SECTION

LOCOMOTIVE 4
SERVICE MANUAL

CENTRAL AIR SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION bleed blower and is expelled through the roof of the

locomotive. Approximately two-thirds of the filtered air
Air is taken into the carbody (hood) of the locomotive goes to the generator and traction motor blowers to
to supply three separate systems. provide cooling air to the generator and motors.
Supplementary use is also made of traction motor
1. Engine cooling. cooling air in the following manner.

2. Dynamic brake grid cooling. 1. Provides pressure to counteract the depression in

the central compartment and enables an
3. Central system for motor and generator cooling, aspirator, Fig. 4-3, to drain water from the
engine fuel combustion, and compartment generator pit.
pressurization.
2. Provides filtered air under pressure to the
This section of the locomotive maintenance manual electrical cabinet, and provides cooling air to the
covers the central system, the components of which are dynamic brake blower motor bearing.
in or connected to a compartment, Fig. 4-1, located
directly behind the locomotive cab. Air from the generator blower is applied first to cool the
AR 10 rectifier banks. From there it passes through the
The rear of the electrical cabinet makes up the front generator and into the engineroom. This creates a slight
wall of the air compartment. The back wall is made up pressure which tends to keep dirt from entering the
of the AR 10 generator and a partition fitted around the engineroom. 1 his filtered air is used by the air
generator. One opening is provided for air to the engine compressor, reducing the load on its own air intake
and another opening is provided for the auxiliary filter assembly.
generator and blower drive.
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
The hood sides and roof and the generator pit complete OF THE CENTRAL AIR SYSTEM
the central air compartment. Ambient air enters the
compartment through the carbody inertial filters that are COMPARTMENT INSPECTION
located high on the sides of the hood. The filters are
made up of wedge shaped cells, Fig. 4-2, which have If any leaks exist in the central air compartment,
shaped slots forming each wall of the wedge. The unfiltered air will enter. This may be caused by any of
demands of devices that draw air from the central the following defects.
compartment create a depression within the com-
partment. Outside air is drawn rapidly through the l. Access panel bolts removed.
wedge shaped cells. Dirt particles, because they are
heavier than air, tend to travel in a straight line and are 2. Access panel gaskets or seals not properly
carried into a bleed duct located at the narrow end of applied.
the wedge. The main portion of the air, separated by the
action of inertia from the dirt it carries, changes direc- 3. Compartment door not tightly closed.
tion abruptly, passes through the narrow side passages,
and enters the compartment as clean air. The bleed air 4. Engineroom partition and attached cover plates
containing dirt is drawn through an electrically driven not properly applied and sealed.

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1. Outside Air Intake To Inertial Filters 9. Generator Cooling Air Pressurizes Engine
2. Clean Air Into Sealed Compartment Compartment
3. Blower Driven Air Carrying Dirt 10. Electrical Cabinet Air Filter
4. Intake For Engine Air Filter 11. Cooling Air Piped To Dynamic Brake Blower
5. Clean Air To Engine Motor Bearing (Special Order Only)
6. Intake To Traction Motor Blower 12. Electrical Cabinet
7. Intake To Generator Blower 13. Filter Vacuum Switch FVS
8. Cooling Air Ducted To Traction Motors 14. Hose Stems For Manometer Connection

Fig. 4-1 - Central Air System

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Fig. 4-2 - Inertial Air Filter And Filter Cells

5. Generator pit aspirator not properly connected.

FAULTY BLEED BLOWER OPERATION
ASPIRATOR INSPECTION
The efficiency of the inertial carbody air filters will be
At the intervals stipulated in the Scheduled Main- significantly reduced if the bleed blower is faulty. If the
tenance Program, inspect the main generator pit blower is not operating, unfiltered air will be drawn in
aspirator, Fig. 4-3, as follows: through the bleed blower exhaust stack, or if improper
electrical connection is made, the blower may run
l. Check aspirator drain holes for obstructions. backward with a resulting large drop in blower
effectiveness. Either of the aforementioned conditions
2. Check that traction motor cooling air is will cause an excessive amount of dirt to be blown into
exhausting from the aspirator tube causing the generator and traction motor ducts. The engine filter
venturi action at the aspirator drain holes. will effectively clean the air taken in by the engine, but

