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Looking for info. on Baldwin diesel loco. oil coolers
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Author:  Doodlebug Dan [ Fri Dec 10, 2004 9:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Looking for info. on Baldwin diesel loco. oil coolers
Has anyone had any experiences in repairing/replacing an oil cooler for a Baldwin with a 606SC engine? Is there a company that would manufacture or rebuild these? The only information pertaining to the specifications of the oil coolers I have been able to find is some documentation on C&NW switchers with 606NA engines. This stated that the oil coolers were manufactured by Harrison. Could this have been Harrison Radiator Division of General Motors, located in Lockport, NY?
Author:  Dave [ Sat Dec 11, 2004 8:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for info. on Baldwin diesel loco. oil coolers
Look for an old radiator shop surrounded by piles of grungy junk in a bad part of town. These guys should be able to make a workable replacement if you take them the original and give them some time to tinker. I have had a couple old useless radiators for obsolete machines replaced using this approach. Good luck.

dave
Author:  Ol' Loco Guy [ Mon Dec 13, 2004 11:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for info. on Baldwin diesel loco. oil coolers
There are a number of sources for new lube oil coolers of a size that could be applied to BLW products. However, I suspect the cost would be way more than the dollar value of the locomotive in question.

There are only a few things that can go wrong with a lube oil cooler-i.e.,-it can become dirty or leak. So, why not re-condition it yourself ?

I am assuming that the item in question is a sheet and tube cooler-that is-the water side is made up of a number of brass tubes through which the cooling water passes. The oil side comprises the external diameter of the tubes with a number of baffles that creates a serpentine path for the oil to flow and give up heat to the water.

I would look to an industrial supply house for tube cleaning brushes that can be used to clean out the inside diameter of the tubes. The tubes need to be mechanically cleaned to remove the 'gunk.'

For the oil side, you could send the thing to an facility that has a large de-greasing tank. You will need to make sure that the solvent used does not chemically interact with brass. Or, you could make a rig that pumps a heated solvent through the oil side. One supplier of such a solvent would be Oakite. I'm sure there are others.

Gaskets can be make up out of suitable sheet material. As the water side is probably open (atmospheric pressure), one will need to apply air pressure to the oil side to check for leaks. If any of the tubes leak, there are tapered plugs available from any number of industrial supply houses.
Author:  Doodlebug Dan [ Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for info. on Baldwin diesel loco. oil coolers
I haven't disassembled the oil cooler yet, but it does not look to be too difficult. At least two of the sides can be unbolted and removed to get into the "guts".

I'm assuming the oil cooler is constructed as you described, as others I have seen that were installed in Alco, Fairbanks Morse, and Lima diesel locomotives were essentially put together this way.

Would it be possible to replace leaking tubes instead of plugging them? If they are copper tubes, are the ends rolled or expanded much like boiler tubes to give the water/oil tight seal?
Author:  Ol' Loco Guy [ Wed Dec 15, 2004 4:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Looking for info. on Baldwin diesel loco. oil coolers
Yes, the tubes are expanded into the tube sheet in a similar fashion to a steam loco boiler.

I would suggest a tour of the 'Thomas Register' in order to secure suitable tooling.
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