GEK–61793B

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

CONTENTS For the purposes of this instruction, a short–term

Page storage period is considered to be less than three
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 months; a long–term storage period is considered to be
PLACING OFF–HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT three months or longer.
INTO STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
WHEN STORING A TRUCK THAT IS General Electric recommends a maximum storage
OPERATIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 period of three years, with these storage procedures be-
WHEN STORING A TRUCK THAT IS ing repeated after each year. After a storage period of
NOT OPERATIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 three years or more, the Motorized Wheels should be
WHEN STORING A MAJOR COMPONENT . . . . . 3 removed and sent to an overhaul facility for teardown
PERIODIC INSPECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
PLACING OFF–HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT and inspection of seals and bearings. These should be
INTO SERVICE AFTER STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 replaced if necessary.
WHEN A TRUCK IS OPERATIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . 4
WHEN A TRUCK IS NOT OPERATIONAL . . . . . . 4 Periodic (every three months) inspections should be
FOR THE FIRST HOUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 made to determine the lasting qualities of long–term
storage protection measures. Such inspections will indi-
cate the need for renewing protective measures when
INTRODUCTION
necessary to prevent equipment deterioration.
This instruction provides the recommended proce-
dures for protecting General Electric Off–Highway Drive Proper storage of this equipment is vital to equip-
equipment from damage during both short–term and ment life. Bearings, gears and insulation may deterio-
long–term storage periods and for maintaining ade- rate unless adequate protective measures are taken to
quate protection while in storage. Also included are protect against the elements. For example, bearings
instructions for placing this equipment into service after and gears in the Motorized Wheel gear case are sus-
having been stored. ceptible to the formation of rust; insulation in rotating
electrical equipment can accumulate moisture; and
Precautions are taken at the factory to protect equip- bearings may become pitted.
ment during shipment. This instruction, therefore, is CAUTION: Do not, under any circumstances, ap-
only for use on Off–Highway equipment located outside ply any spray, coating or other protective materi-
of the immediate Erie General Electric factory area; that als to areas not specifically recommended in this
is, for use by the truck builder after its arrival at the truck publication.
builder’s property and for use by the user customer at It is also important to note that these instructions,
the customer’s property. while they are as complete as possible, cannot possibly
anticipate every type of storage condition and, there-
fore, cannot prevent all equipment deterioration prob-
lems caused by inadequate storage. However, it is rec-
Revisions are indicated by marginal bars. ommended that they be followed as a minimum to

ECopyright 1994 General Electric Company. All rights reserved. This copyrighted document may be reproduced free of charge by General
Electric Company customers (OEM’s) and their customers, if such reproduction is used exclusively in connection with equipment used in those
customers’ internal operations.

