V. CLEANING AND INSPECTION
A.
Choice of Cleaning Methods
1.
Steam may be used for external cleaning of
completely assembled units. Care must be
taken to ensure that water is kept out of the
assembly by tightly closing breather caps and
other openings.
2.
Rough parts such as housings, which are too
large to conveniently clean with solvents, may be
immersed in hot solution tank containing a mild
alkaline solution. Parts cleaned in hot solution
tanks must be rinsed thoroughly to prevent
damage by traces of alkaline material.
3.
Parts with ground or polished surfaces, such as
bearings and shafts, should be cleaned with
emulsion
cleaners
or
petroleum
solvents.
Alkaline hot solution tanks may damage the
machined surfaces and such cleaning methods
should be avoided.
B.
Drying and Corrosion Inhibition
Soft, clean shop towels should be used to dry
parts after cleaning. Compressed air may be
used to clean accessible areas of large parts
such as the housing. Bearings should not be
spun dry with compressed air, as the lack of
lubrication may cause damage to the mating
surfaces.
Dry parts should be immediately coated with a
light oil or corrosion inhibitor to prevent corrosion
damage. Parts which are to be stored should
also be wrapped in heavy waxed paper.
C. Inspection
Prior to reassembly, parts which are to be
reused must be carefully inspected for signs of wear or
damage. Replacement of such parts can prevent costly
downtime at a future date.
All bearing surfaces, including ball bearing
assemblies and roller bearing cups and cones, should be
examined for pitting, wear, or overheating. Shafts may
be nicked and marred, or may have damaged threads.
Parts which show any signs of damage should be
repaired or replaced.
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