Fig. 4-3 - Typical Generator Pit Aspirator

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Section 4

the added burden placed upon the engine filter may ENGINE INTAKE AIR FILTERS
bring about the need for early filter maintenance.
Proper operation of the bleed blower can be most DESCRIPTION
readily verified in the following manner. Climb to the
top of the locomotive before the engine is started, and Two types of engine intake filters are available. One
observe the squirrel cage blower through the exhaust uses disposable paper elements, Fig. 4-4, and one uses
filter compartment. When the engine is started, the disposable bag type fiberglass elements, Fig. 4-5.
blower will turn so that the vanes move up toward the Fiberglass and paper filter elements are not
observer. interchangeable due to differences in housing design.
However, the housing for fiberglass elements is
NOTE: It is not sufficient merely to check that air is interchangeable with the housing for the paper filter
exhausting from the bleed blower hatch of an elements and vice versa.
already running engine. The squirrel cage
blower, if running backward, will still exhaust
air from the hatch, but at a greatly reduced
volume.

INSPECTION OF CARBODY INERTIAL

FILTERS

When dirt accumulates on the inertial filter cell vanes,

the pressure drop across the filter increases, thus
increasing the depression inside the filter compartment.
As depression increases, the carbody inertial filter
becomes less efficient, but this in itself is not critical,
since the efficiency of the engine filter may not be
affected. However, as filter compartment depression
increases, the traction motor and generator blowers,
which take their air from the compartment, will put out
less cooling air.

When the pressure differential between ambient and the

filter compartment reaches the maximum value
stipulated on the Service Data page, cooling air flow is
insufficient and damage to the main generator and
traction motors is possible.

It is not possible to determine by a visual inspection

whether the carbody filters are sufficiently clean or are
plugged to the maximum allowable limit. It is possible
for the filters to appear very dirty and still provide
adequate filtration and adequate cooling air. Fig. 4-5 - Fiberglass Bag Type Element

If dirt on the filters is evenly distributed, it has no CHECKING DEPRESSION ACROSS

adverse effect upon filtration, except for the resulting INERTIAL PLUS ENGINE AIR FILTERS
increased pressure drop that the cooling blowers must
work against. However, if dirt is unevenly distributed, Both types of engine air filter assemblies are equipped
filtering efficiency can be reduced without an increase with a pressure switch, Fig. 4-6, that senses the
in pressure drop. differential between ambient pressure and pressure at
one blower inlet. When the switch trips, the ENG. AIR
It has been determined from experience that inertial FILTER light comes on in the AN module indicating
filters should be removed from the locomotive and excessive depression. A separate line, with a connection
cleaned whenever compartment depression exceeds the on the left side of the electrical cabinet, Fig. 47, for a
value shown on the Service Data page.

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 Section 4

manometer, provides a convenient means for measuring Fiberglass elements should be replaced every 90 days.
pressure drop across the engine and inertial filters. These assemblies are equipped with a pressure switch
arrangement only as a safety precaution.
CHECKING FILTER COMPARTMENT
DEPRESSION-INERTIAL FILTERS
Filter compartment depression may be checked when
operating conditions or the appearance of the filters
seem to warrant such a check. Perform the following:
NOTE: If depression readings are taken ore an annual
basis, a reading of more than 3" of' water is
indication that the inertial filters can be
expected to plug within 12 months.
1 . At the left side of' the electrical cabinet connect a
rubber hose to the Inertial Filters hose stem, Fig.
4-7. Connect the other end of the hose to a U-tube
manometer or other pressure measuring device.
Fig. 4-6 - Filter Vacuum Switch 2. Operate the diesel engine until it is warm, then
with reverser handle in neutral position, test
switch in CIRCUIT CHECK position, and
generator field CB off, place throttle in No. 8
position. Loading is not necessary.
3. If filter compartment. depression is less than the
minimum stipulated on the Service Data page,
make certain that all central air compartment
panels, partitions, and cover plates are properly
applied and that no air is bypassing the carbody
filters.
4. When the filters are clean, the central air
compartment depression should be near the value
stipulated on the Service Data page. Depression
readings greater than the maximum stipulated are
cause for immediate cleaning of the carbody
inertial filters.