These instructions do not purport to cover all details or variations in equipment nor to provide for every possible contingency to be met in connection with installation, operation, or mainte-
nance. Should further information be desired or should particular problems arise which are not covered sufficiently for the user’s purposes, the matter should be referred to the General
Electric Company. Any applicable Federal, State or local regulations or company safety or operating rules must take precedence over any instructions given in this material. GE has no
obligation to keep the material up to date after the original publication.
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES OF ACCURACY, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Verify numbers for parts, tools, or material by using the Renewal Parts or Tool Catalogs, or contact your General Electric
representative for assistance.
Do not order from this publication.
GEK–61793B, STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
achieve the best possible equipment life and the lowest
operating cost when the equipment is returned to ser-
vice.
NOTE: Local conditions and/or experience may
dictate additional storage precautions.
PLACING OFF–HIGHWAY
EQUIPMENT INTO STORAGE
Perform the following instructions when preparing
General Electric Off–Highway equipment for storage.
There are three main equipment categories to consider:
1. When storing a truck that is operational.
2. When storing a truck that is not operational.
3. When storing major components (Motorized
Wheel, alternator, etc.)
These three major categories are the basis for deter-
mining required protective measures.
NOTE: In addition to these instructions, refer to
truck builder’s storage instructions.
WHEN STORING A TRUCK
THAT IS OPERATIONAL
When a fully operational truck is being placed into
storage for less than three months, the best protective
measure which can be taken is to drive the truck once a
week for at least 30 minutes. Prior to driving the truck,
the rotating equipment should be Meggered* and:
1. If greater than 2 megohms, run normally.
2. If less than 2 megohms, isolate condition and
correct before running.
Driving the truck circulates oil in the gear case to
keep gears and bearings lubricated and free from rust. It
also prevents deterioration of the brushes, commuta-
tors and slip rings.
If weekly operation of the truck is not practical for oth-
er reasons, proceed with the following storage instruc-
tions for long–term storage periods.
*Trademark of James G. Biddle Co.
**Product of Castrol Oil Co.
2
When a fully operational truck is being placed into
storage for three months or longer, and the truck cannot
be operated weekly throughout the storage period as in-
dicated above, perform the following instructions:
1. Drain the oil from the gear case and install rust
inhibitor TARP–B** (or equivalent). Fill per Ser-
vice Manual.
2. Megger the wheels as indicated in the instruc-
tions above. Operate the truck for at least 30
minutes to ensure that the rust inhibitor has been
thoroughly circulated throughout the gear case.
Stop the truck and drain the rust inhibitor.
NOTE: Do not run a LOADED truck with rust in-
hibitor in Motorized Wheel gear cases.
CAUTION: Do not operate trucks without oil in
the Motorized Wheel gear cases.
3. Perform a megohmmeter test. Refer to the
truck’s Vehicle Test Instructions for the correct
procedure. Record the Megger readings for fu-
ture reference. They will be helpful in determin-
ing if deterioration is being experienced when
additional Megger tests are made as part of the
periodic inspection.
4. Lift all brushes in the Motorized Wheels, blowers
and the alternator. They must be removed from
the brush holder. Disconnecting brush pigtails is
not required.
5. Cover any open duct with screening material to
prevent rodents from entering. Then tape over
the screen to prevent the entry of water and dirt
(allow breathing).
6. Examine all exposed machined surfaces for rust
or other dirt accumulation. Remove all dirt as
necessary. Remove rust by using a fine abrasive
paper. Old slushing compound can be removed
with mineral spirits (GE–D5B8). Methanol
should be used to remove all residue. When
clean, coat with TARP–B rust inhibitor.
7. Loosen exciter drive belts (where applicable).
8. Open all switches in the control compartment.
9. Install a 500–watt heat source inside all control
groups which house electronic control equip-
ment. These heat sources are to be energized

