Page 17 of 240

GAUGES
Fuel gauge
Displays approximately how much
fuel is in the fuel tank (when the
key is in the ON position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion or after
refueling. The ignition should be in
the OFF position while the vehicle is
being refueled. When the gauge first
indicates empty, there is a small
amount of reserve fuel in the tank.
When refueling the vehicle from an empty indication, the amount of fuel
that can be added will be less than the advertised capacity due to the
reserve fuel.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle remains
within the normal area (the area
between the ªHº and ªCº). If it
enters the red section, the engine is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, switch off
the engine immediately and let the
engine cool. Refer toEngine
coolantin theMaintenance and
carechapter.
BRAKE
0
000000000
MPH20km/h
406080
100
120
140
160
010 20304050
60
70
80
90
100
TRAILERWATER
IN
FUELWAIT
TO
START STOP
ENGINE
ENGINE
PROTECT
AIR
CLEAN
CHECK
TRANS RANGE
INHIBITSERVICE
ENGINE
SOONCRUISE
LEF
H
RPM1000
DIESEL FUEL ONLY
X012
3
4PRN 218C 18
H
D
BRAKEBRAKE
EF
H
C
Instrumentation
17
Page 104 of 240

OPERATING THE ENGINE
Do not operate the engine at full throttle below peak torque engine
speed (RPM) for more than one minute at a time (peak torque RPM
varies from 1200-1500 RPM depending on engine rated speed).
Monitor the oil pressure and coolant
temperature gauges frequently.
If the gauges indicate any reading is
not in the normal operating range,
stop your vehicle as soon as possible,
shut the engine off and check the
appropriate fluid level. If an
overheating condition starts to occur,
release the throttle pressure or shift
the transmission into a lower gear, or
both, until the temperature returns
to normal operating range.
Continuous operation with low coolant
temperature, below 60ÉC (140ÉF) or
high coolant temperature 100ÉC
(212ÉF) can damage the engine.
Most failures give some kind of early
warning. Look and listen for changes
in performance, sound or engine
appearance that can indicate service
or engine repair is needed. Some
changes to look and/or listen for:
²Engine misfires
²Loss of power
²Sudden changes in engine operating temperature or oil pressure
²Excessive smoke
²Fuel, oil or coolant leaks
²Vibration
²Increased oil or fuel consumption
Excessive full throttle operation below peak torque RPM will shorten
engine life to overhaul and can cause serious engine damage. Operation
of the engine below peak torque RPM can occur during gear shifting due
to difference of gear ratios.
L
H
H
C
Starting
104
Page 113 of 240

Burnish procedure Ð All except F650 SuperCrewzer
For optimal performance of a new parking brake system/new linings
perform the following procedure:
1. While driving the vehicle at 40 km/h (20 mph) apply the parking brake
(with applicable force to set to approximately 18kg [40 lbs.]). Allow the
vehicle to come to a complete stop.
2. Release the parking brake, drive 16.8 km (1.5 miles) to cool the brakes.
3. Repeat steps 1 through 2 ten times.
AIR BRAKES (if equipped)
Foot service brakes
Air brakes are operated by a
standard dash-mounted foot pedal.
All standard equipment brakes are
designed to be self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment, when
required, occurs whenever the
brakes are applied and released
during forward or reverse operation.
Know the required stopping
distances for all driving conditions
that may be encountered. For longer brake lining life, take full advantage
of engine braking power when coming to a stop.
Before descending a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear and avoid
continuous application of the brakes.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This will
result in abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive lining
wear and increased stopping distances.
Continuous application of the brakes will cause the brakes to
overheat, resulting in a temporary loss of braking.
Driving
113
Page 185 of 240

Choosing the right fuel
At operating temperatures below 0ÉC (32ÉF), use a blend of No. 1D and
No. 2D Diesel fuels, also known as winterized No. 2D.
Do not use diesel fuel blended with waste oil in engines equipped with a
catalytic converter-muffler. Blending waste oil in with the fuel will plug
the catalytic converter-muffler, resulting in a significant loss of engine
power. Your emissions warranty will be voided if blending waste oil with
diesel fuel is practiced.
Use low sulfur (less than 0.05% by weight) fuel as required by the EPA
for emission compliance.
Do not mix diesel fuel with gasoline, gasohol or alcohol. This
could cause an explosion resulting in personal injury.
Do not use starting fluid such as ether or gasoline. Such fluids
can cause immediate explosive damage to the engine and
possible personal injury.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel as this will allow air to enter the fuel system,
which will make restarting the vehicle difficult.
If you have run out of fuel:
²If your vehicle is equipped with dual fuel tanks,add at least
15±19 liters (4±5 gallons) of fuel to each tank before attempting to
restart the engine.
²If your vehicle is equipped with the Caterpillar 3126 B engine,
the fuel system must be primed before attempting to restart the
engine. Refer to the engine operator's manual for instructions on
priming the engine.
²Use caution not to overheat and damage the starterby cranking
the engine for an excessive period of time. You may need to crank the
engine for a longer time than normal. If the engine fails to start in 30
seconds, turn the ignition to the OFF position and wait for two
minutes before cranking the engine again.
²Any remaining trapped air will self-purge from the fuel system once
the engine starts running.
²
The engine may run rough and produce white smoke while air is in the
fuel system. This is normal and should stop after a short period of time.
Maintenance and care
185
Page 220 of 240

Maintenance Operation Frequency - Observation
Inspect the automatic slack
adjuster functionInsufficient power shown in loaded
practice stop
Check the operation of the
brakes, the clutch, and the
steering (*b,a)Vehicle handling qualities not up to
par
Inspect the vehicle for missing,
damaged, or mislocated noise
shieldsExcessive noise emanates from under
the cab or engine compartment
Check the engine performance
and the engine governorExcessive engine noise
Inspect the fan, the fan shroud,
and the fan clutchEngine overheats, fans runs at high
speed constantly, excessive fan noise,
or fan wobble due to worn bearings
Check for operation of ABS
warning lampAt each engine start up
Inspect the entire exhaust
system (including inlet pipe,
muffler, outlet pipe and all
exhaust clamps and fasteners)
for holes, leakage, breakage,
looseness and corrosive
damageExcessive noise or the smell of fumes
is experienced
Inspect the engine air
induction system (including the
air ducts, the air cleaner, and
the air cleaner element) for
loose fitting, damaged or
missing componentsExcessive noise emanates from the
engine compartment
Inspect the tires and check the
air pressure (*c)Poor steering, wandering or excessive
tire wear
Balance the wheels and the
tiresVibration or abnormal tire wear
indicates imbalance
Check the front end alignment
(*c)Poor steering, wandering or excessive
tire wear
Check the transmission and
engine mountings (*b)Hard shifting or excessive vibration
General maintenance information
220