© 2020 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved. /B-5
B-3. Undercarriage Cleaning and Protection
NOTE: Standard painted frame rails and eCoat treated frame rails can be cared for in the same manner.
Road de-icing agents such as liquid agents or traditional road salts increase the risk of chassis corrosion. Liquid de-
icing agents such as magnesium chloride (MgCl) and calcuim chloride (CaCl) tend to stick to surfaces and wick into
narrow gaps more readily than road salt, especially when frame liners are used, and cause corrosion when humidity
is present. You may wish to check with your local DOT to determine the types of salts and chemicals used in your
area and plan accordingly. The following are suggestions to inhibit the risk of corrosion:
• Thoroughly pressure wash the undercarriage of the apparatus frequently with plain water to remove salt and
chemicals.
• Consider an automatic undercarriage flushing system to help remove corrosive salts, chemicals, and road grime
upon every return to the station.
• Inspect the undercarriage regularly to identify any corrosion at an early stage. Once identified, the area should
be cleaned thoroughly, coated with a rust inhibiting system such as “POR-15®” and then painted. (Information
on POR-15® can be found on their website at “www.por15.com”).
• Remove water from the floor where the apparatus sits. Use a fan to keep the area dry.
• Hose out the radiator with plain water.
• Keep mud flaps in good repair to minimize salt/chemical spray.
• Avoid splicing into wiring. If repairs are needed use shrink terminals.
• Clean out electrical connectors regularly. Inspect for signs of corrosion to terminals. Verify locking tabs and seals
are in place. Replace as necessary. Do not use dielectric grease on any Packard or Deutsch weatherproof
connectors.
• Apply a rust proofing compound to the undercarriage of the apparatus. See “Rust-Proofing and Corrosion
Prevention Product Use on the Frame” on page B-5.
B-3.1 Rust-Proofing and Corrosion Prevention Product Use on the Frame
NOTE: Standard painted frame rails and eCoat treated frame rails can be cared for in the same manner.
NOTE: DO NOT mix rust-proofing products together. They may not be compatible with each other.
A rustproofing product may be applied to the underside of the vehicle to help prevent corrosion of the frame rails,
supports, etc. Pierce recommends an annual application of Carwell®. Carwell is an oil based product designed to
prevent or stop corrosion. It is available from Pierce® dealers trained in its application, or it can be applied by
yourself. It is an inexpensive way to reduce corrosion of the under body.
Other rust proofing methods such as Ziebart may also be used.
If you are in an area that experiences heavy corrosion issues, consider a bi-annual application of rust-proofing
product (i.e. before and after snow season). Check with the rust-proofing product manufacturer for their
recommendations.
As a rule, pressure washing should only be done on the underside of the vehicle. Pressure washing
should NOT
be done on any surface that has Goldstar, gold leaf, vinyl striping, labels, or overlays.
When washing using high water pressure, all grease fittings outside and underneath the vehicle
chassis must be lubricated after washing to dissipate water and contaminated grease.
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