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178 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
joint, or a hole or crack caused by
corrosion), have checks and
maintenance performed by the
nearest dealer. Continuing to use
the vehicle without having the
defect repaired would be
dangerous because exhaust
gases could get into the cab and
cause carbon monoxide
poisoning.
If at any time you think exhaust
fumes are entering the cab, have
the cause determined and
corrected as soon as possible.
If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with all
windows fully open. Prevent
carbon monoxide from entering
the cab. The best way is to keep
the engine exhaust system, cab
and cab ventilation system
properly maintained.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
We recommend that the exhaust
system and cab be inspected by
a competent technician:
. Each time the vehicle has
an oil change.
. Whenever a change is
noticed in the sound of the
exhaust system.
. Whenever the exhaust
system, underbody or cab is
damaged or becomes
corroded.
To allow proper operation of your
vehicle's ventilation system, keep
the air inlet grille clear of snow,
leaves or other obstructions at all
times. Do not park with the
engine running or idle this vehicle
for more than 10 minutes with the
ventilation system control switch
in the OFF position. Even with the
ventilation system on, running the
engine while parked or stopped (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
for longer periods of time is not
recommended. Entry of carbon
monoxide into the cab is possible
with a poorly repaired, damaged,
or corroded exhaust system or
cab. Do not run the engine in
confined areas (such as garages,
next to a building or near another
stopped vehicles with engine
running) any more than needed to
move the vehicle.
When the vehicle has to be
stopped in an unconfined area
with the engine running for any
more than a few minutes, take the
following steps:
. Adjust the heating or cooling
system to force outside air
into the cab.
. With temperature and outlet
selector knob in any
position:
(Continued)
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
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228 Driving and Operating
damage, such fuel can also
affect emission control. Before
using any diesel fuel, check with
the service station operator to
see if the fuel has been mixed
with engine oil.
. Do not use any fuel additive
(other than as recommended
under "Biocides" in Water in
Fuel 0231). At the time this
manual was printed, no other
fuel additive was recommended.
(See your authorized dealer to
find out if this has changed.)
. Take care not to run out of diesel
fuel. If you do run out of fuel,
you may need to bleed air out of
the supply pump to re-start the
engine after fuel has been filled.
Your vehicle is designed to use
either Number 1-D or Number 2-D
diesel fuel. However, for better fuel
economy, use Number 2-D diesel
fuel whenever possible. At
temperatures below -7 °C (20 °F),
Number 2-D fuel may pose
operating problems (see "Cold
Weather Operation" which follows).
At colder temperatures, use Number 1-D fuel (if available) or use a
"winterized" Number 2-D (a blend of
Number 1-D and Number 2-D). This
blended fuel is usually called
Number 2-D also, but can be used
in colder temperatures than Number
2-D fuel which has not been
"winterized". Check with the service
station operator to be sure you get
the properly blended fuel.
Do not use fuels other than those
recommended in this manual. Doing
so may adversely affect the engine.
DIESEL FUEL/APPLICABLE
STANDARD (Sulfur content below 15ppm)
ASTM
(AMERICAN
SOCIETY FOR
TESTING and
MATERIALS) Based on D975
Number 1–D
S15 or Number
2-D S15 (below
15 ppm)Biodiesel
Biodiesel, may also be referred to
as FAME blended (Fatty-acid methyl
ester) fuel is a renewable fuel
produced from vegetable oils or
animal fats that have been
chemically modified to make it
compatible with diesel fuel.
Caution
Do not use home-made biodiesel
or home test kits because the
quality cannot be verified by
approved scientific methods. Do
not use raw vegetable oil or other
unmodified bio-oils, fats,
or blends of vegetable oil with
diesel. They could damage the
fuel system and engine, and
damages would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
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Driving and Operating 231
At low temperatures, wax flakes are
more likely to form in Number 2-D
fuel than in Number 1-D (or
"winterized" Number 2-D) fuel. For
best operation at temperatures
below -7 °C (20 °F), use Number
1-D, or Number 2-D which has been
blended with Number 1-D for winter
use. When temperatures are
consistently below (or near) -18 °C
(0 °F), use Number 1-D if at all
possible. Bear in mind, however,
that even Number 1-D fuel will form
wax flakes when temperatures are
extremely low.
Do not use home heating oil or
gasoline in your diesel engine;
either may cause engine damage.
The addition of kerosene will not
unplug a filter plugged with wax.
Warming a "waxed" filter to a
temperature of 0 °C to 10 °C (32 °F
to 50 °F) will return the wax to
solution. Filter replacement is not
normally required.Water in Fuel
During refueling, it is possible for
water (and other contaminants) to
be pumped into your fuel tank along
with the diesel fuel. This can occur if
a service station does not regularly
inspect and clean its fuel tanks, or if
a service station receives
contaminated fuel from its
supplier(s).
To protect your engine from
contaminated fuel, there is a water
separator system on the engine
which allows you to drain excess
water from the fuel.