5. Connect the measuring device to the "Engine +

Inertials" hose stem. If the reading is greater than
tile maximum stipulated on the Service Data
page, and the inertial filter reading previously
Fig. 4-7 - Hose Stems For Manometer Connections
taken was satisfactory, the engine air filters must
be renewed.
FILTER ASSEMBLIES WITH PAPER
ELEMENTS NOTE: If the inertial filter reading was near the
maximum, cleaning of the inertial filters may
When the ENG. AIR FILTER light comes on, the filter extend the useful life of the paper filters
depression should be measured and corrective action somewhat.
taken in accordance with the recommendation given on
the Service Data page. 6. Connect the measuring device to the "Electrical
Cabinet" hose stem. Make certain that all cabinet doors
FILTER ASSEMBLIES WITH FIBERGLASS are securely latched. Check the Service Data page for
ELEMENTS maximum permissible depression.

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Section 4

CLEANING THE CARBODY INERTIAL AIR

FILTER 3. From the inside the central air compartment
loosen the flare nuts that connect drain piping to
The only approved and recommended method of the underside of the filter assemblies. Bend the
cleaning the carbody filters is immersion in a hot tubing slightly away from the fittings.
caustic or detergent bath followed by a cold wash. The
filters should be removed from the locomotive and 4. With a pipe wrench, remove the pipe nipples and
cleaned if filter compartment depression exceeds the attached elbows from the filter assemblies. This is
maximum value shown on the Service Data pages. done to allow easy removal of the filter
assemblies and avoid damage to the pipe fittings.
REMOVAL AND CLEANING PROCEDURE To avoid loss, the elbows and nipples may be
temporarily fastened to the flare nuts.
In order to facilitate inertial air filter cleaning and
changeout, a spare set of filters should be available for 5. Remove the bolts that hold the filter assembly in
rapid exchange with dirty filters. This practice will place, and slide the filter assembly out from the
allow proper cleaning and maintenance of the filter carbody.
assemblies without tying up a locomotive.
6. Thread several lifting eyes into the filter assembly
To remove the inertial air filter assemblies from the and attach a suitable lifting device to the filter
locomotive, perform the following: assembly. Each filter assembly weighs
approximately 600 pounds.
1. Loosen the clamps on the hose that connects the
inertial filter dust bin to the bleed blower 7. Remove and discard the pressure sensitive backed
assembly. Raise the rubber hose so that the hose tape-type gasket material from the filter flange.
is free of the filter assembly.
8. Place the entire filter assembly in a hot caustic or
2. From the outside of the locomotive remove bolts detergent bath until clean. The time required for
and split lockwashers holding the inertial air filter cleaning will depend upon the type of bath used,
inlet screen to the filter opening. Remove the its temperature, and the condition of the filter.
screen. Fig. 4-8 shows a cross sectional view of
the area where filter and screen are attached to the 9. When the filter is removed from the caustic bath
locomotive hood. it should be given a clear cold wash.

10. Dry the filter flange and apply a new pressure

sensitive backed tape-type gasket.

11. Reinstall the filters and filter screens, reconnect

water drain piping, and reconnect the hose
between the dust bin and blower assembly.

12. Tighten the hose clamps, then after inspecting the

gasket material on the access cover, replace the
access plate and reapply the screws.

CAUTION: Make certain that the hoses are correctly

mated to the dust bin openings before
tightening the hose clamps.

13. Check all connections to see that no leaks exist.

Check the filter compartment depression.

Fig. 4-8 - Typical Inertial Filter And Filter Screen

Attachment Cross-Sectional View
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 Section 4
SERVICE DATA
CENTRAL AIR SYSTEM

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PARTS AND EQUIPMENT

Part No.

Pressure Sensitive Backed Tape-Type Gasket

1/16" x 3/4" Rubber Cork ................................. 8135382
100 Ft. Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8133198
1/16" x l-7/8" Rubber Cork ................................ 8135383
100 Ft. Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8133199
Rubber Weather Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8324100

SPECIFICATION
Engine Air Filter - Pleated Paper Type
Filter Element (Length 36" . 10 Required Per Assembly) . . . . . . . 8375073 or 8469002

Engine Air Filter - Fiberglass Bag Type

Filter Element (3 Required) ................................ 8470903

Electrical Cabinet Air Filter

Pleated Cotton -Paper Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8345402
(These Elements Also Used As
Engine Lube Oil Filters.)

