2000/02/01 Caterpillar

New Method To Determine When To Clean The Aftercooler Core {1064}

Usage:

3616 1FN

Engines: 3606 (S/N: 8RB1-UP) 3608 (S/N: 6MC1-UP) 3612 (S/N: 9RC1-UP) 3612 (S/N: 9FR13-UP) 3616 (S/N: 1PD1-UP) 3616 (S/N: 1FN138-UP)

Engine News, SEBD9277, October 1999, "New Method To Determine When To Clean The Aftercooler Core". Disregard this article. The article has been replaced by the following article.

Formerly, the aftercooler core was cleaned on an hourly basis. A new method is now available to more accurately determine when the aftercooler core should be cleaned. This new method uses a differential pressure gauge to measure the boost pressure before the aftercooler core and boost pressure after the aftercooler core. When the differential pressure reaches 7 kPa (1 psi) at full rated power, the aftercooler should be cleaned.

When the air side differential pressure reaches7 kPa (1 psi), the failure to clean the aftercooler core will result in an excessive internal restriction to the air flow. This restriction will not be indicated on the typical air inlet restriction gauge. The typical air inlet restriction gauge is located in the mechanical gauge panel. This air flow restriction can result in elevated exhaust temperatures, increased fuel consumption, and power loss. Also, long term engine reliability can be adversely affected.

The 152-2067 Pressure Differential Gauge is available to measure the differential pressure across the air side of the aftercoolers on these engines. The differential pressure measurement lines can be installed on the aftercooler housing before the core and after the core.

Note: When you check a new High Performance Aftercooler (HPAC), use this new differential pressure measurement method to determine when you should clean the aftercooler core.

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