WASHER 5T0504 - Caterpillar

To help keep the heat exchanger clean, the use of a water strainer before the heat exchanger is strongly recommended.Unless the water system for the heat exchanger is sealed, debris may enter the water. Debris in the water will reduce the efficiency of the heat exchanger. This can result in excessive water temperatures that may require an engine shutdown. Preventing debris from entering the water and/or filtering the water will reduce the need for cleaning.The quality of the water can also affect the performance of the heat exchanger. Buildup such as sediment and scale reduces the heat transfer characteristics of the plates. The pressure differential of fluids that flow through the heat exchanger is increased. Corrosion can occur beneath the buildup. The buildup can result from sources that are organic and/or inorganic.The quality of the water can be monitored with water analysis. Treatment of the water can help to reduce the buildup. If it is not practical to treat the water, experience can help to determine a schedule for cleaning the heat exchanger. Water analysis and analysis of the buildup will help to determine the method for cleaning.The combination of these two factors indicate that the heat exchanger requires cleaning:
Inability of the heat exchanger to maintain the temperatures that are desired
Increased pressure differential of the fluids that flow through the heat exchangerFrequently record these parameters during operation:
Aftercooler inlet water temperature
Inlet manifold air temperature
Jacket water coolant temperature
Pressure differential of the fluids that flow through the heat exchangerCompare the data to previously recorded data. Clean the heat exchanger, if necessary.Ensure that the machinery will not operate when this maintenance is performed. Attach a "DO NOT OPERATE" tag or similar warning tag to the controls before performing maintenance or repairs.Cleaning the heat exchanger involves the following procedures:
Draining the heat exchanger
Disconnecting the coolant lines
Removing the strainer
Opening the heat exchanger
Cleaning the plates of the heat exchanger
Closing the heat exchanger
Replacing the strainer
Connecting the coolant lines
Filling the cooling system
Illustration 1 g00815199
Components of the heat exchanger (1) Carry bar (2) Frame plate (3) Pressure plate (4) Tightening bolts (5) Channel plates(engine jacket water) (6) Channel plates(aftercooler) (7) Partition plateDraining the Heat Exchanger
Note: See this Operation and Maintenance Manual for information on the interval for changing the coolant.
Pressurized System: Hot coolant can cause serious burns. To open the cooling system filler cap, stop the engine and wait until the cooling system components are cool. Loosen the cooling system pressure cap slowly in order to relieve the pressure.
Note: If the heat exchanger is hot, wait until the temperature of the heat exchanger is reduced to approximately 40 °C (104 °F) before proceeding.
Prepare a suitable container for the coolant.Note: For complete draining, all of the circuits of the heat exchanger must be ventilated.
Drain the heat exchanger. Remove the filler caps from the expansion tanks.
Open the valves for the aftercooler, the cooling water, and the jacket water. Allow the coolant to drain.After the coolant has drained, close the valves.Disconnecting the Coolant Lines
Illustration 2 g00815090
CouplingsNote: It is only necessary to disconnect the lines