DAF LF45, LF55 Series. Manual - part 657

©

 200515

5-1

Draining and filling

EXPLANATORY NOTES ON THE MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

ΛΦ45/55 series

5

5. DRAINING AND FILLING

5.1 TOPPING UP BATTERY FLUID

Avoid sparks and open flames in the 

vicinity of batteries. Battery acid is 

an aggressive fluid.

In the event of contact with the skin: 

rinse the skin with plenty of water for 

a sustained period. If redness or 

pain persists, consult a doctor. 

Remove any clothing affected and 

rinse with water.

In the event of contact with the eyes: 

rinse with plenty of water for at least 

15 minutes and consult a doctor.

If swallowed: do NOT induce 

vomiting. Rinse the mouth, drink two 

glasses of water and consult a 

doctor.

In the event of inhalation: get fresh 

air, rest and consult a doctor.

Topping up battery fluid
1.

Clean the top of the battery. If the top of the 

battery has acid on it, it should be rinsed with 

water.

2.

Remove the plugs and top up the batteries 

with distilled water to approximately 10 mm 

above the plates or up to the "max" indicator 

level.

Engine, cooling system and fuel system

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G0 00 208

EXPLANATORY NOTES ON THE MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

5-2

©

 200515

Draining and filling

5

ΛΦ45/55 series

5.2 DRAINING AND REPLENISHING THE ENGINE OIL

To prevent skin injury, avoid 

unnecessary contact with the 

drained oil.

Draining the engine oil
1.

Ensure that the vehicle is standing on a flat 

and level surface. 

2.

Drain the engine oil at operating temperature 

using the drain plug in the oil sump.

3.

Replace the drain plug sealing ring and 

tighten the drain plug to the specified torque; 

see "Technical data".

Replenishing the engine oil
1.

Fill the engine through the oil filler pipe (B) 

with the specified quantity of engine oil; see 

"Technical data".

2.

Check the engine oil level; see "Inspection 

and adjustment".

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V300417

1

B

©

 200515

5-3

Draining and filling

EXPLANATORY NOTES ON THE MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

ΛΦ45/55 series

5

5.3 DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING THE COOLING SYSTEM

In order to avoid damaging the 

cylinder block, do not top up a warm 

engine with cold coolant. Coolant is 

a toxic fluid and must be handled 

with care. Protect skin and eyes. 

Coolant is harmful to the 

environment; after use, it should be 

processed as industrial chemical 

waste. When the coolant is hot, there 

is overpressure in the cooling 

system. When removing the filler 

cap, allow the overpressure to 

escape by first loosening the filler 

cap one turn.

Draining the cooling system
1.

Turn the heater temperature control knob in 

the cab to the "warmest" setting.

2.

Remove the cooling system filler cap.

3.

Collect the coolant. Position suitable 

containers under the drain points.

4.

Drain the cooling system at the radiator via 

the drain plug.

5.

Flush the cooling system.

6.

Close the drain plug.

Filling and bleeding cooling system
1.

Turn the heater temperature control knob in 

the cab to the "warmest" setting.

2.

Fill the cooling system with the specified 

coolant.

3.

Run the engine for several minutes.

4.

The cooling system is auto-bleeding.

Ensure that the air bleed pipe from the 

thermostat housing to the header tank is not 

twisted or pinched.

Note:

Make sure that air can escape when the 

cooling system is filled.

5.

Check the coolant level, and top up with 

coolant if necessary.

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M201084

EXPLANATORY NOTES ON THE MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

5-4

©

 200515

Draining and filling

5

ΛΦ45/55 series

If the vehicle is equipped with a water/air cab 
heater
1.

Run the engine at idling speed.

2.

Switch on the cab heater, using the rocker 

switch on the dashboard.

3.

Turn the heater temperature control knob in 

the cab to the "warmest" setting.

4.

Switch on the heater fan.

5.

Set the rocker switch on the thermostat in the 

cab to position 1.

Note:

Combustion will start after approximately 

one minute.

6.

Allow the cab heater to operate for 

approximately 15 minutes.

Steering gear and brake system