Aftercooler service on FL gulf coast

[Constellation1]

Any recommendations on a shop to service my Cummins aftercooler on the Gulf Coast of Florida? I have it off the engine but want someone to clean and pressure test it. Local radiator shops I have called are apprehensive, which makes me equally nervous to leave it with them.

 

[OldDan1943]

Here's hint for you. It has been reported, one can successfully rod out the cooler with .22 cal bronze used on guns. I dont know if it is true but, something you can tuck way back in your mind. That section titled, "Just incase."

 

[Alan Mainship]

Try calling P&D marine , orange beach , alabama. 251-981-6431 . They have helped me in past on such things.

 

[DavidM]

You have already done one the hard parts- removing it from the engine, so why not finish the job. Tony's Tips on Sbmar.com gives step by step directions with pics. I would just look in the tube side and if clear, and leave it for an acid circulation job to clean up. Then high pressure blast the air side to get the soot and grime out.

Reassemble with new o rings and lots of grease per Tony's instructions. Some autoparts store will lend you a radiator pressure testing kit and you will probably need some hardware store pvc fittings to make up to the after cooler.

After a successful pressure test reinstall it and do an acid flush with Barnacle Buster or similar. Use OldDan's tip to rod out the tubes of the main heat exchanger first, that is where most of the impeller pieces end up, but good to do on all exchangers- lube and tranny too. You just have to remove the end caps to do them.


then you will be good for another 3-5 years. If you DIY, you know it is done right!!!!

David

 

[kwmeyer13]

I had to cleaned and pressure tested my intercoolers and the worst part for me was the actual cleaning. I used several parts I got from my local hardware store, pvc caps, clamps, rubber pipe connectors and a schrader valve, and pressure gauge, to put together a pressure test kit that I inflated with bicycle pump. I have pictures but can’t seem to locate them. It is doable if your handy and have a place to clean the core. I will keep looking for the pictures.

 

[kwmeyer13]

Found the pictures. I did this without removing the intercooler housings. Also it was done in 2017 and the pressure was 20lbs. and it held overnight.

 

[Constellation1]

Thanks everyone - much appreciated.

Since I just bought the boat I want a baseline - ensuring it is done right. While I am decently proficient mechanically I have never taken one of these apart, sealed it back up and tested it. I did just find a shop in Fort Lauderdale that specializes in this and will take it to them.

Cheers!

 

[ranger58sb]

Gulf Coast Diesel Service in Punta Gorda is capable... and they also do Cummins services... if that's an easier drive for you. They're affiliated with Marine Diesel Specialists in Ft. Lauderdale.

You could call and ask in advance...

-Chris

 

[firehoser75]

Thanks everyone - much appreciated.

Since I just bought the boat I want a baseline - ensuring it is done right. While I am decently proficient mechanically I have never taken one of these apart, sealed it back up and tested it. I did just find a shop in Fort Lauderdale that specializes in this and will take it to them.

Cheers!

Sounds good, but don't trust them totally. Take David's advice and look up how to service an aftercooler on sbmar.com, under Tony's Tips. In that way, you will know WHAT SHOULD BE DONE. The main things to ensure are when reinstalling that they REALLY grease it up as per Tony's instructions, and that it is pressure tested properly. I am not a mechanic, but I followed Tony's advice and instructions and was able to do my own easily. The core should not just be put into an acid bath. Acid can be carefully poured into the tubes, with the bottom sitting on a rubber pad and a weight is applied to create a bottom seal. The exterior or air side gathers an oily gunk that can be cleaned off using brake cleaner followed by a good soaking in a cleaner like "simple green". Many "so called" professionals (including a new aftercooler coming from Cummins) do not use or don't use enough grease to ensure the ongoing "health" of your aftercooler. Insist on it.
Good luck. Also, your other cooling components such as fuel cooler, gear oil cooler, and heat exchanger should all be cleaned (new seals or O rings) and pressure tested with some regularity (every 5-6 years) to ensure the ongoing proper functionality of your cooling system. Aftercoolers need servicing every 3 years or so. When everything is off, it is also a good time to change your antifreeze, pressure cap, and thermostat. Carefully check the raw water pump and change the impeller, and you will have a good starting point for your new boat, and will know that all is well in your cooling system.
Enjoy your new boat!

 

[Constellation1]

*update* I finally got the AC off, and will take it to a specialist for servicing on Monday. I had to take a cap off and have a look - I'm blown away as it looks great - clean, clear and no corrosion. The engine is 12 years old, I have all the records and there is no documentation of the AC ever having been done, and the previous owner of 7 years told me he did not do it. The boat lived half it's time in fresh water and half in salt water, so perhaps that's the reason. Regardless, it is getting a full service and should be good for a few years.

 

[firehoser75]

Den,
It is amazing how much of a difference regularly freshwater flushing your raw water cooling side can make!! I know, a broken record, but the very positive affects are talked about on Tony Athens' site sbmar.com under the forums and under his "Tony's Tips". Take the time to explore that site, there is very valuable info there for free. It sounds like your engine has had this done naturally due to location .
Keep tabs on your shop as I described in post #9. There are a lot of mechanics who don't grease up the aftercooler components near enough.

I hope all goes well, and good luck.