1987 Stewart Stevenson U30 Manual

The 1987 Stewart Stevenson U30 is a heavy-duty utility vehicle designed for industrial and military applications, featuring a 6-cylinder diesel engine, 4-wheel drive capability, hydraulic power steering, heavy-duty suspension system, manual transmission with 5 forward gears and 1 reverse, dual-circuit air brakes, 12-volt electrical system, and all-terrain tires. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Instrument Panel 6. Operating Procedures 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Diesel engine, 4WD system, manual transmission, hydraulic steering, air brake system, heavy-duty chassis.

Feature	Description
Engine	6-cylinder diesel, air-cooled
Transmission	5-speed manual with reverse
Drive System	4-wheel drive with transfer case
Brakes	Dual-circuit air brake system
Suspension	Heavy-duty leaf spring
Steering	Hydraulic power assisted
Electrical	12-volt system with alternator
Fuel Capacity	30-gallon diesel tank
Payload Capacity	3,000 lbs maximum
Towing Capacity	5,000 lbs maximum

Installation and Setup

Unpack and inspect vehicle components. Prepare for initial startup.

Check fluid levels: Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid.
Battery installation: Connect positive then negative terminals.
Tire pressure: Inflate to recommended PSI (front: 65 PSI, rear: 75 PSI).
Fuel system: Fill with clean diesel fuel.

WARNING! Vehicle is heavy; use proper lifting equipment. Ensure all connections are secure before operation.

First-Time Operation

Perform pre-start checks before initial operation.

Pre-start inspection: Check all fluid levels, tire pressure, and connections.
Starting procedure: Depress clutch, turn ignition key, wait for glow plug light.
Warm-up: Allow engine to idle for 3-5 minutes before driving.
Test systems: Check brakes, steering, and transmission operation.

CAUTION! Always perform pre-operation checks. Never operate without proper training.

Specifications

Engine: 6-cylinder diesel, air-cooled
Horsepower: 150 HP at 2400 RPM
Transmission: 5-speed manual with synchronesh
Drive: 4-wheel drive with locking differentials
Brakes: Air-over-hydraulic with emergency brake
Suspension: Heavy-duty leaf spring with shock absorbers
Fuel System: Direct injection diesel
Electrical: 12-volt, 90-amp alternator
Dimensions: 18 ft length, 7 ft width, 8 ft height
Weight: 8,500 lbs empty

Controls and Instrument Panel

Main controls: Ignition switch, gear shift, clutch, brake, accelerator, steering wheel.

Instrument Panel: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure, air pressure, warning lights.

Operating Controls: Gear shift pattern (1-5 forward, R reverse), transfer case lever (2H/4H/4L), parking brake, light switches, wiper controls, heater controls.

Operating Procedures

Normal driving, off-road operation, and special conditions.

Starting: Depress clutch, turn key, wait for glow plugs, start engine.
Shifting: Use clutch fully, match RPM to gear selection.
4WD engagement: Stop vehicle, shift transfer case to 4H or 4L.
Braking: Use service brake for normal stops, emergency brake for parking.
Hill operation: Use lower gears for descent, avoid overheating brakes.

Tip: Always engage 4WD before entering difficult terrain.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Check fluid levels, tire pressure, air system pressure.
Weekly: Inspect brakes, steering components, suspension.
Monthly: Change engine oil, check transmission fluid.
Quarterly: Replace fuel filters, inspect electrical system.
Annually: Complete system inspection, flush cooling system.

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before performing electrical maintenance.

Safety Features

Roll-over protection structure (ROPS), seat belts, emergency brake, backup alarm, fire extinguisher mount.

Care & Storage

Clean exterior with mild detergent. Store in dry, covered area. For long-term storage, add fuel stabilizer and disconnect battery.

CAUTION! Do not use high-pressure water on electrical components. Keep away from corrosive materials.

Regulatory Information

FMVSS compliant for 1987 model year. EPA certified for emissions standards. OSHA compliant for industrial use. Copyright © 1987 Stewart Stevenson; all rights reserved. For technical support, contact Stewart Stevenson Service Department at 1-800-555-1987 or visit www.stewartstevenson.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel/battery/glow plugs	Check fuel level, battery charge, glow plug operation.
Hard shifting	Clutch/transmission fluid	Adjust clutch linkage; check transmission fluid level.
Brake fade	Air system/brake adjustment	Check air pressure; adjust brake shoes.
Overheating	Coolant/radiator	Check coolant level; clean radiator fins.
Electrical issues	Battery/alternator	Test battery voltage; check alternator output.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset electrical system.

Service: 1-800-555-1987; www.stewartstevenson.com