DETROIT DIESEL 53
15.3
STORAGE
PREPARING ENGINE FOR STORAGE
When an engine is to be stored or removed from operation for a period of time, special precautions should be taken to
protect the interior and exterior of the engine, transmission and other parts from rust accumulation and corrosion. The
parts requiring attention and the recommended preparations are given below.
It will be necessary to remove all rust or corrosion completely from any exposed part before applying a rust preventive
compound. Therefore, it is recommended that the engine be processed for storage as soon as possible after removal
from operation.
The engine should be stored in a building which is dry and can be heated during the winter months. Moisture absorbing
chemicals are available. commercially for use when excessive dampness prevails in the storage area.
TEMPORARY STORAGE (30 days or less)
To protect an engine for a temporary period of time, proceed as follows:
1. Drain the engine crankcase.
2. Fill the crankcase to the proper level with the recommended viscosity and grade of oil.
3. Fill the fuel tank with the recommended grade of fuel oil. Operate the engine for two minutes at 1200 rpm and no
load.
NOTE: Do not drain the fuel system or the crankcase after this run.
4. Check the air cleaner and service it, if necessary, as outlined in Section 3.1.
5. If freezing weather is expected during the storage period, add a high boiling point type antifreeze solution in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Drain the raw water system and leave the drain cocks open.
6. Clean the entire exterior of the engine (except the electrical system) with fuel oil and dry it with compressed air.
7. Seal all of the engine openings. The material used for this purpose must be waterproof, vaporproof and possess
sufficient physical strength to resist puncture and damage from the expansion of entrapped air.
An engine prepared in this manner can be returned to service in a short time by removing the seals at the engine
openings, checking the engine coolant, fuel oil, lubricating oil, transmission, and priming the raw water pump, if used.
EXTENDED STORAGE (30 days or more)
When an engine is to be removed from operation for an extended period of time, prepare it as follows:
1. Drain and thoroughly flush the cooling system with clean, soft water.
2. Refill the cooling system with clean, soft water.
3. Add a rust inhibitor to the cooling system (refer to Corrosion Inhibitors in Section 13.3).
4. Remove, check and recondition the injectors, if necessary, to make sure they will be ready to operate when the
engine is restored to service.
5. Reinstall the injectors in the engine, time them, and adjust the exhaust valve clearance.
6. Circulate the coolant through the entire system by operating the engine until normal operating temperature is
reached (160F. to 185F.).
7. Stop the engine.
8. Remove the drain plug and completely drain the engine crankcase. Reinstall and tighten the drain plug. Install new
lubricating oil filter elements and gaskets.
9. Fill the crankcase to the proper level with a 30-weight preservative lubricating oil MIL-L-21260, Grade 2 (P10), or
equivalent.
10. Drain the engine fuel tank.
11. Refill the fuel tank with enough rust preventive
November, 1973 SEC. 15.3
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