Which of the following actions is NOT part of the initial steps you take before starting a fire pump in the engine mode?

• A. Close all discharge valves.
• B. Verify water source is connected.
• C. Check gauges.
• D. Read owner's manual.

Answer: (D)

When preparing a fire pump to start in engine mode, you focus on immediate readiness checks that ensure the pump can develop pressure safely. Closing all discharge valves is done to keep the discharge side sealed so the pump can build pressure without water escaping through outlets you’re not using. Verifying the water source is connected confirms there’s a supply to prevent dry operation. Checking gauges provides real-time feedback on oil pressure, fuel, and system pressures, showing everything is within safe operating limits. Reading the owner's manual is important for understanding procedures, but it’s not an action you perform as part of the immediate pre-start sequence. It’s a reference task you’d review beforehand; the hands-on steps during pre-start are the ones that ensure the pump is ready to run.