{Warning
The drained water/diesel fuel
mixture is flammable, and could
be hot. To help avoid personal
injury or death and/or property
damage, do not touch the fuel
coming from the water separator
drain valve, and do not expose
the fuel to open flames or sparks.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Be sure you do not overfill the
drain pan. Heat (such as from the
engine) can cause the fuel to
expand. If the container is too full,
fuel could be forced out of the
pan. This could lead to a fire and
the risk of personal injury and/or
vehicle damage.
Biocides
In warm or humid weather, fungus,
and/or bacteria may form in diesel
fuel if there is water in the fuel.
Fungus or bacteria can cause fuel
system damage by plugging the fuel
lines, fuel filters or injector. They
can also cause fuel system
corrosion.
If fungus or bacteria has caused fuel
system problems, you should have
your authorized dealer correct these
problems. Then, use a diesel fuel
biocide to sterilize the fuel system
(follow the biocide manufacturer's
instructions). Biocides are available
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248 Vehicle Care
Caution
When adding oil, be careful not to
spill any, but keep a workshop rag
handy just in case there are any
spills. If any oil should spill onto
the engine, carefully wipe it away.
If this precaution is not taken, the
spilled oil could ignite and a fire
could spread.
Do not leave flammable items,
such as rags or gloves, in the
engine compartment. They could
cause a fire. You and others could
be seriously injured.
Engine oil lubricates and cools the
engine's internal components. The
quality of the oil is degraded and the
quantity of oil is reduced by
evaporation, discharge and
combustion during the operation of
the engine. Continually using the
same oil without checking the level,
or without replenishing and
changing it could cause seizure or
damage to the engine. Prevent dirt from entering the filler
port when adding the oil. If foreign
matter mixes with the oil, it could
damage the engine.
Adding oil above the "FULL" mark
on the oil dipstick could result in
faulty engine operation. Be sure to
check the oil level by using the oil
dipstick.
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil could result in engine or
DPF breakdown, or in poor fuel
efficiency. Be sure to use the
recommended engine oil.
Choosing the Right Quality Oil
If you do not use the oil intended for
a vehicle equipped with a Diesel
Particulate Filter (DPF), both the
engine and the DPF may break
down and fuel economy may
decrease. Be sure, therefore, to use
the oil intended for vehicles
equipped with DPF.
GM recommends engine oil that
supports DPF (Low ash oil). Use of
engine oil that does not support low
ash will increase the PM produced
by engine combustion.Consequently, the maintenance
interval of the DPF filter will be
reduced.
Oil Identification Logo
A logo (symbol) is used on most oil
containers to help you select the oil
you should use. The top portion of
the logo shows the oil quality by API
designations such as CK4 or others.
The center portion of the logo
shows the SAE viscosity grade,
such as SAE *W-40 (* indicates
viscosity on the low temperature
side). You should look for this logo
on the oil container, and use ONLY
oil containing the logo.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
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Vehicle Care 249
Change Intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals
for your engine are based on the
use of recommended oil quality and
viscosity, as well as high-quality
filters such as genuine GM oil filters.
Using oil other than recommended,
or oil and filter change intervals
longer than recommended, could
reduce engine life. Damage to
engines due to improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil
quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the new vehicle
warranty.
Your engine was filled with a
high-quality engine oil when it was
built. You do not have to change this
oil before the first recommended
change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend on how
you use your vehicle. For
information on the proper oil and
filter change intervals. See
Maintenance Schedule0327. Engine Oil Additives
Engine oils contain a variety of
additives. Your engine should not
need any extra additives if you use
the recommended oil quality and
change intervals.
{Warning
Used engine oil contains harmful
contaminants that have caused
skin cancer in laboratory animals.
Avoid prolonged skin contact.
Clean skin and nails thoroughly
using soap and water–not mineral
oil, fuels or solvents. Launder or
discard clothing, shoes or rags
containing used engine oil.
Engine Oil and Gear Oil
Viscosity Charts
Select appropriate engine oil in
accordance with the table below.
It is also important to select the
viscosity appropriate for the
temperature at which your vehicle
operates. Use the following table for
making correct selections. Engine Oil
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has
an effect on fuel economy and
cold-weather starting. Lower
viscosity engine oils can provide
better fuel economy; however,
higher temperature weather
conditions require higher viscosity
engine oils for satisfactory
lubrication.
When choosing an oil, consider the
range of temperature your vehicle
will be operated in before the next
oil change. Then, select the
recommended oil viscosity from the
chart.
Do not use any viscosity of oil not
recommended. Such oils could
cause engine damage.
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Vehicle Care 253
.Dipstick H (HOT) —
Transmission fluid
temperature Approx. 70 -
80 °C (158 - 176 °F).
. The “C (COLD)” range on
the dipstick is a guide used
by your dealer for
specialized equipment used
to replace or service the
automatic transmission
fluid. When performing your
own inspections, always
use the “H (HOT)” range
after warming up the
vehicle.
The fluid must be hot to
ensure an accurate check.
The fluid level rises as
temperature increases.
6. If the fluid level is too low, add the specified fluid through the
dipstick guide tube. Also, check
whether there are no fluid
leaks.