FILTER INTERCHANGEABILITY
Inertial air filter application is the same with fiberglass or paper element engine air filter assemblies.

SD38-2 and GP38'2 paper elements are interchangeable with GP40-2 paper elements.

SD38-2 and GP38-2 fiberglass elements are interchangeable with GP40-2, SD40-2 and SD45-2 fiberglass
elements.

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 Section 4
SERVICE DATA (CONT'D)

Minimum Allowable Depression

Inertial Filter Only (Compartment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Inches H2O
Inertial Plus Engine Filter (Total) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Inches H2O

If the difference between total depression and compartment depression (across inertials only) is less
than 2 Inches H2O, check for proper application and seating of filter elements, and for
damaged elements.

Maximum Allowable Depressions

Maximum
Pressure Reading Location
Depression
At Run 8, Load Or No Load
Inches Of Water
Unit
Equipped With Carbody Measure at
Pleated Paper Inertial 5.5 pressure tap on left side of
Engine Air Filter electrical cabinet. See Fig. 4-7.
Filter Combined
Assembly Pleated
Measure at pressure tap on left side of
Paper And 18.5
electrical cabinet. See Fig. 4-7.
Inertial
Filters

Maximum
Pressure Reading Location
Depression
At Run 8, Load Or No Load
Inches Of Water
Unit
Equipped With Carbody
Fiberglass Bag Measure at pressure tap on left side of
Inertial 5.5
Type Engine electrical cabinet. See Fig. 4-7.
Filter
Air Filter
Assembly Combined
Fiberglass Bag 18.5 Measure at pressure tap on left side of
And Inertial (See Note Below) electrical cabinet. See Fig. 4-7.
Filters

NOTE: Fiberglass bag type engine air filter elements should be changed every 90 days. Reliance on changing when the
pressure switch trips can result in rapid engine component wear.

RECOMMENDATION - INERTIAL FILTER CLEANING

It is recommended that filter compartment depression readings be taken periodically. However, if readings are taken
only yearly, a reading of 3.5 inches of water indicates that the maximum allowable depression of 5.5 inches probably
will be reached before the next yearly inspection.

RECOMMENDATION - PAPER ENGINE AIR FILTER CHANGEOUT

When a tripped engine air filter service indicator is noted, the indicator should be reset with the engine at idle speed.
Speed should then be increased to Run 8 for I minute, then returned to idle. If the indicator is tripped, check the
combined paper and inertial filter depression with a manometer, then check the inertial filter depression independently.
These readings may indicate whether inertial filter cleaning will significantly increase the usable life of the paper filters.

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SERVICE DATA (CONT'D)

RECOMMENDATION - FIBERGLASS ENGINE AIR FILTER CHANGEOUT

Fiberglass bag type filter elements should be changed at 90 day intervals for optimum filtering. Do not use the air filter
service indicator to determine time of change.

RECOMMENDATION --PAPER ELECTRICAL CABINET AIR FILTER CHANGEOUT

Electrical cabinet air filters should be renewed at intervals indicated in the scheduled maintenance program.

If unusually dirty operating conditions exist, the air filters may become plugged in a shorter period of time. Plugging
can be detected by measuring static pressure inside the electrical cabinet with all doors tightly latched. Electrical cabinet
air filters should be renewed when pressure is less than 1.5 inches of water with a properly sealed electrical cabinet.

Cabinet pressure can be sensed by means of static pressure tap on the left side of the electrical cabinet. Low cabinet
pressure can indicate one or both of the following:

1. Dirt loaded filter element.

2. Poor cabinet seal. This condition will result in excessive air flow through the electrical cabinet air filters,
causing them to become plugged at a faster than normal rate.

NOTE: To obtain accurate, representative electrical. cabinet pressure, the central air compartment door must be
tightly closed, and traction motor inspection covers must be secured in place.

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