TM 5-2420-230-24-2
B3.9 and B5.9 Series Engines
General Cleaning Instructions
Section i - Introduction
Page i-7
General Cleaning Instructions
Solvent and Acid Cleaning
Several solvent and acid-type cleaners can be used to clean the engine parts. Experience has shown that the best
results can be obtained using a cleaner that can be heated to 90 to 95 degrees Celsius [180 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit].
A cleaning tank that provides a constant mixing and filtering of the cleaning solution will give the best results. Cummins
Engine Company, Inc. does not recommend any specific cleaners. Always follow the cleaner manufacturer's
instructions.
Remove all the gasket material, o-rings, and the deposits of sludge, carbon, etc., with a wire brush or scraper before
putting the parts in a cleaning tank. Be careful not to damage any gasket surfaces. When possible, steam clean the
parts before putting them in the cleaning tank.
WARNING
Acid is extremely dangerous and can cause personal injury and damage the machinery. Always provide a tank
of strong soda water as a neutralizing agent.
Rinse all of the parts in hot water after cleaning. Dry completely with compressed air. Blow the rinse water from all of
the capscrew holes and the oil drillings.
If the parts are not to be used immediately after cleaning, dip them in a suitable rustproofing compound. The
rustproofing compound must be removed from the parts before installation on the engine.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning can be used to remove all types of dirt that can contaminate the cleaning tank. It is a good way to clean
the oil drillings.
WARNING
Wear protective clothing to prevent personal injury from the high pressure and extreme heat.
Do not steam clean the following parts:
1. Electrical Components
4. Fuel Pump
2. Wiring
5. Belts and Hoses
3. Injectors
6. Bearings
Glass or Plastic Bead Cleaning
Glass or plastic bead cleaning can be used on many engine components to remove carbon deposits. The cleaning
process is controlled by the size of the glass or plastic beads, the operating pressure, and the cleaning time.
CAUTION
Do not use glass or plastic bead cleaning on aluminum piston skirts. Do not use glass bead cleaning on
aluminum ring grooves. Small particles of glass or plastic will embed in the aluminum and result in premature
wear. Valves, turbocharger shafts, etc., can also be damaged. Follow the cleaning directions listed in the
procedures.
NOTE: Plastic bead blasting media, Part No. 3822735, can be used to clean aluminum ring grooves. Do not use any
bead blasting media on pin bores or aluminum skirts.
Follow the equipment manufacturer's cleaning instructions. The following guidelines can be used to adapt to manu-
facturer's instructions:
1. Bead size:
a. Use U.S. size No. 16-20 for piston cleaning with plastic bead media, Part No. 3822735.
b. Use U.S. size No. 70 for piston domes with glass media.
c. Use U.S. size No. 60 for general purpose cleaning with glass media.
a. Glass: Use 620 kPa [90 psi] for general purpose cleaning.
b. Plastic: Use 270 kPa [40 psi] for piston cleaning.
3. Steam clean or wash the parts with solvent to remove all of the foreign material and glass or plastic beads after
cleaning. Rinse with hot water. Dry with compressed air.
4. Do not contaminate the wash tanks with glass or plastic beads.
g-03 (clean)
L-549
