TM 5-3895-383-24
Air Inlet Heater (AIH)
(If Equipped)
To aid starting and prevent white smoke emission at start up,
the Caterpillar 3114, 3116 and 3126 Engines may be equipped
with an electric heater located at the air inlet manifold. Under
the proper conditions of jacket water temperature, oil pressure,
ignition position, and elapsed time, an electronic control
switches the heater system on (if equipped). Some AIH
systems have manual controls and others have automatic
controls. The system is usually capable of delivering pre-heat
for up to 30 seconds prior to start up, during cranking, and up
to several minutes after the engine has started, depending
upon the control system used.
If for any reason the air inlet heater system malfunctions, the
engine will still start and run. The only concerns may be the
amount of "white smoke" present and the possible need to use
an alternative starting aid.
System Components
(Typical)
(1) Inlet manifold. (2) Heater element. (3) Ground strap.
Ether Start Aid
Location Of Atomize
(1) Air inlet manifold. (2) Atomizer. (3) Heater Group. (4) Air
Inlet Elbow.
When using starting fluid, follow the manufacturers
instructions carefully. Use ether sparingly and only while
cranking the engine. Also, do not store starting fluid in
the cab. Failure to store properly could result in an
explosion and/or fire and possible personal injury. Do not
spray ether directly into the air intake system on engines
equipped with air inlet heaters.
NOTICE
Excessive ether can cause piston and ring damage. Use
ether for cold starting purposes only.
Ether can be used to aid in cold weather startability. Ether is
injected into the inlet manifold (1) in the center port. If the
atomizer is not located in the air inlet manifold correctly, ether
could be directed onto the inlet air heater. Possible extensive
damage to the engine could occur if ether is directed at the
heater element while the air inlet heater is activated.
NOTICE
The atomizer has two ports (180 degrees apart) that must
be aimed parallel to the length of the block.
6-18