7. Insert the dipstick securely into position.{Warning
Be extremely careful not to burn
yourself when checking the oil
level if the engine temperature is
high. Protect yourself with
gloves etc.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Discarded parts, oil, grease and
fluids could have an adverse effect
on the environment. It is difficult to
dispose of these, so have your
dealer handle all checks and
replacements.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Air Cleaner
Using a clogged air cleaner element
not only reduces engine output but
also causes increased fuel
consumption and an increased DPF
regeneration frequency. Be sure to use a genuine air cleaner
element. If a different air cleaner
element is used, it may cause the
sensor to output a wrong signal.
See
Maintenance Schedule 0327.
Air Cleaner Indicator Light
When the air cleaner indicator light
comes on, check the air cleaner
element. If the air cleaner element is
clogged, replace the air cleaner
element.
See Vehicle Messages 086.
See Maintenance Schedule 0327.
Engine Coolant
Protection of Engine Against
Overcooling
Overcooling of the engine not only
accelerates wear of the vital engine
parts but also hurts fuel economy.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
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Vehicle Care 255
Warning (Continued)
eyes are still irritated or otherwise
feel abnormal, seek immediate
medical attention.
If the engine coolant gets on your
skin, rinse it off using a soap with
a large amount of water. Also,
if abnormality is seen, seek
medical attention.
Engine coolant is flammable, and
therefore, it must be kept away
from flames and other heat
sources. Engine coolant also
could ignite if it comes in contact
with a hot surface, such as the
exhaust manifold. Exercise
caution to prevent this from
happening.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
Preparing Engine Coolant
To prevent engine damage due to
freezing of the engine coolant and
to protect the cooling system from corrosion, use a mixture of the
recommended type antifreeze and
water. If the engine of the vehicle is
at
−30 °C (−22 °F) or above, the
coolant concentration should be
50%. Direct use of “50/50
Pre-diluted” product which is already
diluted to 50% concentration is
recommended. If the outside
temperature engine or vehicle is
used at −30 °C (−22 °F) or below,
coolant concentration of 55% is
recommended.
It is the owner ’s responsibility to:
. Maintain the engine cooling
system freeze protection at or
above −30 °C (−22 °F) (at or
below −30 °C (−22 °F) in colder
climates to ensure protection
against corrosion and loss of
engine coolant from boiling.
A 50/50 (55/45 for colder
climates) mixture of the
recommended type antifreeze
and water will provide freeze
protection to at or above −30 °C
(−22 °F), (at or below −30 °C
(−22 °F) in colder climates) and
boil protection to 128 °C (262 °F). Periodic replacement
of engine coolant is needed to
replenish the anticorrosion
additives that wear out with use.
Engine coolant that has become
dark in color shows that it needs
to be changed.
. Use only the recommended
coolant. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0349.
. Do not use methanol-base
antifreeze, alcohol or plain water
alone in your vehicle at any time.
They will boil at a lower point
than that at which the engine
coolant temperature gauge will
warn of overheating, and they do
not provide proper protection
against corrosion.
Engine Coolant Quantity
For the quantity of engine coolant,
see Capacities and Specifications
0 357. After changing the engine
coolant, check that the engine
coolant is up to the specified level.
Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 5.2L Diesel Engine 4500/5500 Series (GMNA-
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Vehicle Care 259
Engine Overheating
When the Engine Overheats
The engine cooling system may
overheat if the engine coolant level
is too low, if there is a sudden loss
of engine coolant (such as radiator
hose failure), or if other problems
occur. It may also temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions such as:
.Climbing a long hill on a hot day.
. Stopping after high-speed
driving.
. Idling for long periods in traffic.
If engine power drops and the
needle on the engine coolant
temperature gauge goes up above
the upper limit of the safety zone
and enters the "H" zone, the engine
is overheating. The engine overheat
warning light will come on and the
warning buzzer will sound. Either
steam or boiling engine coolant will
squirt out of the radiator. The
vehicle will also have an “OVERHEAT”
message displayed. Take the
following corrective actions
immediately.{Warning
To help avoid being burned:
Do not tilt the cab or open the
engine access cover if you see or
hear steam or engine coolant
escaping from the engine
compartment. Wait until no steam
or engine coolant can be seen or
heard before tilting the cab or
opening the engine cover.
Do not remove the radiator cap or
engine coolant reserve tank cap if
the engine coolant in the tank is
boiling. Also do not remove the
radiator cap while the engine and
radiator are still hot. Scalding fluid
and steam can be blown out
under pressure if either cap is
taken off too soon.
You and others could be seriously
injured. If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge shows an overheat
condition or you have other
reasons to suspect the engine
may be overheating, continued
operation of the engine (other
than as described here) even for
a short period of time may cause
a fire and the result in personal
injury and severe vehicle
damage. Take immediate action
as outlined.
You and others could be seriously
injured.
If you see or hear escaping steam
or have any other reason to suspect
there is a serious overheat
condition, stop and park the vehicle
as soon as it is safe to do so, turn
on the hazard warning flasher and
then turn off the engine immediately
and safely exit the vehicle.