DETROIT DIESEL
Operating Instructions
following instructions also apply when operating an
RUNNING
alternating current power generator set.
Observe the engine oil pressure gage immediately after
1. Before the first start, check the generator main
starting the engine. If there is no oil pressure indicated
bearing oil reservoir.
If necessary, add sufficient
within 10 to 15 seconds, stop the engine and check the
lubricating oil, of the same grade as used in the engine
engine lubricating system. If the oil pressure is observed
crankcase, to bring it to the proper level on the sight
to be normal, increase the throttle setting to cause the
gage.
engine to run at its synchronous speed.
2. Check the interior of the generator for dust or
PREPARING GENERATOR FOR LOAD
moisture. Blow out dust with low pressure air (25 psi
After the engine is warmed up (or the oil pressure has
maximum). If there is moisture on the interior of the
stabilized) prepare the generator set for load as follows:
generator, it must be dried before the set is started.
1. Bring the engine up to the rated speed.
Refer to the appropriate Delco Products Maintenance
bulletin.
2. Turn the instrument switch to the desired position.
3. The air shut-off valve located in the air inlet housing
3. Turn the voltage regulator rheostat knob slowly in a
must be in the open or reset position.
clockwise direction to raise the voltage, while watching
the voltmeter, until the desired voltage is attained.
4. Refer to Fig. 1 and place the circuit breaker in the
off position.
meter, adjust the engine speed with the vernier throttle
5. If the generator set is equipped with synchronizing
knob until the desired frequency is indicated on the
lamps, place the lamp switch in the off position.
meter.
6.
Turn the voltage regulator
rheostat
knob
5. Make sure all power lines are clear of personnel,
counterclockwise to its lower limit.
then place the circuit breaker control in the on position.
7. Make sure the power generator set has been cleared
NOTE: Perform Step 5 only if the generator
of all tools or other objects which might interfere with its
set is not being paralleled with an existing
operation.
power source. If it is being paralleled with a
power source already on the line, read and
STARTING
follow the instructions under Paralleling
If the generator set is located in a closed space, start the
before turning the circuit breaker control to
ventilating fan or open the doors and windows, as
the on position.
weather permits, to supply ample air to the engine.
PARALLELING
The engine may require the use of a cold weather
If the load conditions require an additional unit to be
starting aid if the ambient temperature is below 40 F.
placed on the line, the following instructions will apply to
Refer to Cold Weather Starting Aids.
power generator sets of equal capacity, with one
generator set in operation on the line.
Press the throttle button and turn the throttle control
(Fig. 1) counterclockwise to a position midway between
1. Prepare the generator set to be paralleled as outlined
run and stop. Then press the starting switch firmly.
under Preparation For Starting, Starting, Running and
Items 1 through 4 under Preparing Generator for Load.
If the engine fails to start within 30 seconds, release the
starting switch and allow the starting motor to cool a few
2. Check the voltmeter (Fig. 1); the voltage must be
minutes before trying again. If the engine fails to start
the same as the line voltage. Adjust the voltage
after four attempts, an inspection should be made to
regulator rheostat control if the voltages are not the
determine the cause.
same.
CAUTION: To prevent serious damage to the
3.
Place the synchronizing lamp switch, of the
starter, if the engine does not start, do not
generator set to be paralleled, in the on position.
press the starting switch again while the
starting motor is rotating.
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