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Engine Start and Operation 209
Engine Operation
General
Proper operation, driving techniques and
maintenance are key factors in obtaining
the maximum life and economy from a
modern turbocharged diesel engine. This
section has operational information about
the components that make up the engine.
For the best operation economy, see “Fuel
Economy” page 190.
When changing gears, avoid lugging to
extend engine life. When the engine is op-
erating at full throttle and maximum
governed speed cannot be reached or main-
tained, the engine is lugging. When
approaching a hill requiring more power, it
is necessary to downshift the transmission
as the vehicle goes into the grade. Acceler-
ating to the governed engine speed will
give additional power at approximately the
same road speed. For shifting instructions,
see the transmission manufacturer’s Opera-
tor’s Manual.
Always start moving the load in a gear low
enough so that the engine can be acceler-
ated to the governed speed. Then shift to
the next gear as the engine decelerates. For
loaded vehicles, do not skip a gear or lug
the engine while getting up to cruising
speed. For empty or light loads, it is per-
missible to skip gears.
When operating on a level highway or at
cruising speed, hold the engine speed at ap-
proximately 75 to 85 percent of governed
speed (1400 to 1600 r/min for large dis-
placement engines) to achieve power and
economical fuel consumption.