RCC DEICER  

 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE 

 

                                                                   DGMO‐OPMS 

JANUARY 2017                                                                    Technical Skills & Maintenance Training 

                                                                                               Alexandria TSSM Facility                                

 

                                                                                       

 

 Use the operator’s manual for a full description and operation of the flatcar and its components.  

Note: Safety precautions must be followed when operating the RCC Deicer / Flatcar.  

OPERATION PRE‐CHECK  (TO BE PERFORMED EACH SHIFT) 

1. Make sure there is a full tank of deicer fluid using a measuring stick. If one is not available, visually inspect inside and compare to sight glass on side of deicer tank. Fig.2

2. Check onboard generator and engine pump for proper fuel and oil levels. (Advisable to have 2 additional fuel cans filled)

3. Pull up on compression release handle on Hatz engines. Fig.9 4. Make sure pump clutch engagement handle is disengaged. Fig.10 5. Check for spare deicer shoes. Make sure you have 2 left and 2

right. (Inside of cab) Fig.8 6. Examine flatcar using the Prior To Use Inspection Form. Fig.14 7. If there are any discrepancies use the Equipment Deficiency

Report Form. Fig.15

Fig.1 Fig.2

Diesel Fuel Tank Deicer Fluid Level Sight Glass

RCC DEICER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 

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Fig. 3 Fig.4

Removing Deicer Shoe With Wrench Collar Slides Back To Release

Deicer Shoe Quick Disconnect Fitting

OPERATIONS CHECK

1. From inside of cab, start deicer pump engine by turning key clockwise until engine starts. Fig.5

2. Oil pressure should come up and alternator light should go out once engine starts and runs.

3. From inside cab, start generator engine by turning key clockwise until engine starts.

4. Oil pressure should come up and alternator light should go out once engine starts and runs.

5. Both engines need to run at full throttle when in operation. 6. Actuate pump clutch engagement handle, pressure gauge

on front of deicer tank should read approximately 40 psi. (Disengage handle when shutting down). Fig.10

7. Activate the operators control panel by pulling out the Control Power switch. Fig.5

8. Check that interior and exterior lights are functional. Check position of switch for white or red lights in direction of travel. Fig.7

9. Check windshield wipers. 10. Check electric heater function and horn.

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           OPERATOR CONTROL PANEL  

 

        Activates Control            Deicer Fluid Low             Deicer Shoe On  

                Panel                           Shutdown Alarm          Third Rail Indicators 

 

 

 

 

Depiction of   

Deicer Car Body 

 

Deicer Shoe Locations 

Are As They Appear 

On Diagram Above 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                      Fig.5 

         Overrides Low                                  Ignition Switches for Pump and Generator Engines 

Deicer Fluid Level Sensor                Note: Reset Compression Release After Engine Shutdown 

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AUTOMATIC MODE (Normal Service)

The Fluid Monitoring panel should have the Control Power Switch pulled out. (System is on). Turn all of the 4 panel switches to the Auto Position. (Green lights should not be on at this time). When the deicer shoe rides up on the third rail the green light will illuminate and start application of deicer fluid. Monitor light pattern for both lights coming on when contacting third rail. (If only one light comes on, possible damaged shoe or proximity switch). Fig.5

MANUAL MODE (For Spot Deicing or Inoperative Auto Mode)

Manual mode can be selected by turning the 4 panel switches clockwise. At this time the green light will be lit and deicer fluid should start spraying. As long as the switch is in the manual position it will continue to operate. It does not need to contact third rail for dispensing fluid.

BYPASS MODE (NO POWER)

If power has been lost or a malfunction has occurred disabling the deicer system, the third or last mode can be used. On the panel to the right of the operators seat is a series of ball valves. These can be used to apply deicing fluid to the third rail. This method bypasses all electrical switches and solenoids and manually directs flow to a particular area. (As long as the pump is running and the valve is opened, it will flow regardless of switch position). Fig. 6

OVERRIDE SWITCH

The Pump Shut-Down alarm will sound and light will come on when the deicing tank is low on fluid. Check deicer fluid level by sticking tank. A Pump Override Switch is located on the lower engine control panel. It is normally in the down position. Turning it up will bypass the safety system and resume pump operation. Note: Consult a mechanic before this is done to confirm problem. (Running pump with no deicer fluid will destroy it). Fig.5

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BYPASS PANEL (BALL VALVES)  

                                                                         Fig.6 

 Use Panel When There Is a Malfunction or No Power, but Pump Still Runs 

                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                             

                                                                                     Fig.7                        

                                                             Switch for Directional lights 

2 

 1 

4

3 

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Extra Fuel and Deicer Shoes   

 

     

 

                        Fig.8 

                                                    GENERATOR                                                     

 

Compression Release     

Valve 

Pull Up To Reset 

 

 

Must Be In Up Position 

When Starting Engine 

Cold         

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                 Fig. 9 

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                                                           PUMP 

                                                                   Fig. 10                                                             

                                 Clutch Engagement Handle            Release                                     Engage 

                                                                                                                                        

 

 

 

Pressure Gauge 

 

                                                                          Fig.11 

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HELPFUL INFORMATION AND TROUBLESHOOTING

1. Prime Mover Operators traveling in snow conditions should put the A-9 valve into the minimum reduction or first detent position which is 85 psi. Service brakes should be set from 10 to 20 psi so that the shoes are contacting the wheels. This is to generate heat and keep snow and ice from accumulating between the brake shoe and wheel.

2. Plows should be angled away from third rail whenever possible.

3. If a low deicer fluid level alarm and light come on, it will shut down the controls for the deicer system. (Monitor deicer fluid level throughout shift and refill when needed). Do not rely on sight glass alone, verify with measuring stick or look into the deicer tank.

4. Continuously check deicer shoes to make certain both sides of car are intact and have a uniform spray pattern. Fig.12

5. Decreased flow from all deicer shoes or a different sound pitch from the pump may indicate a clogged inlet strainer.

6. Spray patterns can be adjusted by flow control valves. (Ask a mechanic for help).

7. If slowly pushing heavy deep snow, and engine suddenly shuts down and will not restart, look at E-stops at front of machine. Snow may have pushed them in.

8. Operators should monitor the green indicator lights. As the deicer moves and makes contact with third rail, both lights on each side should go on and off periodically. Fig.5

9. Operators should always keep a flashlight within reach. Frequent checking of deicer shoe damage, spray patterns and replacement of shoes are the responsibilities of the operator.

10. Deicer shoes can be changed with a 3/8” socket wrench. Fig.3

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11. Shoes are either right handed or left handed. When changing Deicer shoes, orient the spray nozzles so that they are facing each other.

12. Verify operation of the deicer shoes by having ice scraper switches in Auto and lifting up on the shoe. Green light must come on and deicing fluid should dispense from nozzle. (Do not perform this procedure next to third rail)

 

 

 

 

                                           

                                                                            

                                                                        Fig.12 

                                                          Typical Spray Pattern 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                          

                                                                            Fig.13  

                            Deicer Shoe Wrench for Removing and Replacing Shoes  

                                               Storeroom Part # 23‐81=0277 

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              Fig.14 

 

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             Fig.15 

 

 

 

 

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