Section 1 – Introduction Page 1-11 CFP83 Series Cleaning Gasket Surfaces The object of cleaning gasket surfaces is to remove any gasket material, not refinish the gasket surface of the part. Cummins Inc. does not recommend any specific brand of liquid gasket remover. If a liquid gasket remover is used, check the directions to make sure the material being cleaned will not be harmed. Air powered gasket scrapers can save time but care must be taken to not damage the surface. The angled part of the scraper must be against the gasket surface to prevent the blade from digging into the surface. Using air powered gasket scrapers on parts made of soft materials takes skill and care to prevent damage.
Do not scrape or brush across the gasket surface if at all possible. Solvent and Acid Cleaning Several solvent and acid-type cleaners can be used to clean the disassembled engine parts (other than pistons. See Below). Experience has shown that the best results can be obtained using a cleaner that can be heated to 90 to 95 °C (180 to 200 °F). Kerosene emulsion based cleaners have different temperature specifications, see below. A cleaning tank that provides a constant mixing and filtering of the cleaning solution will give the best results. Cummins 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 When using solvents, acids, or alkaline materials for cleaning, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use. Wear goggles and protective clothing to reduce the possibility of personal injury. Experience has shown that kerosene emulsion based cleaners perform the best to clean pistons. These cleaners should not be heated to temperature in excess of 77 °C (170 °F).
The solution begins to break down at temperatures in excess of 82 °C (180 °F) and will be less effective. Do not use solutions composed mainly of chlorinated hydrocarbons with cresols, phenols and/or cresylic components. They often do not do a good job of removing deposits from the ring groove and are costly to dispose of properly. Solutions with a pH above approximately 9.5 will cause aluminum to turn black; therefore do not use high alkaline solutions. Chemicals with a pH above 7.0 are considered alkaline and those below 7.0 are acidic. As you move further away from the neutral 7.0, the chemicals become highly alkaline or highly acidic.
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 to not damage any gasket surfaces. When possible use hot high pressure water or steam clean the parts before putting them in the cleaning tank. Removing the heaviest dirt before placing in the tank will allow the cleaner to work more effectively and the cleaning agent will last longer. Rinse all the parts in hot water after cleaning. Dry completely with compressed air. Blow the rinse water from all the capscrew holes and the oil drillings.
If the parts are not to be used immediately after cleaning, dip them in a suitable rust proofing compound. The rust proofing compound must be removed from the parts before assembly or installation on the engine. Drawing No. 9777, Section 1, Rev. 02-07