below 0_C (32_F) and de–energized above 5_C
(41_F).
10. Install a 500–watt heat source inside the com-
mutator chamber of both Motorized Wheels and
inside the alternator slip ring chamber. This will
minimize the accumulation of moisture. A hole in
the bottom of the hubcap will accommodate the
electrical cord for the heat source in the Motor-
ized Wheels. These heat sources are to be ener-
gized continuously.
11. Seal compartment doors with a weatherproof
tape to prevent entry of rain, snow and dirt (allow
breathing).
WHEN STORING A TRUCK
THAT IS NOT OPERATIONAL
When a truck which is not fully operational is being
stored for a period of any length, perform the following:
1. Drain the oil from the gear case and install rust
inhibitor TARP–B (or equivalent). Fill per service
manual.
2. Jack each side of the truck (one side at a time)
enough to rotate the tires.
3. Connect a dc welder as described in the Vehicle
Test Instructions.
4. Rotate each Motorized Wheel (one at a time) for
at least 30 minutes to ensure that the rust inhibi-
tor has been thoroughly circulated throughout
the gear case. Disconnect the welder. Remove
the jacks. Drain the gear case.
5. If the truck is partially dismantled, pay careful
attention to ducts, blower shrouds, etc., which
may be exposed to weather conditions as a con-
sequence. These areas will require the same
sealing measures as in Step 5 under WHEN
STORING A TRUCK THAT IS OPERATIONAL,
which deals with protecting ducts. Cover ex-
posed blower housings to prevent entry of water
and dirt.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS, GEK–61793B
6. Perform Steps 3 through 11 under WHEN
STORING A TRUCK THAT IS OPERATIONAL.
WHEN STORING A MAJOR
COMPONENT
When storing a Motorized Wheel, alternator, blower
or control group for a period of any length, always store it
inside a warm, climate–controlled environment. Do not
attempt to store individual components where they
would be exposed to inclement weather, climatic
changes, high humidity and/or temperature extremes.
PERIODIC INSPECTIONS
It is important that periodic inspections (every three
months) of stored equipment be performed to ensure
the continued serviceability of all protective measures
initially taken when the storage period began. Items
which should be checked at each inspection interval are
listed as follows:
1. Remove the weatherproof tape from the
compartment doors and perform a Megger test
as described in the Vehicle Test Instructions. Re-
cord the test results and compare them with the
recorded Megger readings taken when storage
first began, and those taken throughout the stor-
age period. Remove all test equipment and close
up the compartment. Reseal the compartment
doors with new weatherproof tape. If Megger
readings indicate a deterioration of insulation
quality, to below 2.0 megohms, then consider-
ation should be given to providing more protec-
tion.
2. Check all other weatherproofing tape. Replace
any that has become loose or is missing com-
pletely.
3. Check all heat sources. Replace or repair any
units which have become inoperative.
4. Check all machine surfaces which were coated
with slushing compound when storage began. If
compound appears to be deteriorating, it must
be cleaned off and renewed.
3
GEK–61793B, STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
PLACING OFF–HIGHWAY
EQUIPMENT INTO SERVICE
AFTER STORAGE
When taking Off–Highway equipment out of storage,
perform the following procedures:
WHEN A TRUCK IS
OPERATIONAL
If the truck has been operated weekly throughout the
storage period, perform a complete visual inspection of
the Motorized Wheels, blowers, alternator and control
compartments. Repair any defects found, then place
the truck directly into service.
WHEN A TRUCK IS NOT
OPERATIONAL
If the truck was not operated weekly throughout the
storage period, perform the following procedures:
1. Remove all weatherproofing tape from control
compartment doors and ducts.
2. Remove all screening material from ducts.
3. Remove all heat sources from Motorized
Wheels, control compartments and the alterna-
tor.
4. Fill with the recommended oil. Refer to the Mo-
torized Wheel Service Manual for the type and
amount oil to be used. This oil should be drained
and new oil should be added after 500 hours of
operation.
5. Clean all Motorized Wheel grease fittings in the
axle box. Ensure that all grease lines are com-
pletely full of grease. Then add the recom-
mended amount of grease to all fittings.
6. Reinstall brushes in the Motorized Wheels, blow-
ers and the alternator. Make sure that brushes
move freely in their carbonways and that they
have enough length to serve until the truck’s next
inspection period. Install new brushes if neces-
sary. Ensure that all brush pigtail screws are
tight.
7. Perform a megohmmeter test. Refer to the
truck’s Vehicle Test Instructions for the correct
4
procedure. If Megger readings are less than 2.0
megohms, the problem could be an accumula-
tion of moisture in motor or alternator. If this is the
case, the faulty component will have to be iso-
lated and dried out using procedures recom-
mended in the service manual.
8. Perform a thorough inspection of the Motorized
Wheels, alternator, blowers and control
compartments. Look for:
a. Rust or dirt accumulation on machine sur-
faces.
b. Damaged insulation.
c. An accumulation of moisture or debris.
d. Loose wiring and cables.
e. Any rust on electrical connectors in the con-
trol compartment.
f. Any loose cards in the card panels.
g. Any accumulation of moisture or debris in
ducts. Clean and make repairs as necessary.
9. Check retarding grids and insulators for loose
connections and dirt accumulation. Clean and
make corrections as necessary.
10. Where applicable, check exciter drive belts for
cracks and deterioration. If acceptable, set belt
tension to specification.
11. Before starting engine, turn on control power.
Check that contactors and relays pick up and
drop out normally.
12. Perform a start–up procedure on the complete
system to ensure maximum performance during
service. Refer to the truck’s Vehicle Test Instruc-
tions for the complete test procedure.
FOR THE FIRST HOUR
After all storage protection has been removed, the
truck has been cleaned and inspected and repairs made
as necessary, the Motorized Wheel gear case has been
filled with new oil, the dirt seals have been completely
purged with new grease and the system completely
checked, the truck can be placed into service. It is rec-
ommended, however, that the truck be driven unloaded
at a low speed (10 mph) for the first hour of operation.
 STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS, GEK–61793B

NOTES

5
GEK–61793B, STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

GE Transportation
Systems
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NEW 03–85, WLF Erie, Pennsylvania 16531
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