Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/91809
EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT Regularly scheduled oil sampling and analysis can pay for itself by detecting potential problem-causing conditions before they turn into costly downtime. Cooling system When performing maintenance on your engine's cooling system, always use the portant to be selective with antifreeze/ coolants because not all of them provide the protection needed to operate ef- ficiently under extreme pressures and temperatures. Use a fully formulated antifreeze/ summer coolant designed and exten- sively tested to protect wet-sleeve-liner diesel engines from cylinder-liner cavita- tion erosion. This is especially critical for heavy-duty, off-highway equipment in the aggregates industry that often endures punishing conditions and tem- perature extremes. Regularly scheduled oil sampling and analysis can pay for itself by detecting potential problem-causing conditions before they turn into costly downtime. Air-intake system Making sure your engine receives an un- restricted flow of clean air is imperative for proper operation. For example, dust reaching your engine through a leaking connector in the air-intake system — called "dusting the engine" — can com- pletely destroy an engine. Therefore, it is important to take the following steps. for openings that could draw in un- filtered air (loose clamps, cracked hoses, etc.). replace if clogged with dust or dirt. pleats. Replace if damaged. Cleaning the elements with compressed air or by pounding them on a hard surface is not recommended. type filters when they become re- stricted; they cannot be cleaned. Engine cooling systems should be thoroughly flushed and cleaned with a heavy-duty cleaner and refilled with clean coolant and inhibitors per the op- erator manual's recommended interval. inspect the radiator and thermostats for any signs of corrosion, debris, or physi- cal damage. Coolant solution analysis is highly cal composition of your coolant and in- clude a written report with maintenance recommendations for the coolant and cooling system. Also, make sure to do the following: cracked, soft, or swollen; radiator fins and around the radiator itself; straighten as needed; place and functional; and the fan belts for excessive wear, and replace as needed. Electrical system Maintaining the electrical system is often more complicated than maintaining some of the engine's other systems, so most maintenance tasks should be left to a certi- fied mechanic. However, an engine's elec- trical system is centered on its battery, and it is always important to check the condi- tion of your battery. the electrolyte is at its proper level. ends and posts. isn't keeping the battery fully charged. for tightness and corrosion. Correct as needed. ing wires for corrosion and integrity. tor belt, and adjust or replace as needed. for tightness and corrosion. Correct as needed. Exhaust filter Maintenance to remove accumulated ash is a key system health component of your exhaust filter must either be replaced with a remanufactured component or cleaned by a certified exhaust-filter cleaning facility at the appropriate interval. Contrary to what some end users think, ily require more maintenance than their have been able to maintain or improve on Tier 3 maintenance intervals depending on the application and machine type. By establishing and diligently following a preventive maintenance program, equip- ment managers can help ensure the opti- mal performance, reliability, and longevity of their engines. AM AGGREGATES MANAGER November 2012 33