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Welcome

The Finest Supporting the Bravest!

The purpose of the Fire Mechanics Section is to promote standardization of fire apparatus and equipment preventative maintenance, improve safety standards and practices, promote workshops, conferences, and seminars related to the purposes of this Section, and to promote cost savings through standardization of building and equipment purchasing and maintenance.

RECENT FIRE MECHANIC NEWS

Posted: Apr 1, 2018

Quick Access to Hooks on Fire Apparatus

By Michael N. Ciampo

Did you ever pull up to a scene with an immediate need to “get to work” and have to run to the rear ladder compartment to retrieve a hook so you could start performing your tactic?

1Â On this engine, the department installed aftermarket brackets to both sides of the crew cab. (Photos 1-4 by Dane Policastro.)

1 On this engine, the department installed aftermarket brackets to both sides of the crew cab. (Photos 1-4 by Dane Policastro.)

Or, maybe you’ve pulled up on the engine with a few bags of rubbish burning right next to a parked car and you’re running to the rear of the rig to grab a hook so you can run back and pull the bags away from the auto while another firefighter is stretching the trash line. With some of the newer engines that boast large water tanks or high side compartments, we might even have to climb the “jungle gym” back step to reach the hooks mounted up out of arm’s reach. Many firefighters have run into these scenarios and realized they’ve lost precious seconds circling or climbing up on the rig trying to retrieve a hook.

2Â The hook’s placement does not interfere with removal of crosslay hose stretches.

2 The hook’s placement does not interfere with removal of crosslay hose stretches.

When it comes to making an apparatus firefighter-friendly, many firefighters polled answered that they’d like quick and unimpeded access to primary hooks and, in some cases, other hand tools such as the irons (ax and halligan tool) when disembarking the cab. Many times, the irons will be either secured in holding brackets in the crew cab or on the floor, but many apparatus without raised roofs can’t accommodate a six-foot hook mounted vertically in it. For busy urban areas, firefighters get off the rig on each run with a clear mindset of what their primary tool assignment is. Many times, they might be able to step out of the crew cab with a hand tool but must get a hook off the outside of the rig. Having the hooks mounted in close proximity to the crew cab helps firefighters get their tools and get to work quicker. Since many cities have chosen to outfit apparatus in this manner, we’re starting to see a spill-over to other fire departments following in this direction. For the most part, we often are using some of the “dead space” on the apparatus to mount these hooks.

3Â This aftermarket bracket was made with aluminum diamond plate to match the apparatus.

3 This aftermarket bracket was made with aluminum diamond plate to match the apparatus.

Vertical Mounting

Probably one of the best

350
0
Article rating: No rating

Posted: Apr 1, 2018

Quick Access to Hooks on Fire Apparatus

By Michael N. Ciampo

Did you ever pull up to a scene with an immediate need to “get to work” and have to run to the rear ladder compartment to retrieve a hook so you could start performing your tactic?

1 On this engine, the department installed aftermarket brackets to both sides of the crew cab. (Photos 1-4 by Dane Policastro.)

2 The hook’s placement does not interfere with removal of crosslay hose stretches.

3 This aftermarket bracket was made with aluminum diamond plate to match the apparatus.

Vertical Mounting

Probably one of the best

365
0
Article rating: No rating

Posted: Apr 1, 2018

Common Fire Apparatus Engine Maintenance Mistakes

fama forum Chris Crowel

Experience is a good teacher until technology changes. With recent advances in chemistry and engine technology, things can get pretty confusing.

There are also some common misconceptions that can lead to expensive repairs. You invested in the latest technology for your apparatus—it might be time to review the more common engine maintenance oversights. Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) member companies want your apparatus and equipment to be functioning properly at all times and hope you will find this article helpful.

Air Filters

An air filter failure is the most expensive mistake that can easily be avoided. Most chassis are equipped with an air restriction indicator that gives a general idea of filter life. However, you can’t go by the restriction indicator alone—there is also a time factor. Some manufacturers specify changing the air filter element at each oil change while others have an annual filter change requirement.

There are three key considerations when changing the air filter. Blowing out air filters with compressed air can tear the paper element, resulting in a leak path that allows dirt to directly enter the engine. When changing the air filter, ensure that air system clamps are straight and tight to prevent loosening during operation. When inserting the element into the canister, make sure that it is seated squarely against the filter housing before tightening.

Cooling System Fill

Liquid cools better than air. Newer technologies such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers that cool 1,200-degree exhaust gas with 200-degree engine coolant have a challenging job. Public enemy number one for EGR coolers is air in the cooling system. With many remote components, like heater cores, it can be a challenge to get all the air out of the system.

To get a complete cooling system fill, vacuum coolant fill systems are the best approach. If a vacuum system is not available, make sure to fill the system at a rate of no more than three gallons per minute with premixed heavy-duty engine coolant. Manufacturers may also have specific instructions to open particular vents when filling to ensure a complete fill.

Cooling System Maintenance

Today there are many chemical compositions of coolants that may require different maintenance programs. Know what coolant was used when your apparatus was built and top off the fluid with the same chemistry. Most manufacturers include a label near the fill location to identify the correct coolant. Contamination with greater than 25 percent of the system volume can require draining the system.

Different coolant chemistries also have different suggested testing requirements that range from testing at each oil change to testing over a given number of years. These may vary from using a test strip at each oil change to sending in a coolant sample for testing after two to three years. Complete coolant replacement can vary from two to eight years depending on the initial coolant used.

Failure to maintain the cooling system can lead to water pump seal leaks and much more expensive repairs such a