Fernstrum GRIDCOOLER - Maintenance

Page 14
Installation and Maintenance Manual form 185
6.0 MAINTENANCE
A GRIDCOOLER® Keel Cooler that is clean inside and out
will dissipate heat most eciently. To keep your unit clean, a
periodic check of the cooling system is recommended. What
follows are some ways to clean your GRIDCOOLER unit.
EXTERIOR
If the GRIDCOOLER Keel Cooler is used regularly, the 90/10
copper-nickel alloy in conjunction with the unit’s operating
temperature will tend to keep the exterior of the unit
relatively free of marine growth. However, if the unit is not in
operation for extended periods of time, marine growth may
result. Below are some ways of removing marine growth,
paint, etc. from the exterior of the GRIDCOOLER unit:
SCRAPE:
Scraping is an eective way of removing larger matter from a
cooler. The use of a rectangular instrument works best.
PRESSURE WASHING:
Pressure washing is eective in cleaning many things o of a
cooler. Do not exceed 3000 psi (206.84 bar).
SANDBLAST:
Sandblasting is also very eective, but very fine sand such as
40 to 60 grit blasting media should be used.
For suction blast do not exceed 90 psi (6.21 bar).
For pressure pot blasting do not exceed 35 psi (2.41 bar).
NOTE: Never sandblast an ALUMINUM GRIDCOOLER
unit.
PAINTING:
Coolers do not require painting. Doing so will decrease the
unit’s eciency.
ANODES:
Anodes are standard equipment with most copper-nickel
units. They minimize the eects of galvanic corrosion and
should be replaced when deteriorated. The life of these
anodes varies with localities.
Anode replacement kits, including anodes, screws, and
washers, can be ordered from the factory. When contacting
our sales representatives, provide the model number of your
GRIDCOOLER Keel Cooler. Anodes are available in aluminum
or zinc material.
NOTE: Anodes installed on coolers provide immediate
protection to the cooler only. When using an
active protective system, the cooler should be
taken into consideration during the hull survey.
INTERIOR
The interior of your GRIDCOOLER unit may need periodic
cleaning to remove oil, old glycol, mineral deposits, etc. The
easiest and most convenient way of doing this is the use of
a radiator flush. Contact your engine dealer for the proper
radiator flush type for your engine.
PRESSURE TESTING
Do not exceed 35 psi (2.41 bar) when pressure testing a
GRIDCOOLER® Keel Cooler.