Aftercooler Core Cracks Caterpillar

Problem:

The 4P-6544 Aftercooler Core Assembly on the 3516 Engine in these trucks may crack. The crack can result in coolant leaks. These leaks are mostly external coolant leaks, but occasionally the leak may be internal. The cracks can occur at the vertical welds between the aftercooler core and end tanks. The illustration shows the typical crack locations.

Solution:

This problem can be fixed in two possible ways:

* The cracks on the 4P-6544 Aftercooler Core Assembly can be weld repaired.

* The cracked aftercooler core assembly can be replaced with a new stronger aftercooler core assembly with the same part number manufactured on January 26, 1996 or later. On January 26, 1996 the weld process was changed. On the same date, the thickness of the plate used in the end tanks was increased from 2.66 mm (.105 in) to 3.42 mm (.135 in). These changes will help prevent cracks from developing.

The illustration shows the location of the Julian Date Code on the side of the aftercooler core. The Julian Date Code is comprised of 5 digits. The first 2 digits indicate the year of manufacture. The last 3 digits indicate the day of the year. For example, the Julian Date Code for January 26, 1996 is 96026.

If a crack is discovered in a 4P-6544 Aftercooler Core Assembly with a Julian Date Code of 96026 or later, contact:

CRACK & DATE CODE LOCATIONS

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