TM-9-2350-311-10
HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM; M109A2, M109A3, M109A4 AND M109A5
TECHNICAL MANUAL; OPERATOR’S MANUAL
NOVEMBER 1994
TM-9-2350-311-10 - Page 388 of 775
TM 9-2350-311-10
2–20 OPERATION IN UNUSUAL ENVIRONMENT/WEATHER — CONTINUED
2-20.4 Operation in Extreme Cold — Continued
e. Cold Weather Starting (Vehicles with LHR Engine Model 7083-7391) — Continued
Do not engage starter for more than 2 minutes at a time (for M109A2 and M109A3 models this
must be timed; it is an automatic function in M109A4 and M109A5 models). If engine speed does
not reach 100 rpm after 15 seconds, release STARTER control switch and notify unit
maintenance.
NOTE
M109A4 and M109A5 howitzers have a starter protection device in the engine compartment
which will disengage starter automatically. The starter in all models must be disengaged after 60
seconds in temperatures between 0 and 50° F (–18 and 10° C) and after 120 seconds in
temperatures below 0° F (–18° C). This will allow a 2 minute cooling off period between starting
attempts. If engine (in M109A4 or M109A5 howitzers) does not start using STARTER control
switch, proceed to step 8.
7
Set hand throttle control lever (17) to full throttle position. Turn on GLOW PLUGS switch (19) and
release. The GLOW PLUGS indicator light (20) will turn on and stay lit. After 35 seconds the GLOW
PLUGS indicator light will flash on and off. Hold STARTER control switch (14) on for 2 or 3 seconds but
not more than 5 seconds. Engine should start and increase in speed. When engine speed reaches
1500-1800 rpm, reduce throttle speed to 1200-1500 rpm to warm up engine.
NOTE
•
Attention should be focused upon the GLOW PLUGS indicator light during start-up. GLOW
PLUGS are ON whether the GLOW PLUGS indicator light is lit continuously or flashing.
•
The GLOW PLUGS indicator light will not illuminate, or it will go out upon cranking the
engine if voltage is insufficient.
•
When engine starter is engaged, GLOW PLUGS indicator light will stop flashing and stay on
for 60 seconds after release of STARTER control switch.
•
If starter is not engaged within 60 seconds after GLOW PLUGS indicator light starts to flash,
glow plugs and GLOW PLUGS indicator light will turn off.
•
Manual override of engine’s glow plug controller is accomplished by continually holding
GLOW PLUGS switch to on, as directed by chief of section.
8
If engine fails to start, wait 10 seconds and engage STARTER control switch (14). If the engine fails to
start, or if the GLOW PLUGS indicator light (20) fails to illuminate after four attempts, manual override
using the GLOW PLUGS switch (19) may be used as determined by the chief of section.
2-282
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