LINER 3598036 - Caterpillar

interval for the maintenance of the tube and fin heat exchanger depends on the operating environment of the vessel and on the operating time. The sea water that is circulated through the heat exchanger and the amount of operating time of the vessel affects the following items:
Cleanliness of the tubes of the heat exchanger
Effectiveness of the heat exchanger systemOperating in water that contains silt, sediment, salt, algae, etc will adversely affect the heat exchanger system. In addition, intermittent use of the vessel will adversely affect the heat exchanger system.The following items indicate that the heat exchanger may require cleaning:
Increased coolant temperature
Engine overheating
Excessive pressure drop between the water inlet and the water outletAn operator that is familiar with the normal operating temperature of the coolant can determine when the coolant temperature is out of the normal range. Inspection and maintenance of the heat exchanger are required if the engine is overheating.Your Caterpillar dealer has the equipment and the trained personnel that are needed in order to measure the pressure drop across the heat exchanger.The procedure for cleaning the heat exchanger is similar to the procedure that is used for cleaning the aftercooler core. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Aftercooler Core - Clean/Test" topic (Maintenance Section). For more information on servicing the heat exchanger, consult your Caterpillar dealer.