Cummins N-14 thermostat reinstallation

This week was shop cleanup and doing whatever was needed to get our International and FLD trucks running again.

Our International has a Cummins N-14 in it and in a previous class we had removed the thermostat housing. Unfortunately the coolant hoses running from the thermostat to the air compressor and to the water pump were so badly rotted that they crumbled into pieces when we took them off. We therefore replaced the hoses with new lines and fittings and hooked everything back up. We also hosed down and scrubbed the shop floor.

Accessability is a problem sometimes.

Thermostat housing and hoses as we reinstalled them.

Cleaning the shop floor.

Some reflection on this week:

For mechanics and technicians of both cars and trucks, accessibility can range from good to an absolute nightmare. In the case of our thermostat housing, replacing the line we broke required removal of both lines and fittings off of the air compressor. Getting to the fitting on the water pump required use of a crow's foot wrench with a ratchet and extension as there was no room to get a normal wrench on it.

Cleanup is also an important aspect of working in a shop. Not only does it look unprofessional to have an unclean shop, it also presents a safety hazard to everyone who walks through it. Oil and coolant spilled all over the floor presents a slipping hazard. Tools or parts left on the floor are a tripping hazard. So take a little extra time and keep your work area clean!