2-9. Cleaning

TM 9-2815-237-34 · Chapter 2 — Engine Maintenance

a. General Instructions. Cleaning procedures will be the same for the majority of parts and compo- nents which make up engine subassemblies. General cleaning procedures are detailed in “b” through “i”.

b. The Importance of Cleaning. Great care and effort are required in all cleaning operations. The presence of dirt and foreign material is a constant threat to satisfactory engine operation and maintenance. The following will apply to all cleaning operations: (1) Hands must be kept free of any accumulation of grease which can collect dust and grit. (2) Clean all parts before inspection, after repair, and before assembly. (3) After cleaning, all parts must be covered or wrapped in plastic or paper to protect them from dust and/or dirt.

WARNING Compressed air used for cleaning purposes will not exceed 30 psi (207 kPa). Use only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment (goggles/shield, gloves, etc.).

c. External Engine Cleaning. All electrical equipment and other parts that could be damaged by steam cleaning or moisture must be removed, and all openings covered before cleaning. Dry with compressed air.

d. Disassembled Parts Cleaning. Place all disassembled parts in wire baskets for cleaning. (1) Dry and cover all cleaned parts. (2) Place on or in “racks” and hold for inspection or repair. (3) All parts subject to rusting must be lightly oiled and wrapped. (4) Keep all related parts and components together. Do not mix parts.

WARNING

Improper cleaning methods and use of unauthorized cleaning solutions will injure personnel and damage equipment. See TM 9-247 for correct information.

e. Castings. (1) Clean inner and outer surfaces of castings and all areas subject to grease and oil with cleaning solvents. Refer to TM 9-247. (2) Use a stiff brush to remove sludge and gum deposits. (3) Use compressed air to blow out all tapped capscrew holes and dry castings after cleaning.

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f. Oil Passages. Particular attention must be given to all oil passages in castings and machined parts. Oil passages must be clean and free of any obstructions. (1) Clean passages with wire probes to breakup any sludge or gum deposits. (2) Wash passages by flushing with solvents. See TM 9-247, (3) Dry passages with compressed air.

CAUTION Do not allow drycleaning solvents to come in contact with seals, cables, or flexible hoses. These cleaners cause leather, rubber, and synthetic materials to dry out, rot, and lose pliability making them unserviceable.

g. Nonmetallic Parts. Clean hoses and other nonmetallic parts with soap and water.

h. Bearings.

WARNING Do not use compressed air to dry bearings. Spinning a dry bearing with compressed air may cause injury to personnel or damage to equipment.

(1) Bearings require special cleaning. After removing surface oil and gum deposits, place bearings in hot oil, 140°F (60•C), to loosen congealed oil and grease. Wipe bearings dry with a Iint-free cloth; do not use compressed air. (2) See TM 9-214 for information and care of bearings.

i. Electrical Components. (1) Clean electrical components with clean cloth dampened with drycleaning solvent. Care must be taken not to damage protective insulation.

WARNING Compressed air used for cleaning purposes will not exceed 30 psi (207 kPa). Use only with effective chip guarding and personaI protective equipment (goggles/shield, gloves, etc.).

(2) Use compressed air oa dry electrical components.