Starting a diesel engine with the vehicle on a steep grade
When starting a diesel engine when the loaded vehicle is on a grade, the
engine RPM starts to fall slightly when the clutch is engaged; do not
disengage the clutch and try to increase engine RPM as this may damage
driveline components. The engine recovers as the vehicle begins moving.
Cold weather operation
WARNING:Do not use volatile starting aids such as ether,
propane or gasoline in the engine air intake system. Glow plugs
may ignite vapors which can cause engine damage or personal injury.
For best engine operation in temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower:
•Make sure the batteries are the correct type and are fully charged.
Check other electrical components to make sure they’re in optimum
condition.
•Use a permanent-type engine coolant to protect the engine against
damage from freezing.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a water-fuel separator, drain it daily.
Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent condensation
in the fuel system.
•Use the proper engine oil and maintain it at its proper level.
•
At temperatures of –4°F (–20°C) or below, it is recommended that you
use a crankcase-mounted coolant heater to improve cold engine starting.
•If operating in arctic temperatures of –20°F (–29°C) or lower, consult
your truck dealer for information about special cold weather
equipment and precautions.
Note:Idling in cold weather does not heat the engine to its normal
operating temperature. Long periods of idling in cold weather can cause
a build-up of heavy deposits of carbon and rust on valve stems causing
them to stick which, in turn, can cause valvetrain damage.
The use of winter fronts, or other air-restrictive devices mounted in front
of the radiator on vehicles with chassis-mounted charge air coolers, are
not recommended unless extremely cold weather conditions exist. Air
flow restriction can cause high exhaust temperatures, power loss,
excessive fan usage and a reduction in fuel economy. If you must use a
winter front, the device should have a permanent opening of at least 120
sq in. (774 sq. cm) directly in line with the fan hub.
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Hot weather operation
•Use a permanent-type engine coolant to protect the engine against
damage from overheating.
•Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent condensation
in the fuel system.
•Keep external surfaces of the engine, radiator, charge air cooler, A/C
condenser and accessories clean to avoid dirt build-up.
•Above normal coolant temperatures could be experienced while
driving in a transmission gear ratio which lugs the engine. To correct
this problem, engine speed should be increased by downshifting into
the next lower gear.
Restarting after running out of fuel
The fuel system may need to be purged of air, refer toRunning out of
fuelin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Engine shutdown (diesel engine only)
Allow the engine to idle for three to five minutes before shutting it
down. The larger the engine, the greater the need for this idling period.
However, do not let the engine idle for more than 10 minutes.
GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
•Start the vehicle in motion by using the highest gear speed in the
transmission that lets the engine easily start the load without slipping
the clutch.
•Accelerate smoothly and evenly; rapid acceleration increases fuel
consumption without increasing engine performance.
•
When approaching a hill, press the accelerator smoothly to start the
incline at full power, then shift down as needed to maintain vehicle speed.
•When going down a hill, or long steep grades, prevent overspeeding of
the engine; normally, choose the same gear to descend the hill that
you use to ascend the hill. The engine governor has no control over
engine speed when it is being pushed by a loaded vehicle.
•Operate in a gear that permits an engine speed not in excess of the
maximum governed speed or high-idle RPM (no load).
•
Always shift to a lower gear at high altitudes to prevent engine smoking.
•Diesel engines:Allow the engine to idle for three to five minutes
before shutting it down; the larger the engine, the greater the need for
this idling period. However, do not let the engine idle for more than
10 minutes.
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Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This provides an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter shows how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style - good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping usually give the best fuel economy.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
Conditions
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Flat terrain driving improves fuel economy over hilly roads.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the accelerator.
•Close windows for highway driving.
DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)
Your vehicle is equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), as part of
the after-treatment exhaust system, to trap soot and other large particles
produced by the engine combustion process. The soot that accumulates
in the filter must be periodically reduced to ash to prevent excessive
exhaust restriction. The soot reduction process, also known as “filter
regeneration,” is generally performed automatically by your engine and
after-treatment system.
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Transmission
Description Pints (Liters)
Allison 2000 Series 30.0 (14.2)*
Allison 3000 Series 37.6 (17.8)*
TorqShift6–speed 31.0 (14.9L)
5–speed manual 12.5 (5.9)
6–speed manual 19.5 (9.2)
7–speed manual 22.0 (10.4)
*Total fluid capacity (dry transmission and torque converter).
Note:Capacities may be increased if the vehicle is equipped with a
cooler. Always check to make sure the fluid level is in the acceptable
range.
Air conditioner refrigerant - r134a
This system uses PAG-type refrigerant oil.
Refrigerant fitting torque
Captured washer nut: 170–190 inch lb. (19–21 N•m)
Note:This system uses mineral-based refrigerant oil to lubricate o-rings
and fittings.
Fuel tanks
Standard tanks are listed as such; all other tanks available for your
vehicle are optional equipment.
Vehicles with gasoline engine Tank type Gallons
(Liters)
F-650 Low Profile, F-650 Dock
HeightSingle, steel
rectangular42 (159)
60 (227)
Vehicles with diesel engine Tank type Gallons
(Liters)
F-650 Low Profile (standard), F-650
Dock HeightSingle, steel
rectangular35 (132)
F-650 Low Profile, F-650 Dock
Height (standard), F-750 Pick-up
and Delivery (standard), F-750
Severe Service (standard)Single, steel
rectangular45 (170)
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Vehicles with diesel engine Tank type Gallons
(Liters)
F-650 Dock Height, F-750 Pick-up
and Delivery, F-750 Severe ServiceSingle, steel
D-style65 (246)
F-650 Low Profile, F-650 Dock
HeightDual, steel
rectangular35(RH)/45(LH)
(132[RH]/170[LH])
F-650 Low Profile, F-650 Dock
Height, F-750 Pick-up and DeliveryDual, steel
rectangular65/65 (246/246)
F-650 Dock Height, F-750 Pick-up
and Delivery, F-750 Severe ServiceDual, steel
D-style65/65 (246/246)
ENGINE DATA
Engine 6.8L V10 engine
Cubic inches 413
Required fuel Minimum 87 octane
Firing order 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Spark plug gap 0.039–0.043 inch (1.0–1.1 mm)
Ignition system Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.2:1
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Every oil change
BrakesLubricate the air brake foot control valve, hinge
and roller.
Inspect the drum brake linings through the
inspection holes.
Lubricate the rear caliper slide rails.
Lubricate the brake camshafts (air brakes only).
Lubricate the brake slack adjuster (air brakes
only).
Inspect the disc brake pads and the piston boots
(hydraulic brakes only).
ClutchLubricate the clutch release cross shaft and all
linkages.
Check the clutch fluid level.
Fuel systemDrain the accumulated water or sediment from
the fuel tank(s).
Steering systemLubricate the steering shaft(s), U-joints and
splines if equipped with grease fittings.
Lubricate the front axle spindle pins.
Lubricate the steering linkage when equipped
with grease fittings.
Lubricate the power steering gear output shaft.
* Coolant protection checks should be made just prior to the onset of
freezing weather, where applicable. If coolant is dirty or rusty in
appearance, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled with the
prescribed solution of cooling system fluid and distilled water. Use only
permanent type coolant that meets specifications as listed in your
engine operator’s manual. See the engine manufacturer’s operating
guide for supplemental corrosion inhibitor specifications.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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