill the generator end bearing housing with the same lubricating oil as used in the engine; ground the generator set base.

Source: Detroit Diesel service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.

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