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 the housing, which are
too large to conveniently clean with solvents,
may be immersed in a 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, gears, 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 inaccessible 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.
Dried 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. Gears also may show pits, as well
as scoring and broken teeth. Shafts may be
nicked and marred, or may have damaged
threads. Parts which show any signs of damage
should be repaired or replaced.
Check all shift forks and slots in sliding
clutches for extreme wear or discoloration from
heat. Check engaging teeth of sliding clutches for
partial engagement pattern.
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