6BTA Aftercooler caps, Paint or No Paint?

[Alex]

Hi, I’m in the process of servicing and refreshing the aftercoolers and need to know if it is necessary to paint the bronze? caps.

For some reason three of the caps had been painted and looked fine except for being dirty and needing a new coat of paint.

The fourth cap was not painted (probably recently replaced) and had light green oxidation (fuss) over it. A quick scrub with a wire brush took it off and it looks like new.

So the question is, from a bronze protection standpoint, do I need to paint them again or should I just wire wheel them to bare metal and let them be?

How can I avoid that green oxidation again? Was it an electrical bonding issue or a no paint issue?

Thanks!

Topic

[Alex]

Thanks Rob,

I’m planning on adding fresh water flushing, in which case I will set my PM schedule for two years. Same for heat exchangers.

I’ll gauge this starting when I’m back in service early 2022.
Too much on the list before I get to crank my engines again.

[Rob Schepis]

Yes many variables. Three years could even be pushing it.

[Alex]

Thanks Tony,

Considering the lack of access to the port aftercooler once installed, Ill most probably paint them again to avoid more maintenance.

What would be the average interval to service aftercoolers?

I know it depends on environment and use, but more or less to expect removal, cleaning, orings, grease etc, regardless of pencil zincs needing replacement much sooner.

No fresh water flush-“worst case scenario”.

[Tony Athens]

Your choice.. “Patina”–keep it oily /WD40 if you want to avoid that.. It has NOTHING to do with bonding or zincs

[Author]

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