TM 10-3930-641-10
OPERATION UNDER UNUSUAL CONDITIONS - CONTINUED
0006 00
OPERATE IN EXTREME COLD
0006 00
1.
General.
Extreme cold causes many problems:
a.
Lubricants thicken or congeal.
b.
Batteries may freeze or lose their electrical efficiency.
c.
Electrical insulation may crack and cause short circuits.
d.
Fuel may not readily atomize for combustion.
e.
Various materials will become hard, brittle, and easily damaged.
f.
The cooling system requires adequate protection from extreme cold.
g.
Fuels, lubricants, and antifreeze compounds require special storage, handling, and use.
Refer to FM 9-207 for additional information.
2.
Cooling System.
a.
Inspect for leaks and general condition.
b.
Make sure clamps are tight.
c.
Check fluid level in radiator.
d.
Notify Organizational Maintenance if system needs service.
3.
Fuel Tank.
a.
Do not allow fuel tank to remain partially empty for a long period of time in extremely cold weather.
b.
Fill fuel tank after each work period to help avoid water condensation in tank.
c.
Remove all ice and snow from around fuel filler opening before refueling.
4.
Electrical System.
a.
Inspect battery cables, wiring harnesses, and wiring.
b.
Check for breaks or cracks caused by cold weather. Report any problems found to Organizational Maintenance.
c.
Conserve batteries. Use lights and other electrical equipment as little as possible.
5.
Lubrication.
Lubricate according to Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) Introduction (WP 0011 00), with temper-
ature range that applies to lowest expected temperature.
6.
Engine Operation.
NOTE
If oil drips from engine dipstick, it is thin enough for engine to be started.
a.
Before starting, ensure fuel and oil in engine and transmission are thin enough to flow.
Use Starting Engine Below 32F (0C) Using Ether Starting Aid procedure in WP 0005 00 and allow engine time
b.
to reach operating temperature. Be alert that tires may be frozen to ground.
c.
Run engine at reduced speed only long enough to circulate oil through engine. Then increase engine speed and
warm up engine. Low idling speeds during extremely cold temperatures can result in incomplete combustion and
form heavy deposits on valves.
d.
Cover radiator if necessary to bring engine up to operating temperature.
0006 00-2
